Page 10 - OPE July 2019

INDUSTRY
Fieldays 2019
Power & Marine’s Leon Warner, backed by a simple yet clever way of showing how many domestic appliances a Honda generator can run. We hear there was a sparky in the background who did all the hard work...
to the punters and we’ll be looking to up our game again for 2020.”
Husky happy with Fieldays
Husqvarna “rebirthed” its Fieldays site for 2019 with a whole new structure including robotic mowers out front and an onsite knowledge centre with forestry and arboriculture professionals to answer questions and do demonstrations.
GM, Colin Stimpson, says the team was happy with the outcome: “We aim to freshen up our site every three years, reworking it with a new structure and concept. It’s about 12 months in the thinking, plus whatever it takes to install the concept.”
Was he content with the outcomes? “Fieldays did meet our expectations although it didn’t feel that way to start with,” he says.
“It just had a different feel to it and I don’t know whether it was the mix of people who were there or whether it was the volumes of people who were there on different days.”
Finding it hard to come up with a blanket verdict for the overall vibe, Colin says: “It’s really related to what you’re presenting as
a concept and a product line-up. Different industries are feeling pain and some aren’t.”
As with other outdoor power exhibitors, 2019 was a good show for Husqvarna: “Fieldays has proven a good investment because it hits our customer base – we deal with farmers, rural people and city people, and it hits everybody.
“It’s a major brand awareness exercise for us and a new store-like layout for the product range drew great feedback overall.
“But, as I said, it flowed differently this year. We sell on the site for dealer delivery and traditionally Thursday is the big day but this year, for us, it was the Friday.
“We received enquiries and purchase orders across the board, which is not unusual because consumers are conditioned to expect there might be a deal for them and are prepared to buy any product. Even if it’s mid-winter, they might buy a ride-on mower or something they’ll use in the spring or summer.”
Taskpower goes Progressive
Chris Smith at Taskpower is pleased to report that the company’s corner site meant they were “not lacking people” this year.
However, the extra investment didn’t translate into extra sales.
Chris says: “I think people were very conservative with their spend, because they’re mindful of uncertainties in the marketplace, and the present Government isn’t tabling the same number of opportunities.”
The agri sector has a subdued feel, he says. “There are always opportunities ahead but patience is required. A more positive, creative and helpful Government would give the agri sector greater confidence,”
“Fieldays remains all about promoting the product, supporting the dealers, showing the product to the general public and making some sales on the day”
This year Taskpower experimented by taking its new Progressive Turf Mower range to Fieldays and, says Chris Smith: “It drew enquiries but confirmed our belief that it wasn’t the best place to market the product.
“We’re upbeat about it, though. This range has become well known in North America and it has some great, user-friendly features that Kiwi groundsmen will really take to.
“But I think we just need to knock on doors and go and show it to people. Being a calculated purchase rather than an emotional one, it requires a targeted approach.”
Talking of which, Fieldays 2019 saw the introduction of a new Taskpower logo and new signage with the aim of being “more consistent with all our future marketing”.
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Who were 2019’s top Kiwi choppers?
CORNERSTONE AGAIN THIS
year of STIHL’s presence at Fieldays 2019 was the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Arena, featuring for the first time in New Zealand a Ladies Championship.
Watched by a crowd of 1,000+
visitors, the experienced Darcell Apelu (above left) from Mt Maunganui was the fiercest chopper on day, walking away with the honour of being the first STIHL TIMBERSPORTS New Zealand Ladies Champion, with Alma Wallace from Otaki in second and Shannon Hodgetts from Ahaura third.
In its second year, eight men from around the country went axe to wood vying for the title of New Zealand Rookies Champion but it was Jack
Jordan (above right) from Stratford who powered through all four disciplines
to get the top overall score of the competition.
Logan Tinomana from Karamea stood on the stump in second place with Brad Pako from Cromwell in third.
The last day of Fieldays ended with the buzz of a chainsaw and the new STIHL TIMBERSPORTS New Zealand Champion taking his place on the top stump.
The experienced Shane Jordan (top photo) from Stratford (and brother of top rookie Jack!) battled through six gruelling disciplines to take the top overall score of the competition, with Jesse Whitehead in second place and Nathan McDonald in third, natives of Waiuku both!
The team at Briggs & Stratton were showing off the recently acquired Echo and Shindaiwa ranges at this year’s Fieldays. Sounds like even busier times ahead for the company!