Fieldays 2025: Bringing Health and Wellbeing to the Heart of Rural Aotearoa
Mystery Creek, just south of Hamilton City, once again delivered a spectacular showcase for this year’s Fieldays, the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. With thousands travelling from across the country (and beyond) to experience the buzz, Mobile Health Group (MHG) was once again proud to be part of such a meaningful and impactful week.
In collaboration with Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network (HTRHN), MHG runs and operates the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, a vital space within the wider Fieldays event. Each year, this hub attracts tens of thousands of visitors seeking trusted health advice, screening services, and community support.
Andrew Panckhurst, Commercial Manager for MHG, shared the impact and importance of the Health and Wellbeing Hub:
“The Health and Wellbeing Hub enables many health organisations often based in urban areas to reach out directly to rural communities. They get to see firsthand where the greatest health inequities lie and consider how best to support New Zealand’s rural population throughout the year.”
“We know health and wellbeing services are often much harder to access in rural areas. That’s why the hub is so valuable. For example, last year, melanoma screeners identified 70 suspicious lesions during Fieldays, allowing those individuals to seek further help early. This year, our diabetes provider found 38 diabetic and 27 pre-diabetic individuals who were previously unaware of their condition.”
“It can be both confronting and relieving to uncover hidden health concerns, but early detection can be life-changing. The hub empowers visitors to take that first step and potentially change the trajectory of their health for the better.”.
Although Fieldays is an annual event, the purpose of the Health and Wellbeing Hub goes far beyond one week. It’s about empowering rural New Zealanders with knowledge, access, and a greater sense of control over their health. The organisations behind the hub work to create lasting impacts, not just conversations on the day, but long-term improvements in health literacy and outcomes.
Mark Eager, CE of MHG and board member for HTRHN, also reflected on the significance of the collaboration:
“Fieldays has always been about giving back to the rural community – it’s not about flashy stands or hard sells but about creating genuine access. The Health and Wellbeing Hub reflects that perfectly. It’s a powerful reminder that health doesn’t belong in a waiting room; it belongs in the heart of the community. Every year, we’re seeing more people step into the hub, ask questions they’ve been putting off, and walk away with support they didn’t know they could access. It’s about breaking down barriers – distance, time, stigma – and making health something that’s approachable, relevant, and right there when it’s needed.”
“Fieldays 2025 was once again a success, a celebration not only of innovation in agriculture, but of the strength, resilience, and well-being of rural communities across Aotearoa. MHG and its partners look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come, breaking down barriers and building up better futures.”.