Members elect Graeme Austin as new Board President of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society

5 December 2025

Graeme Austin has been elected President of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society following a member majority vote at the Society’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening, 4 December, held at The Bledisloe at Mystery Creek Events Centre. With 61 voters in attendance, Austin was elected ahead of nominated board member Harmen Heesen. 

Austin has served on the Society Board since 2019. He graduated from Massey University with a degree and postgraduate qualifications in agricultural science and has spent the past 35 years supporting New Zealand agriculture through roles in consultancy, rural finance, and sales and marketing in the seed sector. He is the National Business Manager for Corson Maize at PGG Wrightson Seeds, sits on several boards, is a member of the Institute of Directors and NZIPIM, and serves as a Justice of the Peace.

His long career across the primary sector has shaped his focus on supporting farmers, growers, and rural communities. Austin says he is looking forward to leading the Board as the Society continues its work across Fieldays and Mystery Creek Events Centre. “Fieldays plays a huge role in bringing rural and urban communities together. We need to keep building that connection so more New Zealanders understand the role of sustainable farming and horticulture in our future,” says Austin. “Technology is changing fast across the sector. Our job is to make sure new ideas can be seen, tried, and shared. Fieldays gives New Zealand that platform.”

Austin says his leadership style is based on inclusion and collective decision-making. “I like to work by consensus. I expect our Board to share ideas and support one another. I also bring a coaching approach to my leadership after many years working with high-performance sales teams,” he said.
He also shares that strategic planning and business development have been key parts of his career. “I enjoy turning strategy into clear action. That will be important as we continue to shape Fieldays and look at new opportunities for Mystery Creek,” he said. Austin says his first focus will be ensuring a strong Fieldays 2026, followed by work on future events and long-term site infrastructure to see us well into the future.

The Society acknowledges outgoing President Jenni Vernon, who has served in the role for the past three years and now steps into the Immediate Past President position. Austin’s appointment has also provided the opportunity for nominated member Sam Williams to join the Board.
Chief Executive Richard Lindroos says the Board is well placed for the year ahead.

“Graeme brings a strong understanding of the sector and a clear commitment to the work of the Society. He understands the importance of Fieldays as a national asset for New Zealand and is focused on the opportunities ahead. We look forward to working with him in his new role,” says Lindroos.

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society Board for 2026 is:
President: Graeme Austin
Vice President: Tim Hale
Immediate Past President: Jenni Vernon
Board members: Jo Finer, Clinton Gulliver, Harmen Heesen, Lynette Pearks and Sam Williams.