Fieldays crowds top 132,000 as event returns to pre-Covid highs

Sunday, 14 June 2026

Fieldays organisers have hailed the 2026 event as one of the best ever, with record gate numbers.

More than 132,000 visitors came through the gates over four days of the 58th Fieldays, with Wednesday gate numbers recorded as the largest opening day attendance in the event’s recent history.

The strong turnout reflects the positive atmosphere on the ground and exhibitors have reported booming sales - Gallagher Pacific general manager Darrell Jones told the Waikato Times business was booming, with sales on the first day of the event up 40% compared to last year.

“It feels like things are coming right,” he said, adding it felt like Fieldays from before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Darrell Jones, Gallagher Pacific general manager, said this year’s event had a pre-Covid feel to it.

Consumables and clothing were also flying off the shelves. When the Waikato Times visited the Stoney Creek site, it was already humming with punters looking for deals on everything from waterproof gear to woolen jumpers.

Chief executive Brent McConnell was anticipating even more shoppers to flow through the doors as the day went on, with everyone from “prisoners to politicians” coming in to shop.

This year’s event also marks the first time in five years that gate numbers have surpassed 130,000, with this year approaching record-breaking attendance.

Attendance was up 20% on last year, and exhibitor sites were sold out ahead of the event.

New Zealand National Fieldays society Chief Executive Richard Lindroos said in a statement the event continues to be where the primary industries come together to do business, share ideas and build connections.

“Fieldays isn’t just an event, as this year has proved, it is a national strategic asset that brings together the best of our primary industries in one place. Fieldays has proven it is a mega event.

“This year’s strong attendance and exhibitor demand highlight the confidence in the sector and the vital role Fieldays plays in enabling growth.”

Across the event, visitors engaged with cutting-edge agri-tech, hundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations and practical tools to support on-farm productivity, while also taking the opportunity to reconnect face-to-face with industry peers.

Lindroos said he has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, driven by a buoyant rural sector, four days of good weather, and the significant effort behind the scenes from a passionate and dedicated team.

He said the Society wanted to thank its volunteers, staff, exhibitors, partners and sponsors and visitors who contributed to the positive event atmosphere.

Organisers said the event will go down as one of the best on record.

“Beyond the numbers, success isn’t just reflected in attendance figures, it’s seen in the energy on site, the conversations happening, and the genuine connections being made,” Lindroos said.

The full economic impact will take time to emerge, as the benefits extend well beyond the four days of the event.

Fieldays 2027 is scheduled for June 16–19.