After nearly 30 years Peter Nation will finish up on December 20 this year.
Peter Nation.
Peter Nation has announced he is stepping down from the helm of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, owner and operator of the 114 hectares of Mystery Creek Events Centre and the Iconic Fieldays® event, finishing on December 20 this year.
“I have made the decision to step aside so I can pursue more personal interests and time with family. I feel that I am leaving the society in a very stable position with a bright future ahead,” Nation said.
He was quick to outline that he had been “in and around the society for nearly 30 years, so the time is right”. That time was, initially, as the major sponsor representative as 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 CEO in March 2016.
While 30 years of contributions is significant, Nation stated it had been a privilege but also 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.
“As CEO I have been given many opportunities 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.
“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.”
He went on to say: “I have [had] very sound board and chair leaderships. It is so important to have trust and support between the CEO and board. This [society’s] success and growth are a direct result of these relationships, which include leadership and the wider team, including volunteers and members.”
Society board chair, Jenni Vernon stated that Nation had been instrumental in building enduring and trusted relationships in its 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 license 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. The society board and membership sincerely thank Peter, supported by his family, for his contributions and stewardship,” she said.
Nation will sign off for the final time at the end of the year following the society’s annual awards and celebration.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
