Our vision for the South Island Agricultural Field Days remains as it always has been since the first event back in 1951. That is to provide an interactive demonstration site, focused on delivering an enjoyable, informative experience for our exhibitors and visitors alike.
The event has always been orchestrated by a team of committed and dedicated volunteers from the agricultural sector, who use the event as a professional development learning opportunity. Supported by suppliers, contractors and an events team, the vision for the field days is brought to life through countless hours. With support from the community, volunteer groups, schools and loyal exhibitors, the event comes together as a memorable and enjoyable biannual showcase of the agricultural community.
2025 Key organising personal
Your lead positions on the organising committee:
Andrew Stewart | Organising Chair:
Andrew is a dairy farmer on the family farm in Waikuku, milking 380 pedigree Holstein Friesan cows. Andrew has been on the committee for several years and is excited to be leading the team for the next event. With his cheeky grin and a straight up attitude this event is sure to be both fun and well organised.
Henry Williams | Vice Chair:
With a decade of experience, Henry enjoys his time on the committee knowing he is creating an event that showcases the agricultural industry. As a sales representative for JJ Ltd based in central Canterbury, Henry is shadowing Andrew’s efforts this year (to not make the same mistakes for the 2027 event) and will bring his passion for new and shiny things to supporting the Innovation Awards.
Nathan Student | Junior Vic Chair:
Nathan owns his own contracting business, Cresslands Contracting, supporting the agricultural sector in the North Canterbury and Hurunui area. As the younger brother of Andrew, you can guarantee he will be very much bossed around! But like all good brothers he will also learn, ready to support Henry in 2027. For this next event, Nathan will play a pivotal role in developing the demonstration area to be one of the best thus far.
Other core committee members
Chris Beatson | Media, Marketing, PR:
Since attending Lincoln University to study AgScience, Chris has been working for Agri Magic Ltd and joined the SIAFD committee in 2023. Taking on the onerous task of marketing and PR once again, Chris excels in building strong relationships and getting good marketing exposure for the event; a core focus for 2025.
Rodney Hadfield | Executive Committee Chair:
Supporting the organising committee is Executive Chair, Rodney, who sits at the helm after over 20 years with the event. Having been chairman of the organising committee, Rodney understands first hand the dedication and commitment from all on the team to get each cog turning. When not doing committee tasks, Rodney is operating an arable farm and contracting business with his siblings.
The events team
Bronwen Rutland | Event Coordinator:
This is Bron’s second time joining the team to support a range of projects in the lead up to the event. With a background in event management and sponsorship, Bron has a passion for stakeholder relationships and finding innovative, practical solutions to achieve event objectives. The event pocket rocket, Bron mirrors Andrew’s cheeky yet no fuss approach and will ensure everyone is on task and having a laugh.
Phillipa Linton | Event Administrator:
Bringing the party back to the event, Phil will be your main point of contact when you reach out to the SIAFD office. Looking after exhibitor and supplier needs, supporting volunteers and other core stakeholders, Phil is here to tackle all the many facets of the event and have a good time doing it. Phil is also a real estate agent and marriage celebrant in her “spare time”.
Tineka Johnstone | Finance:
With three SIAFD events under her belt, Tineka has found her happy place in supporting the financial functions behind both the event and the Executive. Tineka is experienced in event management, with a passion for the primary industry, and brings event and accounting experience to the Executive Committee. Tineka is also a contractor and lives on the farm her husband manages in Oxford.