Manfeild area transforms for Central Districts Field Days

Central Districts Field Days is a huge event for the region. Photo / File

The Central Districts Field Days transforms Manfeild into a primary agribusiness focus for many thousands of attendees, reminding us the region is one of the country's key agricultural hubs.

It also reinforces the flexibility of Manfeild. Just a few weeks ago much of the area given over to this incredible event played host to the New Zealand Grand Prix.

From this weekend the venue will begin its annual transformation into a fabulous rural extravaganza, a process that means Manfeild is given over to farming for basically the whole of this month.

Central Districts Field Days has been a part of Manfeild Park since the mid-1980s and in that time it has grown massively — not just into the single biggest annual event we host but also the largest in the region.

The time frame that Field Days demands reflects its size and standing. This year more than 600 exhibitors are setting up, with millions of dollars of product on display, from everything from thimbles to giant tractors.

This reflects why this is an event of huge importance to Manawatu and the major communities of Feilding and Palmerston North; why it is comfortably called New Zealand's largest regional agricultural event.

This year is set to be bigger and better than ever. In addition to the usual crowd favourites — such as the CLAAS tractor pull, the national excavator championships and the Central Districts fencing competition — the schedule also includes a military presence with the world-renowned New Zealand Army Band and Royal New Zealand Air Force involved.

The latter with the Black Falcons Aerobatic Show and a A109 helicopter display.

We're delighted organiser Fairfax National Events tell us Manfeild cements as the best choice, not just because of its spaciousness but, also because of Manfeild Park Trust's commitment to deliver improvements which meet the event's evolution, an example being our weather-proof lime roads.

You can find out a lot more about CD Field Days by visiting www.cdfielddays.co.nz.
A big sports event in the Manawatu last week was the New Zealand PGA, a premier golf tournament which attracted a full field of 132 professionals.

Five of those identities visited Manfeild on the afternoon of February 22 for a couple of hours' time out that was anything but laidback.

Brad Shilton, David Smail, Harry Bateman, Luke Toomey and Brad Kennedy were delighted to take a fast ride around Circuit Chris Amon, sitting in with celebrated national motorsport identity Christina Orr as she demonstrated the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 she regularly races. The car is becoming well-known to local motorsport enthusiasts, being out of the stable run by Palmerston North-domiciled Mike Racing.

They all had an absolute blast and we were delighted to have them here.

Don't forget to call me on 027 6599 666 if you have any thoughts about Manfeild. To keep up with the latest news check out the Manfeild website www.manfeild.co.nz and our Facebook page.