Fieldays calls for entries to 2026 Innovation Awards
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
This year, two Australian and six Kiwi bachelors will battle to win the Golden Gumboot.
The finalists are Brandon Sayliss (Taupo), Gus Thomas (Rakaia), Kaleb Foote (Tuakau), Oscar Smits (Reporoa), Paul Olsen (Manawatu), Peter Damen (Kindred, Australia), Jamie Havill (Ahaura) and Rob Ewing (Cape Paterson, Australia).
During a whirlwind week they will leave their comfort zone and challenge themselves, says Lee Picken, Fieldays head of events.
"We have a lot of talent in the young agri sector in New Zealand and Australia and this is an opportunity to showcase the future of the industry. These guys are passionate self-starters looking to upskill and progress their careers in an industry they're extremely proud of."
The competition starts with a road trip on June 13-14 from Auckland to Fieldays, completing challenges by NZ Young Farmers and Rural Women NZ and spending the night on a farm with a difference at Lavalla Estate in rural Tuakau.
Arriving at Fieldays, the Bachelors will have their skills, attitude and all-round charisma tested in competitive challenges such as speed fencing, blind dating, log splitting and building. A few fun twists will test the character of these rural men.
From Wednesday to Friday there will be four challenges a day, and a winner announced at the official prize giving on the Village Green on Saturday at 12pm.
Two titles are in contest: Rural Bachelor of the Year and People's Choice, and a prize pool of $20,000.
