Key opens 46th Fieldays
Ribbons are cut and flags are hoisted with the opening of Fieldays 2014.
trim. Photo Credit: Adam Edwards
The opening ceremony for the 46th annual Fieldays focused on New Zealand innovation and its international reach.
Prime Minister John Key spoke to the farming faithful and made note of the advances in the productivity of New Zealand’s agriculture.
“Back in the 1970s there were 70 million sheep in New Zealand. Now there are 35 million sheep, but the same amount of lamb is produced.”
Key also made note of New Zealand’s relationship with China, as a record seven overseas delegations watched on.
“China is the single largest purchaser of sheep meat in New Zealand.”
New Zealand can expect 50,000 jobs to emerge in the agricultural sector over the next ten years, and half of those will be “high tech jobs”, according to Key.
Comedian Te Radar was present for the opening, facilitating events and reminiscing about attending the event as a boy.
The Fieldays flag was hoisted up by Kaipaki School students and principal, followed by the New Zealand flag and national anthem.
Key then cut the ribbon and declared Fieldays officially open for 2014, but only after offering Te Radar a haircut with the ribbon cutting scissors.
Spectator Alex Bridger said it was great to hear from Key that New Zealand is being recognised for its agricultural innovation on an international scale.
“It’s really cool that he made a point of emphasising that we are up there with the best of them.”
