More than 29,000 people entered through the gates on the first day of the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, an increase of ten percent from day one of Fieldays 2019.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation says yesterday was a great morale booster for the New Zealand primary sector.

'You can feel the energy this year. It's an exciting time for New Zealand and for the primary sector and the events industry, and we're really looking forward to the next three days.

'Our exhibitors have really invested in this year's event, the sites this year are spectacular.

'In conversations I've had with exhibitors, they've said they have had strong sales and foot traffic through their sites and are enjoying having that face-to-face contact again with their customers, so that's excellent news,” says Peter.

'Visitors are in for a treat this Fieldays.”

The KPMG Leaders' Breakfast kicked off first thing in the morning, where KPMG launched the annual Agribusiness Agenda, revealing the latest insights into the agribusiness sector.

TVNZ's Breakfast show was broadcasted for the second time ever away from TVNZ's Auckland studio – the first being at the America's Cup in March this year.

John Campbell, Indira Stewart, Jenny-May Clarkson, and Matty McLean headed to Mystery Creek and broadcasted live from the Fieldays TV glass studio.

New Zealand television icon, John Campbell says Fieldays is an institution, it is beloved, but it's also about commerce.

Matty McLean got a crash course on how to tie a fencing contractor's knot, giving a sneak peek of the high-level of skill visitors can expect to see at the Fieldays Fencing Competitions.

John Campbell chatted to the amazing volunteers including Jenni Vernon, a NZNFS board member who cooks for all the Fieldays staff and volunteers, ensuring they're fueled up to deliver an amazing event.

Jenny-May chatted to Mark Eager, CEO of Mobile Health, who hosts Fieldays Health and Wellbeing Hub, which provides an interactive health and wellness platform that farmers and growers can resonate with.

The team flipped the switch on Fieldays TV, which launched live at 10.30am. Day one of Fieldays TV included Nici Wickes cooking a delicious chicken liver pâté on Fieldays Kitchen and the Health and Wellbeing segment included discussions about melanoma and maternity care in rural communities.

Fieldays Future Focus, brought to you by Farmlands, tackled hot rural sector topics such as challenges with food equity and diversifying land use.

The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern joined Te Radar on the Fieldays couch to talk about all things agriculture.

'This could well be the most significant show of its kind globally this year,” Jacinda says.

The Fieldays TV interview included topics such as work force issues exacerbated by Covid-19, the Government's work to date in the primary sector, and working with farmers and growers to face climate action.

Commenting on the vital role of the primary sector in the past year, Jacinda says our food producers have played such a critical role for actually helping get New Zealand through.

'When the team of 5 million were predominantly staying at home, it was [our food producers] that were still trying to find ways to operate and get their products to market.

'We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern also attended the Stakeholders Luncheon alongside ministers Hon Stuart Nash, Hon Meka Whaitiri, and Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall.

Yesterday evening, New Zealand National Fieldays Society President, James Allen announced the Fieldays 2021 Site Awards, which are judged on visual display, customer engagement, compliance, and an outstanding feature of their exhibition.

The Commitment to Sustainability Award, presented to Trevelyan's Pack and Cool Ltd, was judged on sustainability messaging to the public, waste and energy management during the event, and inclusion of sustainable promotional material at their exhibition.

James says the standards of exhibitor sites at Fieldays are lifting higher each year. The quality of the sites this year is exceptional; exhibitors have really gone the extra mile.

'It really highlights how excited exhibitors are to be back on site at Fieldays this year,” he says.

Fieldays 2021 Site Award winners

Best Outdoor Site less than 200m²: Flexi Tanks NZ Ltd

Best Outdoor Site 200m² – 400m²: Safari Tents NZ Ltd

Best Outdoor Site over 400m²: Te Pari Products Ltd

Best Indoor Site: Ministry for Primary Industries, Manatu Ahu Matua (MPI)

Fieldays Supreme Site: Te Pari Products Ltd

Commitment to Sustainability Award: Trevelyan's Pack and Cool Ltd

For more information head to www.fieldays.co.nz.