Youth take centre stage at East Coast Farming Expo 2026
There's a special sort of energy at the East Coast Farming Expo, especially when it comes to youth.
Event manager Sue Wilson says the Wairoa-hosted two-day event has robust plans in place to manage the event under the red traffic light restrictions, and it goes ahead with the support of the Wairoa Pandemic Planning Group and Wairoa Emergency Operations Centre.
“We have received amazing feedback and messages of support, which encouraged the Wairoa Community Development Trust to press on, with the committee unanimously agreeing to continue with the event,” says Wilson.
Omicron has meant a few tweaks to the programme with the South Island-based seminar speakers Zooming in rather than attending in person. Lincoln University adjunct professor Dr Jacqueline Rowarth kicks things off at the Wairoa A&P Showgrounds on Wednesday (February 23), speaking (in person) about whether the pastoral farmers is an endangered species. She’ll be followed by a panel discussion about the opportunities for the next generation of farmers.
Gisborne farmer and dog trialist Allen Irwin along with Central Hawke’s Bay’s Guy Peacock will be demonstrating techniques for training working dogs, complemented by a presentation from Eastland Vet Service’s Adele English who will talk about working dog health and nutrition.
“One of the speakers I am really excited to hear from is the inspiring Shaz Dagg who was the first female amputee to complete the Coast to Coast multi-sport event, and who has an outlook on life we can all learn from.”
There is a full contingent of trade exhibits including everything from manufacturers, inventors and retailers. “One of the biggest drawcards of the Expo is that it’s a chance for people to talk one-on-one with those who have invented or are producing goods – this is where the serious conversations can be had.”
The event is an opportunity for beef and sheep farmers to get off the farm and connect with agribusiness.
The Evening Muster has been postponed until later in the year. “It was just too difficult to manage this special networking event while in the red light settings and we felt it would be better to have it as a stand-alone event when things settle down a bit,” says Wilson. New dates will be advised in due course.
All those attending the Expo need to show a vaccine pass. The event has been divided into two defined spaces – the seminar marquee and trade exhibit area.
“We are looking forward to this,” says Wilson. “It is all about quality over quantity. We strive to get the very best across everything. These are people and products that we think will help our farmers on the East Coast.”
For more information on the Expo, head to www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz.
Where and When
What: East Coast Farming Expo
When: February 23-24, 2022
Where: Wairoa A&P Showgrounds
