Second pavilion part of Mystery Creek path to mega-event destination

Thursday, 2 April 2026

Fieldays CEO Richard Lindroos says he is ‘hell-bent’ on improving Mystery Creek’s facilities. From left are Karina Missen (Event Producer), Emma Fairweather (Commercial Partnerships and Sale Manager), Brett Beagley (General Manager) Steve Chappell (Programme Manager) and front right, Richard Lindroos.

Plans to turn Mystery Creek into a world-class events hub are underway, with the first stage of infrastructure improvements underway as they prepare for one of the biggest Fieldays yet.

Fieldays CEO Richard Lindroos is on a mission to make Mystery Creek the go-to destination for mega events. He says infrastructure investment is the way forward and has his eyes set on a second pavilion.

The Government announced this week that the Fieldays Society has secured a Regional Infrastructure Fund loan of $1.35 million to upgrade the centre’s water network. Lindroos said the loan was a significant contribution that would fast-track the $3.2 million water project.

“With some government assistance, we can fast track this and future-proof us because we are very ambitious with where we want to head to.

“We want tens of thousands of international visitors to come to Fieldays and how do you do that? You have a better fit for purpose venue. So, we have started with water infrastructure.

Richard Lindroos said the Fieldays Society received a $1.35 million fund loan to improve water infrastructure at the site.

“We had an ageing system of farmer’s piping connected together and it really was quite a critical risk for the organisation.”

The existing network was just over 50 years old, and started being replaced late last year with the expectation the work will be completed before Fieldays kicks off this year.

Lindroos said the improvements were not only important for events, but also as the centre is a critical location for Civil Defence in the case of a large-scale emergency.

Water is just one part of his four-pronged plan focused on improving buildings, energy resilience and visitor experience with work including roading, parking and signage. He intends to roll improvements out over 15 years and hopes for government investment.

Buildings have been a priority and this year’s Fieldays will look a bit different. The Hub has been retired, making room for an extended village green area, which would allow for a new Function Centre.

The centre will be a marquee that can seat just over 200 people. During the event, it will host international and high-profile events such as the European Union lunch. Lindroos added that other buildings could also be set for retirement and a refresh in the future - although he has his sights set higher.

“Now, putting in another pavilion is at least $45 million, and I’m not spending that much capital every year in my approach, so I need a bit of help with that.

“But I believe if you have a plan and some ambition … particularly with this greenfield strategic location, we are on the pathway where we need another pavilion.

Lindroos doesn’t believe that the Iran war will impact the Fieldays (file photo).

“I think we are ambitious as a society and a country for this to be the agribusiness showcase. There’s lots of large-scale events that don’t come to New Zealand and they don’t come because we don’t have the facilities to offer them.

“Part of my plan is for the government and us to identify these mega events and bring them here.”

Event Producer Karina Missen says they are ahead for filling exhibitor stalls.

He added that the announcement to extend the Hamilton airport runway, their proximity to Auckland and the growth occurring in Hamilton made Mystery Creek a “national strategic asset” that needed to be valued and built upon.

The Fieldays team is also gearing up for what looks like one of their biggest years yet. Lindroos said they were a month away from knowing more about the effects of the Iran war, but he did not believe they would impact the event.

Event producer Karina Missen said they have already reached 97.8% allocation for exhibitor sites and have only 18 vacant that they are deciding what to fill with. This is 7% up from this time last year and Missen said this was the furthest ahead they have been in recent years.

Lindroos reckoned it will be a “very successful Fieldays” for farmers and believed high dairy and drystock prices would drive farmer confidence and investment in new kit.

Highlights this year will be the return of the gate prize with a JAC ute and $10,000 of Stoney Creek gear up for grabs. Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub will be celebrating ten years and the Forestry Hub celebrating five years.