National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation at Fieldays in Waikato in June 2024. Photo: RNZ/Monique Steele
The chief executive of the organisation behind the southern hemisphere's largest agricultural event, Peter Nation, is stepping down from the helm later this year.
Nation has worked in and around the New Zealand National Fieldays Society for nearly 30 years, before being appointed to chief executive in 2016.
The society owned iconic agricultural event Fieldays and operated the Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton in Waikato.
"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," Nation said.
"I have loved every minute of this high-profile role."
National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation, left, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay opened the Fieldays event at Mystery Creek near Hamilton in June 2024. Photo: SUPPLIED/Fieldays
But he said it was time to step aside.
"I have made the decision to step aside so I can pursue more personal interests and time with family."
He said navigating events and business upheaval during the "turbulent pandemic times" would go down as one of his highlights in the role.
Society board chairperson Jenni Vernon said Nation had set a solid foundation for the society's next phase.
"It has been my pleasure to be chair in Peter's tenure as CEO and whilst 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 underpins the society's place on the world stage."
Nation will see out the year before finishing up on 20 December following the society's annual awards ceremony.