'Good bugger' calls it a day
Much of the rural industry is made up of an army of characters who tend to be “good buggers” or rogues, while a small number might fall into the “you need to count your fingers after a handshake” category.
An opening ceremony will be run at 11am on the first day, outside the headquarters building, where Work-Safe ambassador and former All Black Richard Loe will declare the event open.
There are many changes from last year’s event, and many new food outlets in the three food courts; nobody need go hungry. Besides good coffee for the early risers and hot dogs or hot chips for the youngsters, look out for Fijian curries, slow roasted pulled pork, raw fish Mediterranean wraps and even a traditional hangi.
This year the sheepdog trials will be in a more central spot so people can get close to the action. For those interested in clever equines, the Stronghold Cutting Horses will be found in the same area.
The children’s area offers blow-up bouncy castles and lots of rides. Meanwhile, an active market area will be the place for bargains and the tented lifestyle pavilions will have 70 exhibitors offering home, leisure and health products.
For nostalgia, the Clydesdale horses, complete with wagon, are a great way of taking a tour while resting your feet.
If you like noise, or suffer from ‘heavy metal disease’, visit the demonstration area to see BRP-Can Am, Polaris and many others putting their products through their paces.
Northland Field Days president Lew Duggan says that despite a difficult year the fieldays, as a charitable trust, has managed to continue supporting Northland farming, giving to students for their
tertiary education in 2018, and organisations and clubs.
“This field days are a perfect opportunity for town and country to unite,” Duggan says.
