OPINION: Let me be clear, I don't hate Fieldays. I really like them.
I'm just as inclined as the next person to buy a quirky hand crafted gift or try some delicious cheese or a drop of vino.
But really, have Fieldays and A&P shows, the quintessential outing for those in the rural community become bourgeois as hell?
I grew up on a high country sheep station, literally in the middle of nowhere. I worked on the farm, and still love going home to help out.
The closest proper supermarket is about an hour and half away, we have three freezers full of food, ready to go, in the event we get snowed in or lose power for days, maybe weeks on end in winter.
So, we lived quite isolated. Therefore, Fielday's or A&P shows were quite the social outing for those in the farming community. And still are.
Yes there were stalls full of farming equipment, food and other product stalls for sale. Spas there were always spa pools on sale - but this is nothing compared to what it is now.
You could be at Fieldays for the whole four days and you still might not cover all that is there.
Bouncy castles, food courts, health and welling being areas, artisan arts and crafts, coffee, cheese and wine, literally the works, you name it, it is probably there.
The Fieldays website itself says "Whether you are from in town or out in the country, a Fieldays veteran or visiting for the first time, Fieldays has something for everyone.
"From the latest agricultural technology and ground breaking innovations, to shopping, competitions and demonstrations, live shows and tasty food prepared by some of New Zealand's top chefs, showcasing the best of New Zealand's primary industries."
Swanndri, the New Zealand farm wear brand once combined with another iconic New Zealand fashion name Karen Walker making 'Swanni's' for townies.
The adaption was dropped in 2009 - but I can only imagine bedazzled Red Bands being the next item to be picked up by the fashion world.
I suppose you could argue they are a great way for people to share local products and produce and for town and country to meet, shrinking the rural divide.
Which I agree, it does tick those boxes - but there will always be a town and country divide - It's just the way it is, two different groups of people living different lifestyles.
So do we really need all the extras?
If you want all the luxuries of city living, then go to a city.
Newshub.
