Podcasts about mystery creek

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Jay Changlani from one of the country’s largest independent accounting firms, Orb360, about how can NZ can go about securing an elusive FTA with India, whether it's likely in the current parliamentary term and how Australia managed to get its FTA across the line... He talks with award-winning Waikato dairy farmer Ben Purua, who's just been named a finalist for the 2025 Young New Zealander of the Year... He talks with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about the government's plan for a Farming Tax by 2030 and why he thinks it's fundamentally flawed... And he talks with Meatstock Festival Director Jay Beaumont about the February event at Mystery Creek. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Meatstock Festival Director Jay Beaumont about the upcoming event at Mystery Creek in February

The PM reflects on the kick off of yesterday's "Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour" with the Feds at Mystery Creek, with the Ashburton and Gore meetings still to come. Also on the agenda are  Seymour, Winston, and what Trump potentially means for the NZ economy?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this morning we caught up with the President of Federated Farmers ahead of today's midday farmers meeting at Mystery Creek with the PM - the first stop on the "restoring Kiwi farmers confidence" tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's former executive producer was in Mystery Creek last night at a function to farewell Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation after nearly 30 years of involvement with the iconic event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie is also on the ground at Mystery Creek and he chats to Bryan about some of the highlights from the first two days, including the launch of the Science for Farmers hub and the visiting Brazilian delegation.

Bryan reports from National Fieldays where there has been a flurry of government announcements including Minister for Regulation David Seymour telling farmers he's going to cut the red tape that's holding them back from doing what they do best. Food and fibre export revenue is tipped to reach $54.6 billion this year and hit a record $66.6bn in 2028, according to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report.He caught up with MPI director-general Ray Smith about how agricultural exports have performed over the past year. The Government also announced an inquiry into rural banking, something Federated Farmers has been calling for, and dairy chair Richard McIntyre says the aim now is to make sure terms of reference are set in a way that addresses the issues that really concern them.And, senior reporter Richard Rennie is also on the ground at Mystery Creek. He shares some of the highlights from the first two days, including the launch of the Science for Farmers hub and the visiting Brazilian delegation.

On today's podcast, Dom once again presents interviews from Fieldays 2024 at Mystery Creek; he talks with NZ Olympian Sam Dakin on the eve of the Paris Games about making the track cycling sprint team, the history of the keirin event and his business endeavors... He talks with DairyNZ CE Campbell Parker about the state of the dairy industry and its strategic direction... He talks wiith Mike Casey from Forest Lodge Orchard about operating the first zero-fossil fuel orchard in the world... And he catches up with REX social media guru Libby Mckinnel about her first Fieldays experience. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fieldays is in full flow at Mystery Creek in Hamilton and there's a bit for farmers to celebrate this week. Or at least sigh with relief over.    On Tuesday, the Government announced agriculture would not be included in the Emissions Trading Scheme, and the climate change initiative He Waka Eke Noa would be disestablished and replaced with a new initiative, the Pastoral Sector Group.    And yesterday the Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced an inquiry into banking competition with a focus on rural banking.    There are three terms of reference for the inquiry which will be undertaken by the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees and they are to examine:   1. The state of competition in the banking sector, including business and rural lending   2. Barriers preventing further competition in the sector, and    3. Any possible impact of the regulatory environment on competition and efficient access to lending.   Nicola Willis believes this will benefit us all and assured us on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this will bring about change.  “Change needs to happen, and change will happen in the banking sector in New Zealand so that New Zealanders are better served. And I know that the banks are powerful but democracy is more powerful, and this inquiry is going to get to the bottom of these issues.”  But back to the farmers.    Also on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning was ACT MP and former President of Federated Farmers Andrew Hoggard, who explained why farmers are dissatisfied with banks at the moment.  “There is definitely a mood of dissatisfaction amongst farmers around how the banks are working with them, and I guess the margins in particular have really... The additional margins over house lending has really hit a lot of farmers, particularly with where interest rates are at the moment. So from a lot of people, the main concern they're telling us is, you know, interest rates are the key thing that's creating the hurt right now.”  So we've got this massive increase in the cost of interest charges. Last year an on-farm inflation survey by Beef + Lamb New Zealand found interest costs for sheep and beef farmers increased 86.5% in the year to March. According to the survey, this has been driven by floating interest rates which doubled over that time while fixed, and overdraft interest rates increased by about 50%.   I think we can all understand how stressful and challenging that would be and the flow on effects to towns and communities that rely on the primary sector to keep them afloat.    There's also been a change in behaviour from banks. It's become harder for farmers to access lending as banks are reportedly more risk adverse and restricted under new regulatory rules from the Reserve Bank, and these are issues that hopefully the inquiry will define and present solutions to.    One of the other issues is around customer service. There is no doubt that being able to have a conversation with a bank representative who understands your business is a must. Having that one-on-one relationship with one person who understands your needs, your community, and where you're going is vital. But I would argue, you don't need a branch to have that relationship.   It might just be a representative in your area, it might be a relationship over Zoom —companies like One New Zealand are working hard to make sure we have 100% coverage around the country— so maybe farmers, like the rest of us, have to move with the times and understand that relationship with your banker might look a bit different.    So, if you are a farmer, how important is this inquiry and the issues you're facing regarding banking? Is it an issue across the board? What impact is banking having on your confidence?    I am crossing my fingers we will see some action out of this inquiry —call me an optimist or naïve— but I think we'd all like to see more competition in banking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast, Dom is live at Fieldays 2024 at Mystery Creek; he talks with Power Farming CEO Tom Ruddenklau about tractor sales, the relevance of Fieldays and the geography of NZ… He talks with Stoney Creek CEO Brent McConnell about its new 100% NZ wool range of apparel, the history of the business and its place within rural New Zealand… He talks with New Zealand's first Olympic BMX medallist Sarah Walker about her career, her role with the current crop of Olympians and her ambassador role with Beef+Lamb NZ… And he talks with ACT MP Andrew Hoggard about the disestablishment of He Waka Eke Noa, the new advisory panel on methane targets and the technology and innovation in the works to mitigate it.  Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast, Dom is once again at Fieldays at Mystery Creek; he talks with Fencing commentator Craig Wiggins about this year's competition and the Fieldays ‘vibe' for 2024… He talks with Hayden Dillon from Findex about the inquiry into rural banking, the state of the economy and his latest podcast recommendation… He catches up with the former Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor… And he talks with the Chief Technology Officer for One NZ Tony Baird about the state of rural connectivity.  Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crowds donning gumboots, swandries and even some camo gear are heading to Mystery Creek Wednesday morning for the iconic Fieldays event in Waikato. Rural journalist Monique Steele spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

It's a fine start for the first day of Fieldays 2024 at Hamilton's Mystery Creek.  The agricultural event is the biggest in Australasia and more than 100,000 people are expected over the four days.   MetService is predicting fine weather for the event for the next two days, with possible showers on Friday and Saturday.  Fieldays CEO Peter Nation told Mike Hosking that this is one of the biggest international contingents he's seen.  He said that the exhibitors have really fronted up again this year, as they're only 1% empty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big week for the rural community, as crowds flock to Waikato for Fieldays 2024. From June 12 to 15, people will gather at Mystery Creek for the 56th running of the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. The Country host is predicting a 'subdued' mood from attendees ahead of this year's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show today: How can we avoid getting absolutely trounced when we fill up our car, and what Kiwi company Waitomo are doing to stop the chokehold that big offshore fuel companies are having on us? Waitomo CEO Simon Parham joins us. The light at the end of a tragic tunnel for the construction industry's battle with mental health - Site manager Alan Farragher has helped create a hi-viz kit that will raise money for mental health charities and start the conversation on the worksite. Fieldays and are have the farmers received the world's biggest get out of jail free card from the coalition government? Dominic George from Rural Exchange dials in from Mystery Creek. Enjoy folks - We are live again tomorrow from 7.30am on YouTube, Twitch, and Tik Tok. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Fieldays counts the sleeps until Mystery Creek comes alive. And there's 68 of them!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest BBQ festival in Australasia, Meatstock, is back at Mystery Creek, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, this weekend after a three year hiatus. 

Last week, political parties polling above five percent squared off at Hamilton's Mystery Creek Events Centre. Labour's Damien O'Connor, National's Todd McClay and others faced off in the Rural Issues debate, hosted by ZB's Heather du Plessis-Allan. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the highs and lows of the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent pondered the winners and losers from the rural (Mystery Creek) and finance (Queenstown) debates last night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We find our well-travelled producer in Auckland on the "morning after" last night's Ag Leaders Debate at Mystery Creek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask the NZ First leader why he's not at Mystery Creek tonight for the Rural Issues Debate supporting the rural sector. Plus, is he a shameless, race-baiting, political opportunist? Or does he reflect what a good portion of Kiwis are quietly thinking? And could he be left desperate and dateless on the cross benches?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with the moderator ahead of tonight's Ag leaders' Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek brought to you by Federated Farmers, B+LNZ and DairyNZ. The big issues are emissions pricing (our insistence on being a world leader), over-regulation and suffocating compliance, knee-capping productivity, and why tax cuts are resonating, while free dental care and GST off fruit and vegetables aren't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We tell you how you can tune in to the Ag leaders' Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek tonight at 7:30 pm - featuring Damien O'Connor, Todd McClay, James Shaw, Andrew Hoggard and Mark Patterson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ministers from several major parties are expected to go head to head at tonight's Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek. Damien O'Connor (Labour), Eugenie Sage (Green Party), Todd McClay (National), Andrew Hoggard (Act), and Mark Patterson (New Zealand First) will discuss the issues impacting the region's rural community. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what can be expected. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For farming families doing it tough right now, this election will be one of the most if not THE most important in living memory. Last night we provided a platform for the top polling political parties to debate their plans to improve the lives of farmers, and the 2.5 million kiwis living outside of urban centres. Hosted by broadcaster Heather du Plessis-Allan in Mystery Creek, here's how the night unfolded...

The president of Federated Farmers previews tomorrow night's Ag leaders' Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek (7:30 pm) and reiterates that the cure for New Zealand's economic woes is more farming, not less.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Fieldays has a wash-up on the final numbers from Mystery Creek 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers going to Fieldays is like going to the mall for city slickers - all the bells and whistles you can dream of. But with the country now in a recession - are farmers actually buying anything? Sally Murphy checked out what's on offer at Mystery Creek. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6329520308112

The voice of Fieldays (who is still recovering from a “very awkward encounter” with the Governor General) talks about the winners of the Supreme Site Award and Innovation Award, as well as the sights and sounds of Mystery Creek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Self-titled Chief of Hope for New Zealand, JJ joins Hamish and Beks on REX recorded live from Mystery Creek's Fieldays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National is facing a turf grab from its traditional political ally as it edges closer to polling day. Act is on a clear mission for the rural vote, roping in the former Federated Farmers president to join the team and announcing policy directed at the primary industries. National has always prided itself as the party for the farmers. But many rural electorates turned red last election, and now National is facing a challenge from its right to win them back. That mission moved to Mystery Creek today. Libby Kirkby-McLeod was there. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6329383860112

The race for the rural vote is underway at Fieldays at Mystery Creek near Hamilton with Labour, Act and National turning up in force at the largest agricultural gathering in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a showcase for the latest in farm technology. Our reporter Monique Steele was there.

Fieldays 2023, the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural event, returns to Mystery Creek tomorrow. From Wednesday to Saturday, politicians will be turning up to appeal to rural voters, with National already promising a u-turn on emission charging. The Country's Jamie Mackay predicts ACT's David Seymour will be the star of Fieldays 2023, because ACT may have given National a nudge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long time no… type episode description to. So ya boys are back to drop a hot COTW track on the internet, but not without ulterior motives. We are finally announcing our new podcast project, and we thought the best place to do it was the place that started it all (and the place with the […] The post Episode 310 – Mystery Creek & Exciting Announcement first appeared on Creek of the Week.

Joining us at Mystery Creek, National party deputy leader Nicola Willis and Ag Spokesperson Todd Muller… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining us from Mystery Creek with the Rural Support Trust is ambassador Matt Chisolm.  We've wrangled him in for a yarn, Matt you've done some fantastic work for mental health around New Zealand!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded Live from the Hynds tent at Mystery Creek, REX goes on tour as we press some flesh with some REX regulars and some standout Kiwis at Fieldays after it's much-anticipated return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Voice of Fieldays” on his role at Mystery Creek, including hosting the Innovation Awards last night, and what's in store for the rest of his Fieldays experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Fieldays takes time out of his busy schedule to talk about the highlights at Mystery Creek, along with the positive feedback he's received from exhibitors and visitors, after a slow start due to the wet weather.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded from the Hynds tent at Mystery Creek, the gang were joined by Candace Moir, the Rural Project and Marketing coordinator for Hynds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in July, he won the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest. So what has beef farmer Tim Dangen been up to since then?  Let's find out with Rebecca and Hamish as they chat to Tim, in the flesh, from Mystery Creek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mystery Creek local Chele Clarkin has an eye for fine things, her bespoke jewellery range covers everything from polo to rugby and farming. This is her second year exhibiting at the Fieldays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well-known King Country Shearer Mickey Macdonald joins REX from Mystery Creek for the REX Fieldays Special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded Live from the Hynds tent at Mystery Creek, REX goes on tour as we press some flesh with some REX regulars and some standout Kiwis at Fieldays after it's much-anticipated return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture's big showcase Fieldays is finally underway at Mystery Creek after multiple Covid disruptions over recent years. It was a chance for the PM to mix it with the farmers but the reception may not have been all she hoped for…. Today FM Rural Exchange host Hamish McKay joins us now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dom, Rebecca, and Rebecca have a chat about the time they've spent at Fieldays so far, highlighting the stalls they've been surprised by, along with a few Polititans pressing the Flesh at Mystery Creek as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday Rog went down to Mystery Creek to be with his people at Field Days and he took on a few challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We caught up with the Prime Minister on her way to Fieldays this morning to talk about the Government's announcement about recognising on-farm sequestration in the emissions pricing plan, which Labour MPS are at Mystery Creek - and where's David Parker?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rog is off to Mystery Creek in the Tron for Field Days this arvo and there is nothing he loves more than talking farming turkey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fieldays is back after a 17-month hiatus. The gates to Mystery Creek are open today with 1,000 exhibitors set to cover the site. This year the event has taken on the theme of 'same, same, but different' including the same old crowd favourites as well as new attractions like a tractor racing experience that will put visitors into the driver's seat. New Zealand National Fieldays Society president James Allen joined Mike Hosking.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Waikato is back. The gates open tomorrow, and big crowds are expected. New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief executive Peter Nation will be among them.

The Country's executive producer sets the scene from Fieldays at Mystery Creek, once Mackay sorts out her microphone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a few Covid interruptions, the iconic event at Mystery Creek returns today - Fieldays. Dom spoke with the CEO of the NZ National Fieldays Society, Peter Nation to hear his thoughts on the events return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The southern hemisphere's largest agricultural event will be a little warmer this year. Thousands are expected to flock to Fieldays at Mystery Creek in the Waikato this morning, with more than 1,000 exhibitors ready to show off their products and services. The opening will end a 17-month hiatus after the June event was postponed this year, due to uncertainties around Covid restrictions.. National Field Days Society CEO Peter Nation told Kate Hawkesby the sun is starting to come up, which is pretty unusual for Fieldays, given it's usually mid-winter. He says they have 21 degree weather for the next four days, with a little bit of rain today which is expected to clear and everyone is excited. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fieldays are kicking off this week making a much-anticipated return stumbled by COVID. It was held online in 2020 and in person in 2021, then postponed earlier this year from June to November. The three-day farming extravaganza at Mystery Creek usually brings in over 300 thousand people to Hamilton. Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate and CEO of Fieldays Peter Nation join us to express her delight at the event's return. And on-site at a wet day one of Fieldays, Dom chats to Tom Ruddenklau, the incoming CEO of Power Farming NZ ahead of his return to the sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fieldays are kicking off this week making a much-anticipated return stumbled by COVID. It was held online in 2020 and in person in 2021, then postponed earlier this year from June to November. The three-day farming extravaganza at Mystery Creek usually brings in over 300 thousand people to Hamilton. Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate joins us now to express her delight at the event's return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gates to Fieldays, New Zealand's largest agricultural event opened on Wednesday morning after its usual June event was postponed due to COVID-19 impacts. Rachel Smalley spoke to Peter Nation, the CEO of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society. Fieldays is a massive event taking over Mystery Creek in Hamilton with hundreds of thousands in attendance, but how many exactly? Nation broke down the numbers Fieldays sees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The southern hemisphere's largest agricultural event will be a little warmer this year. Thousands are expected to flock to Fieldays at Mystery Creek in the Waikato this morning, with more than 1,000 exhibitors ready to show off their products and services. The opening will end a 17-month hiatus after the June event was postponed this year, due to uncertainties around Covid restrictions.. National Field Days Society CEO Peter Nation told Kate Hawkesby the sun is starting to come up, which is pretty unusual for Fieldays, given it's usually mid-winter. He says they have 21 degree weather for the next four days, with a little bit of rain today which is expected to clear and everyone is excited. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fieldays is one of the most reliable events on the agricultural calendar, making a splash in June almost every year of its half-century history. The four-day event, which runs November 30 to December 3 at Mystery Creek near Hamilton, is the largest agricultural gathering of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. 2022, however, joins 1970 as the only two years Fieldays has been delayed. It will kick of on November 30 this year, and the community is buzzing. Chief executive Peter Nation spoke to Corin Dann.  

Fieldays is set to happen in Mystery Creek, Hamilton from November 30th to December 3rd 2022, after being postponed due to Covid-19. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been a regular fixture at Fieldays in previous years, but it's unknown if she'll be turning up this time round. Jacinda Ardern and Labour have expressed discomfort about going on public walkabouts, but Jamie Mackay says that Damien O'Connor is confirmed to appear, so it's not out of the realm of possibility for Jacinda to show up. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown to Mystery Creek continues (just two weeks to go) with the chief executive of Fieldays. Today we talk about the Health Hub and preparedness (sunscreen and water).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billed as the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural event, Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Waikato is fast approaching. It's usually held in the middle of winter but the Omicron outbreak delayed things til early summer... you may still need the gumboots though after all the wet cool spring. Producer Leah Tebbutt caught up with the chief executive of the National Fieldays

The chief executive of Fieldays joins us as the countdown to Mystery Creek continues - just 28 sleeps to go - until the Nov 30 to Dec 3 event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of Omicron cases in New Zealand is expected to swell - as test results come back for people who were at Soundsplash. One parent reckons more than 50 students at an Auckland High School could be infected after attending the festival held over three days at Mystery Creek last weekend. There are 105 new cases of Covid in the community today - the first time the number's been in triple figures since mid December. Anei te kai ripoata a Ella Stewart.

Bjorn and Josh find their way on a field trip to Fieldays at Mystery Creek where they muster a few treats, have some eats and meet some very great peeps from fans to farmers and both! Support Life FM: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=lifefm&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this year's Field Days the Prototype category of the Innovation Awards has three rather striking robots in it from the University of Waikato's mechanatronics lab!

It's day two of the National Fieldays and thousands are making their way through the gates at Mystery Creek, near Kirikiriroa-Hamilton. It's the southern hemisphere's largest agricultural event, with more than 1000 exhibitors this year. Rural reporter Maja Burry is in Mystery Creek.

It's day two of the National Fieldays and thousands are making their way through the gates at Mystery Creek, near Kirikiriroa-Hamilton. It's the southern hemisphere's largest agricultural event, with more than 1000 exhibitors this year. Rural reporter Maja Burry is in Mystery Creek.

The gates have officially opened for the first day of the National Fieldays. After an online-only event last year because of Covid-19, more than 100,000 people are expected over the next four days. The Fieldays have been running for over 50 years and in 2021 it's not just tractors on show, there's everything from vegetarian mince and deer milk to tiny houses and a robotic asparagus harvester. Rural reporter Maja Burry is in Mystery Creek. She spoke to Susie Ferguson.

A village of campervans has had to be set up for this year's Fieldays vendors.The giant four-day agriculture event at Mystery Creek, in Hamilton, begins today.Chief executive Peter Nation says a lot of the city's accommodation is being used for emergency housing and managed isolation facilities.He says it hasn't been an easy project setting up the village.“Bringing 140-odd campervans in one convoy from Auckland to the Waikato and then taking them home takes a bit of manpower.”LISTEN ABOVE

The gates have officially opened for the first day of the National Fieldays. After an online-only event last year because of Covid-19, more than 100,000 people are expected over the next four days. The Fieldays have been running for over 50 years and in 2021 it's not just tractors on show, there's everything from vegetarian mince and deer milk to tiny houses and a robotic asparagus harvester. Rural reporter Maja Burry is in Mystery Creek. She spoke to Susie Ferguson.

More than 1000 gumboot-clad exhibitors are setting up shop in Hamilton as the National Fieldays makes a triumphant return to Mystery Creek. Covid-19 forced organisers to shift the three-day event on-line in 2020. But those shopping for tractors, spa pools or boats in person this year could face long waits as the pandemic continues to dent the supply chain. Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation spoke to Philippa Tolley.

More than 1000 gumboot-clad exhibitors are setting up shop in Hamilton as the National Fieldays makes a triumphant return to Mystery Creek. Covid-19 forced organisers to shift the three-day event on-line in 2020. But those shopping for tractors, spa pools or boats in person this year could face long waits as the pandemic continues to dent the supply chain. Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation spoke to Philippa Tolley.

With two sleeps to go until the gates at Mystery Creek open, the chief executive of Fieldays entered into his final countdown.

Every farming man, woman and their gumboots, will no doubt be piling into Mystery Creek this year for all things farming.But this year, there will be some new faces amongst their ranks, one of them being McDonald's.But what does a fast food chain have to do with farming?Head of communications at McDonald's Simon Kenny told Kate Hawkesby they feel it is important to connect with where their ingredients come from.“Virtually everything we serve comes locally, so we have a big connection with primary industries in New Zealand and we've been doing a lot of work in the background around sustainable beef production.”LISTEN ABOVE

In the pod today: farmers remind local councillors about valuable crop land; members of India's legendary Bollywood star family test positive for Covid-19 - as case numbers there rise to the third highest in the world; Rotorua's Stockcar club faces calls to drop its Confederate flag symbol and from Mystery Creek to the global stage, Fieldays makes history and goes digital.

Some farmers are making the tough call to steer clear of virtual Fieldays this year.The expo is a highlight of the Kiwi farming calendar, and last year generated more than $500 million in sales revenue.It's usually held at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, but organisers chose to take it online due to Covid-19 - kicking off today.New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation says the exciting thing about going online is the global reach, with no limitations caused by closed borders."For us, it's about creating those opportunities for New Zealand's economy and primary sector while our borders are closed, so this event should go someway towards helping that."But Morrinsville Power Farming marketing director Brett Maber told Tim Dower it's just won't be the same."It's a nice chance to show off new shiny products, but certainly that customer interaction is something you can't replicate."He says that they decided to spend their money they'd normally invest into Fieldays elsewhere.

Discussions have begun on a Kiwi heavyweight blockbusting fight between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa – potentially to be held in Auckland in the middle of the year.The rival factions will hope the fight lives up to the last truly high-profile local boxing scrap – the showdown dubbed the "Fight of the Century" between David Tua and Shane Cameron still holds the record for the highest pay per view numbers in New Zealand.The key to the popularity of that fight at Mystery Creek in 2009, won by Tua via a devastating round-two knockout, was the rivalry that built between the pair, and a Parker v Fa fight could generate similar intensity. Both are New Zealand-born, with Parker, a former world champion, of Samoan descent, and the unbeaten Fa of Tongan descent.Parker and Fa have fought each other four times as amateurs and share two wins each. They have never fought each other as professionals. There is respect between the pair but they are not friends and fireworks could develop between the two camps; a prospect that would have their rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Lou di Bella salivating."We have made an early start on discussions on a possible blockbuster in Auckland," Parker's manager David Higgins told the Herald today."David Tua v Shane Cameron remains a record breaker and hopefully this one would also capture the public's imagination."It makes a lot of sense. Junior is unbeaten and ranked No6 in the world by the WBO, while Joseph is ranked No2. A lot of people back Fa. Obviously as Joe's manager I think he would be the favourite, but Fa is a big unit."Fa's manager Mark Keddell told the Herald: "We'd always be happy to do that fight. But the money would have to be right."That could be a sticking point, added to which is the potential for the negotiations between Englishman Hearn, and American di Bella, to quickly break down. Entering meaningful discussions in an attempt to lock down a deal quickly appears to be the key.Keddell, who suggested Fa would be happy for a similar share of the revenue that Parker enjoyed in his unification defeat to Anthony Joshua (about 34 per cent), added: "We have other options for the middle of the year, so Eddie is going to have to make a meaningful offer to Lou. I know they spoke a day after Joseph's fight in Texas."Higgins confirmed: "We could make this fight happen next, but the numbers would have to work. There are other options on the table."Asked whether he had been in talks with Dazn, a global sports broadcaster about to make its first start in New Zealand in May, Higgins replied: "Sky is the incumbent broadcaster. There have been no formal discussions with Dazn."Parker is coming off an impressive knockout win against American Shawndell Winters in Frisco, near Dallas, and would relish locking in a fight against Fa in Auckland as many of his potential opponents are already locked into deals.Dereck Chisora, Oleksandr Usyk, Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin are all scheduled for fights in May or June. Other potential opponents include a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr or a fight against Luis Ortiz, but neither match-up would be easy to make.One potential other opponent is American Michael Hunter, a 31-year-old with a 18-1-1 professional record (his loss was to Usyk). After watching Parker's fifth-round knockout of Winters, Hunter called out the Kiwi, with his manager Martin Mikolajczak saying: "Parker is slow on his feet and his cardio is terrible. Michael would definitely KO Parker."Fa, who has a 19-0 professional record, last fought in November - a points victory over American Devin Vargas in Salt Lake City. Parker has a 27-2 pro record. 

Fine skies and good vibes are greeting farmers on day two of Fieldays in Hamilton.Bad weather and flooding prevented some farmers from making it to Mystery Creek for the first day yesterday.The Country's Rowena Duncum told Andrew Dickens the crowds are bigger today."Things are looking up. Everyone I've spoken to once again today is positive, as they were yesterday but there's a lot more people here today."LISTEN ABOVE AS ROWENA DUNCUM SPEAKS WITH ANDREW DICKENS

KVH Snapshot May 2018, a round up from the last month covering KVH activities and kiwifruit biosecurity. Includes information about the consultation on proposed changes to within Recovery region boundaries and the upcoming Mystery Creek, Fieldays.

Wild-Eden.com - This is the full version of Track 3 of the Album Journey to Tasmania. This ultimately relaxing album features ocean wave sounds at Fortescue Bay on Tasmanias east coast. Further listen to a unique recording of an underwater stream in the truly magical Mystery Creek glow worm cave. The album finishes with a rare recording of the beautiful sounds of Tasmanian birds in the bush. Find this and more relaxing sounds at www.Wild-Eden.com

Wild-Eden.com - This is a 5 minute demo of Track 2 of the Album Journey to Tasmania. This ultimately relaxing album features ocean wave sounds at Fortescue Bay on Tasmanias east coast. Further listen to a unique recording of an underwater stream in the truly magical Mystery Creek glow worm cave. The album finishes with a rare recording of the beautiful sounds of Tasmanian birds in the bush. Find this and more relaxing sounds at www.Wild-Eden.com

Wild-Eden.com - This is a 5 minute demo of Track 1 of the Album Journey to Tasmania. This ultimately relaxing album features ocean wave sounds at Fortescue Bay on Tasmanias east coast. Further listen to a unique recording of an underwater stream in the truly magical Mystery Creek glow worm cave. The album finishes with a rare recording of the beautiful sounds of Tasmanian birds in the bush. Find this and more relaxing sounds at www.Wild-Eden.com

Play Show, or Right-Click to DownloadA special edition of TheDogBox for Rally NZ, we talk to Scott Pedder from the Mystery Creek service park.Photo courtesy of scottpedder.com.au.Technorati Tags: Rally New Zealand, Scott Pedder, ARC, Australian Rally Championship, V8 Supercars, V8SC