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Hawke’s Bay A&P Society general manager Sally Jackson (right) with one of three stand winners, Rockit, at the field days
Celebrating in the Hawke's Bay sun: National Field Days go off The twelfth annual National Horticultural Field Days in Hastings on 2 and 3 June were a celebration of horticulture on the Heretaunga Plains. By Rose Mannering Hosted by the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society at the Showgrounds in Hastings, the field days bounced back stronger than ever after being cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions last year. A&P Society general manager Sally Jackson says this seems to have fuelled demand for more trade space to grow the event, which started in 2008 as a Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers Association horticultural trade expo known as ICE (Innovation, Celebration and Education). Sally says organisers were nervous leading into this year’s event after the pattern of field days had been broken, and the threat of lockdowns remains. However, strong groundwork had been laid to host an event with wide appeal for the horticultural industry, educators, and industry participants. “This year was bigger and better than ever before; we have had more than 5,000 visitors through the gate,” she says.
Sally had strong feedback from exhibitors on sales and enquiries for their product, and once again a strong focus on education and schools saw a high level of participation. In 2019 the event expanded to a two-day affair, and this format was maintained this year. A new record of 75 trade exhibits participated in the field days on 2 and 3 June. For mowing firm Trimax from Tauranga, the two-day exodus was worth the effort. “It was our first time at the show here, genuine enquiry for product has meant we have sold a few machines here,” he says. For veteran exhibitors Croplands, strong industry enquiry had made for a successful show for them. However Lower North Island manager Vic Barlow says the opportunity to talk to grower clients had made him worried. “Concerns for labour, access to RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) The ORCHARDIST : JULY 2021 41
