The Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub returned to Fieldays in June with its biggest and most impactful year yet, coinciding with a major milestone – 10 years of supporting rural New Zealanders to take charge of their health.
Held at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, Fieldays 2026 drew more than 132,000 visitors through the gates over four days. In turn, the Health Hub experienced record engagement, with crowds packing the space daily. But beyond the numbers, the real success of the hub was measured in the thousands of meaningful conversations and early interventions that took place. For a decade, the Hub has provided a vital, accessible entry point for visitors to check up on their health from blood pressure and hearing to skin cancer and heart rhythm, as well as mental health support and practical guidance – services that can often be difficult to access in rural communities. This year, that impact was clearly evident.
The cardiothoracic stand from Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora screened 1,800 visitors for heart rhythm issues, identifying more than 30 previously unknown abnormalities. These early interventions have the potential to prevent strokes, reduce hospitalisations, and ultimately save lives. Heart rhythm issues affect more than 5% of New Zealanders – around 300,000 people, and nearly one in three have no symptoms. Early detection is critical, not only for improving patient outcomes but also for reducing pressure on the health system by avoiding more complex and costly treatment later. Importantly, screening also enables faster referral to specialists, ensuring patients who need procedures or surgery can access care sooner.
Across the Hub, other exhibitors reported similarly strong engagement. The Laser Eye Centre team generated more than 250 follow-up leads from rural visitors, while Specsavers Optical noted a surge in meaningful one-on-one conversations around eye and hearing health. Many visitors left with a lasting impression.
“I loved that we were able to have meaningful conversations with visitors to help with their health needs for both eyes and ears,” Anne Trautvetter, National Corporate Eyecare Manager, Specsavers Optical says.
“Two conversations stick where vouchers for free glasses were either given or won (via the wheel) and to see the genuine gratefulness to have the health and financial burden removed so they have access to this health service.”
“It makes me smile that I remembered visitors from last year and could pick up the conversations.”
Melanoma New Zealand also reported seeing 615 people, identified 70 suspicious lesions and detected 13 suspected melanomas. “We were delighted to be at Fieldays again this year, as it provides Melanoma New Zealand with a powerful platform to connect directly with rural New Zealanders, especially those who are at increased risk due to working outdoors and often in the sun for long periods of time. By offering education and free skin cancer spot checks at the Health Hub and collaborating with our rural partner FMG, we were able to raise awareness about melanoma and share lifesaving messages with people about the importance of protecting and regularly checking their skin,” Andrea Newland, chief executive, Melanoma New Zealand says.
This year’s 10-year milestone was formally recognised with Prime Minister Christopher Luxton visiting the Hub to mark the occasion, acknowledging a decade of impact in rural health and cutting a celebratory cake along with Mark Eager, chief executive, Mobile Health Group; Richard Lindroos, chief executive of National Fieldays Society, and Steve Chappell, programme manager, National Fieldays Society. The moment highlighted just how far the Hub has come – from an idea focussed on improving access, to a cornerstone of the Fieldays experience, attracting thousands of visitors each year and continuing to evolve year on year.
The Hub also played host to an important rural health political panel organised by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, bringing together representatives from National, Labour, Greens, and the Opportunity Party. Grant Davidson, chief executive, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network put them on the spot to focus on the realities of health care in rural New Zealand, and pressed them on access challenges, workforce pressures, equity, preventative care – and what they would do about it.
Hosting this conversation within the Hub reinforced its role not just as a service provider, but as a platform for national dialogue on the future of rural health. Watch Hauora Taiwhenua’s rural health political panel here.
“What makes me proudest after ten years isn’t the numbers — it’s the shift in attitude. Rural New Zealanders are far more willing now to speak openly, especially about mental health. If we keep breaking down those barriers and getting people in front of the right care sooner, the Hub will have done its job for the next decade and beyond,” Mark Eager, chief executive, Mobile Health Group says.
Fieldays organisers acknowledged the hub’s contribution, with Steve Chappell, programme manager at Fieldays, noting the organisation’s decade-long support and the role the hub plays in creating a well-rounded event environment. Health and wellbeing, he said, remain a critical component of the Fieldays experience.
“Thank you for your support of Fieldays 2026, and for being such an important part of this year’s event. We particularly value your support of the Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub for ten years! What a great celebration last week.”
“Your involvement has helped strengthen this platform in a meaningful way, and we appreciate your continued presence and engagement.”
Amid the strong attendance and positive energy across the site, the Health Hub also highlighted an important reality: while rural communities may be experiencing renewed economic confidence, health challenges remain.
Encouragingly, attitudes are shifting. Visitors are more willing than ever to step inside, ask questions and speak openly – particularly around mental health. Conversations that were once difficult are now happening more freely, reflecting a meaningful cultural change over the past decade.
As Fieldays 2026 wrapped up, one message stood out: while the event continues to grow in scale, the true impact lies in connection – people showing up not just for business, but for their health, their wellbeing, and each other.
View the Fieldays 2026 Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing photo album