Change of guard at Fieldays

Vernon says she feels privileged to take up the role of president for the society, the first female in the organisation's 55-year history.

"This organisation has a proud history of delivering world class events, including Fieldays. In the past 55 years many before me have worked hard to create what we now see before us.

"Given a large part of my career has been involved in agriculture it seems natural for me to continue to contribute to the society, supporting the growth in agriculture though our purpose of advancing the primary sector through innovation, education and globalisation."

Vernon takes over the reins from outgoing president James Allen, who following the constitutional rules of the society has completed his third and final year as president.

Vernon acknowledged the contribution that Allen made to both the society and the wider agricultural sector.

"As a volunteer board member, James provided leadership during the incredibly uncertain times of Covid-19 and his tenure was met with a mixture of extreme challenges, but he navigated these while also running his own business. James can also celebrate many highlights and areas of growth in his time on the board and as chair of the board."

Vernon is looking forward to working with the new board and with Peter Nation, the chief executive, and his management team to continue to deliver on a strong strategic direction and plan for growth. "We have a great team of staff, volunteers and members who are devoted to the cause and outcomes that our organisation contributes to the NZ economy.

"With just over 80 days to us delivering Fieldays 2023, some new events coming to Mystery Creek and some exciting plans for the future, we have plenty of work to do."

Vernon has held the position of vice president for the past three years, while having been on the board for the past 10 years.

The role of president/chair governs the society which owns and operates Mystery Creek Event Centre and is also the owner of Fieldays.

Vernon farms a drystock unit in partnership with her husband Gordon and son Simon, at Te Akatea, in northwest Waikato. Initially training as a teacher, she has spent more than four decades in farming and governance.

She was also the first female Nuffield Scholar and the first woman chair of Environment Waikato. Vernon also sits on the NZ Geographic Board, is a Justice of the Peace and an accredited Resource Management Act Hearings Commissioner. She has previously held governance positions with the Waikato River Authority, the University of Waikato, and the Waikato Regional Council.

New Board

The New New Zealand National Fieldays Board:

• President: Jenni Vernon
• Vice President: Tim Hale
• Immediate Past: James Allen
• Lynette Pearks
• Graeme Austin
• Margaret Cameron (Events Chair)
• Clint Gulliver
• Jo Finer
• Mike Chapman
• Barry Quayle