Peter Nation steps down as chief executive of New Zealand National Fieldays Society

New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation is stepping down. Photo / Stephen Barker
Chief executive Peter Nation has announced he is stepping down from the helm of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society finishing up on December 20.
The society is the owners and operators of the 114ha of Mystery Creek Events Centre and the iconic Fieldays event.
“I have made the decision to step aside so I can pursue more personal interests and time with family. I feel I am leaving the society in a very stable position with a bright future ahead,” Nation said.
Nation is quick to outline that he has been “in and around society for nearly 30 years, so the time is right”, first as the major sponsor representative as the ANZ Regional Manager Rural, and the Bank’s sponsor representative, where he supported major capital investments such as the Mystery Creek Pavilion, followed by a variety of roles within the society before being appointed as chief executive in March 2016.
Although 30 years of contributions is significant, Nation says it’s been a privilege and one not without its challenges.
“There is no escaping the weight of running an event business during turbulent pandemic times, but successfully navigating such upheaval will undoubtedly go down as one of my highlights,” Nation said.
“Transitioning from governance to a senior management leadership role in the same organisation is not for the faint-hearted.
“There are not many people who get this unique experience or opportunity to help build something that opens up a massive window across the world for New Zealand agriculture.”
Nation has received many opportunities as chief executive, both in New Zealand and across the world.
“Attending and speaking at conferences and events, hosting important international delegations, promoting agriculture and food producers while ensuring we grow New Zealand through our many activities in events,” he said.
“I have loved every minute of this high-profile role, which included leading a high-performing team, successfully staging the largest event in New Zealand annually, operating the renowned Mystery Creek Events Centre while supporting the community, youth and the many organisations that need our support. A job like this does not get much better.”
Nation said he has been blessed with very sound board and chair leadership.
“It is so important to have trust and support between the CEO and board. This success and growth are a direct result of these relationships which include leadership and wider team, including volunteers and members.
Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Peter Nation on The Country below:
“Not many people land roles like my current one, and while my career has been full of unique opportunities, this last one will be the one that will be fondly recalled in my memory.”
Society board chair Jenni Vernon said Nation had been instrumental in building enduring and trusted relationships in our community and among key stakeholders, including local and central government, all critical to the ongoing success of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural Fieldays event and the Mystery Creek Events Centre’s social licence to operate.
“It has been my pleasure to be Chair in Peter’s tenure as CEO and while change can be unsettling, Peter has set a solid foundation for the society’s next phase, having worked tirelessly to bring the organisation into the future, developing sound systems and processes that underpin the society’s place on the world stage,” Vernon said.
“Alongside the society board and membership, we sincerely thank Peter, supported by his family, for his contributions and stewardship.”
Nation will sign off for the final time at the end of the year following the Fieldays Society’s Annual Awards and celebration.