Defying the dairy downturn and mainstream media doom merchants, Fieldays 2016 at Hamilton’s Mystery  Creek Events Centre between June 15 & 18 proved as popular as ever with a total number of 130,684 punters making the effort to attend over the four days of the 48th event.

Naturally 4WDs and SUVs were much in evidence, from rows and rows of used ones in the converted paddock car parks to shiny new ones on show on stands up and down the arena avenues.

Isuzu NZ again took out the prize for the Best Interactive Experience Site for its ‘customer-focused and challenging 4WD track built into the site’ while Honda motorcycles  won the hotly contested award for Best Agribusiness Outdoor Site for its ‘excellent use of spatial design on many levels.’

UTV specialist Polaris NZ also claimed a key prize, winning the Best Customer Engagement award  for its ‘professional site design and layout, and 4WD demonstration track built into the site.’

Ford New Zealand had an impressive site, using the same basic 4WD feature track as in 2015 but this time for an Off The Grid experience featuring its Everest SUV.

Holden NZ made good use, meanwhile, of its Colorado Extreme 4WD concept ute, putting it in pride of place in its impressively large and spacious stand.

Aftermarket 4WD equipment specialists like ARB had a major presence with multiple 4WD vehicles kitted out in the latest gear. So too did Warn winches, Airplex and Utemaster and Briggs & Stratton NZ Ltd. 

To read the full story in the August 2016 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (July 25) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.