Earlier start for next Field Days

Northland’s largest outdoor event will be held two weeks earlier next year to fit in better with exhibitors and major Northland sporting events.

The 2013 event will be held in Dargaville from Thursday February 21 to Saturday February 23, two weeks earlier than the 2012 event.

The change was scheduled so that exhibitors could travel between the Northland Field Days, Central Districts Field Days and South Island Agricultural Field Days without having to worry about schedule conflicts, says Northland Field Days president Lew Duggan.

“Previously agricultural machinery manufacturers and rural service providers had to pick and choose which event they went to," says Duggan. “It becomes difficult for any company to get from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island to three world class events in under a month."

There are now two weeks between each of the events which Duggan says gives exhibitors plenty of time to pack down sites from one event then send it away and set up for the next event.

"It also works alongside the Nintey Mile Beach fishing competition in March giving locals some time to get some fishing in."

Duggan also hopes the weather gods will appreciate the earlier date. 

"The very first Northland Field Days was held during Cyclone Bola and we have had our fair share of wild weather since. I'm  confident that the weather will be kind between February 21 and 23 in 2013."

Northland Field Days event coordinator Meagan Edmonds says there has already been a lot of interest from exhibitors with the new dates.

"Many exhibitors have already registered for next year," says Edmonds. "There are quite a few new people as well."

For a map of the site, to book your ticket or to learn more about the Northland Field Days go to 

www.northlandfielddays.co.nz