The Mystery Creek Events Centre events team is expecting the number of campers to top 18,000.

“Every year at Parachute, our team creates New Zealand’s largest temporary campground.  We are preparing our grounds for about the same number of campers we had at last year’s event, which was just short of 20,000,” says Vanessa Richmond, Events Manager.

This is the ninth year the Parachute Music Festival is being held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, just south of Hamilton. The event kicks off on Friday, 27 January and runs through 30 January.  

Ms Richmond said that preparing the Mystery Creek Events Centre grounds for the huge influx of campers involved adding to the centres unique infrastructure with additional toilet and shower facilities to meet the demand of visitors to the festival living on site for the weekend.

Last week Parachute Music announced a ‘pay what you can afford’ family pass, in an effort to boost ticket sales in light of ‘tough economic times.’  Chief Executive Officer, Jon Calder says Mystery Creek Events Centre has gone to great lengths this year to assist event organisers in making savings where possible.

“Mystery Creek Events Centre is owned and operated by the NZ National Fieldays Society, which is a not-for-profit organisation. The majority of our profits are invested back into our organisation, while some profits are used to support events held at our venue.

“Over the past 6 months, we have worked with the Parachute team to engineer costs out of the event, in addition to making a significant contribution to ensure the continued success of the festival.

The Society is focused on growing all events which is paramount to our continued success by ensuring sustainability and longevity of iconic events such as Parachute. This approach  allows us to make these concessions more easily than other venues around New Zealand,” outlines Mr Calder.

Mr Calder confirmed that Mystery Creek Events Centre has a contract through to 2013 with Parachute Music to host the mega-event and that discussions were already in progress with the organisers to extend that contract “well beyond 2013”.  Mr Calder said the event continues to have a unique fit in the marketplace, which combined with the experience of camping at Mystery Creek Events Centre, provides a unique festival atmosphere unlike any other in New Zealand.

“When you look at Parachute’s nine-year history partnering with Mystery Creek Events Centre, we have experienced some incredibly good times, hosted some fantastic events and worked with Parachute to ensure every year was better than the last. Our team are focused on delivering the best Parachute Music Festival yet,” explains Mr Calder. 

Set on Mystery Creek Event Centre’s 92 hectares of land, RetroFest intended to be a three day celebration of music and culture of the 1950s to 80s. Entertainment included; 10cc, Village People, Leo Sayer, Gerry and The Pacemakers and Hello Sailor. Regardless of the event’s offering and promotion, ticket sales remained significantly below targets; to the point where continuing the event was no longer sustainable.

The concept of RetroFest was researched 18 months prior to development in October 2010. Due diligence suggested there was a gap in the market for a music event of this type but despite positive public response, interest hadn’t translated to ticket sales.

Established 44 years ago, National Fieldays Society are renown for thriving events including the Transport & Heavy Equipment Expo, the Waikato Boat Show and one of New Zealand’s largest exhibitions; National Agricultural Fieldays. Mystery Creek Events Centre is a seasoned music event venue, hosting Parachute Music Festival since 2003, More FM Winery Tour and Shiverdown 2010.

The success of the Society’s new equine event, Equidays, which saw 12,000 attend in November, proves there is clear demand for more events in the region. Organisers are still committed to bringing new, Society-owned events to the region however, new events can only prosper when there is public support and it’s proven financially viable.

Chief Executive Officer, Jon Calder, says they will be using this as a learning experience to hone their offering to the market;

“The move to cancel RetroFest was a responsible business decision; we are not in the business of putting on events that aren’t fiscally responsible. We need to listen to our market and in the current economic climate where we are competing for discretionary spend across a multitude of alternatives, ticket sales were just not there.”

Calder says the Society have a robust strategic program planned for 2012;

“We have a program of key projects based around realising venue potential. There has been over $500,000 invested in improving facilities and infrastructure over the past 12 months and a significant capital investment program will devote several million into our facility in 2012”.

The NZ National Fieldays Society is a not for profit with any surpluses generated invested in further development of the events centre and facility, and used to fund significant donations to the community. This year gross contribution from hosted events at Mystery Creek Events Centre increased from 42% in 2010 to 58% of total income to the Society. This was an encouraging result, given the challenging period for events in the region.

Last week representatives of Gerry and The Pacemakers advised the cancellation of his Australian tour, including his only New Zealand appearance at RetroFest.

National Fieldays Society is grateful to those who supported RetroFest and purchased tickets. All buyers will be refunded the full ticket price.

For ticket enquiries contact Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538).

For event enquiries contact Mystery Creek Event Centre on info@mysterycreek.co.nz or 07 843 4497.

The inaugural Equidays held 18 to 20 November 2011, surpassed organiser’s expectations with 12,619 attending over the three day equine exhibition. Equidays purpose is to showcase all sectors of the industry and offer educational clinics with their range of renowned international and local clinicians. The 2011 event featured clinics from 30 top trainers and riders including; David & Karen O’Connor, Jan Ebeling, Josh Lyons, Andrew McLean, Double Dan Horsemanship, Ian Francis, Jackie Chant, Dr. Andrew McLean, Jody Hartstone and Vaughn Jefferis.

Feedback from the visitor and exhibitor surveys showed a positive reaction to the first Equidays. The majority of exhibiting businesses were confident they would return in 2012 and the demand for sites from new exhibitors has been encouraging. Equidays 2012 Prospectus will be available online mid February, to register interest email info@equidays.co.nz .

Events Manager, Vanessa Richmond, is eager to build on the success of the first event;

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from our inaugural event and are looking forward to bringing another remarkable equine showcase to the region in 2012. Our team is focused on continuous improvement and we are already working through the valuable feedback we’ve received from the industry to develop an even better Equidays for 2012.”

All sectors of the equine industry have equal opportunity to be involved with Equidays. The infrastructure and facilities at Mystery Creek Events Centre can cater for a variety of arenas and discipline activities. The Equidays site map is being redrafted for 2012 to meet the demand for increased space from returning and new disciplines to the event.

Equidays is developed by not for profit, National Fieldays Society, owners of Mystery Creek Events Centre. Special thanks to 2011 Equidays sponsors; University of Waikato, Cambridge Stud, Ebbett Prestige, Classic Hits, ANZ, Hy Gain Feeds, Waipa District Council, Tip Top, Equine Trader and SBI Productions and the Total Presentations Solutions Group. Equidays will return 2 to 4 November 2012. Tickets on sale in June from www.equidays.co.nz/tickets

Vanessa Richmond, Events Manager believes, “Equidays 2011 marks the first of many successful events. The number of visitors we have seen through the gate indicates that we have hit our mark with Equidays becoming a staple event on the equine calendar.”

Exhibitor expectations have also been surpassed with many exhibitors underestimating the volume of product they would sell, having to replenish stocks and exceeding sales targets on the very first day of the three day event. 

Equidays aim is to be an educational showcase of the entire sector. Visitors were impressed with the calibre of the international and local clinician line-up, gaining valuable knowledge and new skills relating to any horse discipline. A highlight of the event for many visitors was The Three Horsemen. Ben Longwell, Dan Steers and Scott O’Malley were each given an unbroken horse in which they had to try to get under saddle. Each horse had a different issue and the crowds have found great value in watching and learning about their assorted techniques. 

The Equidays Night Show’s were another high point of the event with visitors enthusiastically attending each show. ‘A Touch of the Classics’, focused on the dressage and jumping and was attended by those who appreciate the proficiency associated with the disciplines. The ‘Heroes of Horsemanship’ was an entertaining showcase with whip cracking, roman riding and relay races; all utilising natural horsemanship methods.

The infrastructure and facilities at Mystery Creek Events Centre made the venue the perfect location for Equidays. The Cambridge Stud Equestrian Performance Arena measuring 70m x 40m impressed the international trainers and riders with the sheer size and surface quality of the arena. Surface supplier, Onsite Development Solutions owner Roger Baldwin was pleased with the results; “We are proud to have been involved in the construction of Equidays indoor arena using the latest laser levelling technology to achieve a consistent even and level depth in the arena.” 

The team at Mystery Creek Events Centre are highly skilled in developing and delivering large multiday events of all types. Equidays was no exception as the team delivered a world class horse event to the nation.

Full line up of clinicians; David & Karen O’Connor, Jan Ebeling, Josh Lyons, Andrew McLean, Double Dan Horsemanship, Ian Francis, Jackie Chant, Peggy Cummings, Tim Featherstone, Andrew McLean, Vaughn Jefferis, Grant Mackie, Kate Southcombe, Jacque Williams, The Three Horsemen – Scott O’Malley, Ben Longwell, Dan James, Andrea Raves, Jody Hartstone, Travis Morgan, Andrew Scott, Dressage NZ, Leigh Taylor, Maxine Te Moananui, National Saddle Fitting and Thorsten Kaiser.

Equidays is developed by not for profit, National Fieldays Society, owners of Mystery Creek Events Centre. Special thanks to Equidays sponsors; University of Waikato, Cambridge Stud, Ebbett Prestige, Classic Hits, ANZ, Hy Gain Feeds, Waipa District Council, Tip Top, Equine Trader and SBI Productions and the Total Presentations Solutions Group.

Over the next three days Equidays visitors will see some of the world’s best trainers and riders in action including; Tennessee based Josh Lyons, dressage maestro Jan Ebeling, master horseman Ian Francis, equine behaviourist Dr. Andrew McLean and Olympic medallists David & Karen O’Connor. For most international clinicians, the trip to Equidays will mark their very first visit to New Zealand.

Being a horse and action based event, Mystery Creek Events Centre’s 92 hectare property required unique infrastructure; including creation of 14 demonstration areas and arenas. Well known Fieldays landmark; the Tractor Pull area, has transformed into a specialised 60m x 30m Western Arena, which will be home to Equidays NZ Cutting Horse and NZ Reining Association competitions. Mystery Creek Pavilion’s indoor ‘Cambridge Stud Equestrian Performance’ arena, measuring 70m x 40m and housing 450m3 of sand, took two weeks to develop. The impressive ring was jump tested by third time Olympic Cup winner, Katie McVean and horse Dunstan Zasjany with great results.

Equidays Fast Facts
• 30 top clinicians & trainers
• 250 participants & riders
• 300 horses
• 100 volunteers – ‘Hy Gain Helpers’
• 500m2 arena sand
• 700m arena fencing
• 2.5km security fencing
• 14 demonstration areas & arenas
• 17 disciplines
• 55 NZ Pony Club campers
• 40 Mystery Creek Events Centre staff
• 120 participants camping on site

Full line up of clinicians; David & Karen O’Connor, Jan Ebeling, Josh Lyons, Andrew McLean, Double Dan Horsemanship, Ian Francis, Jackie Chant, Peggy Cummings, Tim Featherstone, Dr. Andrew McLean, Vaughn Jefferis, Grant Mackie, Kate Southcombe, Jacque Williams, The Three Horsemen – Scott O’Malley, Ben Longwell, Dan James, Andrea Raves, Jody Hartstone, Travis Morgan, Andrew Scott, Dressage NZ, Leigh Taylor, Maxine Te Moananui, National Saddle Fitting and Thorsten Kaiser.

Equidays is developed by not for profit, National Fieldays Society, owners of Mystery Creek Events Centre. Special thanks to Equidays sponsors; University of Waikato, Cambridge Stud, Ebbett Prestige, Classic Hits, ANZ, Hy Gain Feeds, Waipa District Council, Tip Top, Equine Trader and SBI Productions and the Total Presentations Solutions Group.

Equidays will be held this Friday to Sunday, 18 to 20 November, 2011 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton. Buy tickets online at www.equidays.co.nz or at the gate during the event. A portion of Equidays gate sales directly benefit event charity benefactors; Riding for the Disabled and SPCA Horse Welfare.

Mystery Creek Events Centre will hold the first ever Equidays this Friday to Sunday. Held in Hamilton 18 to 20 November, Equidays will be a national showcase of the equine industry. The three day event has a significant representation of disciplines and over 30 riders and trainers including renown internationals; David & Karen O’Connor, Jan Ebeling, Josh Lyons, Andrew McLean, Double Dan Horsemanship and Ian Francis.

Although the calibre of experts on display are tailored to riders, owners and staunch enthusiasts, Equidays is also designed to appeal to general public who appreciate horses, are new to equine or want to learn more about the industry. The first event of its kind in New Zealand, two elements that differentiate Equidays from other equine events are a focus on education and value for money. Organisers have secured top clinicians to share their knowledge, yet kept it affordable. Event entry including the full programme of day clinics is included in the $25 Adult day entry fee ($65 all three days).

Equidays will also host two impressive indoor night shows in Mystery Creek Pavilion’s ‘Cambridge Stud Equestrian Performance Arena’. Friday’s show ‘A touch of the Classics’ will follow a classical discipline format. Olympic medallists and eventing legends; David and Karen O’Connor with dressage rider and trainer, Jan Ebeling will headline followed by accomplished equine behaviourist, Dr. Andrew McLean with rider Jody Hartstone.

Saturday’s night show titled ‘Heroes of Horsemanship’ will feature one of the world’s best trainers fresh from Kentucky; Josh Lyons of Lyons Legacy. Australian master horseman, Ian Francis and Australian based, Double Dan Horsemanship, will present an impressive example of the craft. Saturday will also include New Zealand’s only 4 star Parelli instructors; Jackie Chant and Russell Higgins, along with Equidays trio ‘The Three Horsemen’ – Ben Longwell, Scott O’Malley and Dan Steers.

Organisers have worked hard to ensure Equidays features a good balance of all disciplines with a healthy line up of clinicians, activities and demonstrations. New Zealand’s equine experts were quick to support Equidays and will host a variety of clinics covering; dressage, eventing, show jumping, show hunter, horsemanship, western, stable management, veterinary clinics, feed and nutrition.

Full line up of clinicians; David & Karen O’Connor, Jan Ebeling, Josh Lyons, Andrew McLean, Double Dan Horsemanship, Ian Francis, Jackie Chant, Peggy Cummings, Kate Hewlett and Tim Featherstone, Andrew McLean, Vaughn Jefferis, Grant Mackie, Jacque Williams, The Three Horsemen – Scott O’Malley, Ben Longwell, Dan James, Andrea Raves, Jody Hartstone, Travis Morgan, Andrew Scott, Dressage NZ, Kate Southcombe, Leigh Taylor, Maxine Te Moananui, National Saddle Fitting and Thorsten Kaiser.

Equidays is developed by not for profit, National Fieldays Society, owners of Mystery Creek Events Centre. Special thanks to Equidays sponsors; University of Waikato, Cambridge Stud, Ebbett Prestige, Classic Hits, ANZ, Hygain Feeds, Waipa District Council, Tip Top, Equine Trader and SBI Productions and the Total Presentations Solutions Group.

Equidays will be held this Friday to Sunday, 18 to 20 November, 2011 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton. Buy tickets online at www.equidays.co.nz or at the gate during the event. A portion of Equidays gate sales directly benefit event charity benefactors; Riding for the Disabled and SPCA Horse Welfare.

Calder has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of National Fieldays Society, founders of Mystery Creek Events Centre. Calder will replace event veteran, Barry Quayle, who departed Mystery Creek Events Centre last week after 20 years at the helm.

With over 50 candidates vying for the position; Calder’s experience, strong leadership and business development background set him apart. Credentials include over a decade with Air New Zealand and more recently General Manager Central Region with New Zealand's largest public transport operator, NZ Bus. Calder also holds an MBA and Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from the University of Waikato.

Calder will join the team from 9 January 2012. National Fieldays Society President, Lloyd Downing, has great expectations of the appointment;

“We’re pleased to have Jon on board, there are many challenges and opportunities ahead and I’m confident he can lead Mystery Creek Events Centre through any difficult times and well onto the next level”.

Calder’s key responsibilities include leading a team of 35 event staff, strategic planning and development and the essential conduit between staff and board. Established 45 years ago, not for profit National Fieldays Society is governed by a board of 13 directors volunteering their time including; President Lloyd Downing, Vice President John Gallagher, Warwick Roberts, Tony Begbie, Murray Bindon, Harmen Heesen, Immediate Past President Dr. Jack Parle, Doug Baldwin, Dr. Jenny Cave, Peter Numan, Stephen Hoffman, Chris Hughes and Peter Nation.

Mystery Creek Events Centre hosts a range of events on its 92 hectare property just 10 minutes from Hamilton and Cambridge. Well known for flagship event, New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, Mystery Creek Events Centre host and own a range of major functions and exhibitions including new equine event Equidays, launching next week, and music festival RetroFest. 

As part of their training philosophy David and Karen educate riders to think like a horse rather than react to the horse’s behaviour. David retired from competition in 2004 and is the current Canadian Events Team coach which won silver at the 2010 WEG. David is also the president of the United States Equestrian Federation. Karen has once again been named to the USEF High Performance List for 2011 and continues to work with Capt. Mark Phillips with an eye towards the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

In recognising the diversity of the Jumping disciplines Equidays has organised an impressive programme of accomplished jumping trainers including; Andrew Scott, Leigh Taylor, Travis Morgan and Vaughn Jefferis.

Equestrian Sports NZ are right behind Equidays, Eventing Sport Manager Eliza Johns elaborates; “Eventing NZ are pleased to be involved with Equidays 2011 and are excited to have some of our Performance Squad riders participating in the clinics with David and Karen O’Connor. Former World Champion Vaughn Jefferis will be hosting Eventing demonstrations and staff will be on hand at our trade site to answer any questions visitors have about becoming involved with the sport.”

Held 18 to 20 November at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, Equidays will also feature two indoor night shows on the Friday and Saturday evening. Hosted in the expansive Mystery Creek Pavilion, both night events are set to educate and entertain horse enthusiasts from all disciplines.

Friday’s show ‘A touch of the Classics’ will follow a classical discipline format celebrating dressage and eventing. Dressage rider and trainer, Jan Ebeling and eventing legends, David and Karen O’Connor will headline the evening. The O’Connors and Ebeling will be joined by accomplished trainer Equine Behaviourist Andrew Mclean from Australia with Jody Hartstone as Andrew’s rider on her Stallion Donnerwind. 

Saturday’s night show provides a spectacular line up of natural horsemanship greats. Titled ‘Heroes of Horsemanship’ the show will feature one of the world’s best trainers fresh from Kentucky; Josh Lyons of Lyons Legacy.  Equally impressive Australian master horseman, Ian Francis will share his award winning techniques and Australian based showstoppers, Double Dan Horsemanship, will present an impressive example of the craft mixed with clever acrobatic antics. Saturday night will also include New Zealand’s only 4 star Parelli instructors; Jackie Chant and Russell Higgins. Equidays trio ‘The Three Horsemen’ – Ben Longwell, Scott O’Malley and Dan Steers will also feature in Saturday’s showcase.

Tickets for the night shows are separate to day event entry and are on sale now. Adults $40, children aged 5 to 14 years $20, with no charge for under 5 year olds. Limited seats available, purchase tickets online today http://equidays.co.nz/tickets or at the event.

Riders and horses are sought to participate in a range of Equidays clinics held by the experts daily including Josh Lyons, Jackie Chant, Jody Hartstone, Dan James, Kate Southcombe and Three Horsemen – Ben Longwell, Scott O’Malley and Dan Steers. Applications to be involved can be submitted through http://equidays.co.nz/participate, ph 07 843 4497 or email info@equidays.co.nz .

Equidays is owned by not for profit, National Fieldays Society, who also own Mystery Creek Events Centre. Established 44 years ago with flagship event Fieldays®, the team behind Equidays are experienced event professionals whose expertise lies in developing successful large events and Equidays will be no different.

Equidays will be held 18 to 20 November, 2011 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton. Tickets are on sale now, to purchase or for further event information visit www.equidays.co.nz .

The acts, in order of the night they will appear at RetroFest, are:

Friday – Featuring 10cc and special guests Hello Sailor
Saturday – Featuring Village People, Leo Sayer
Sunday – Featuring Gerry and the Pacemakers

Mystery Creek Events Manager, Vanessa Richmond, says “having these immensely popular 60s and 70s bands confirm to headline our first annual Retrofest is a huge coup for Mystery Creek Events Centre.

“The three-day music festival is all about celebrating rock and pop culture from the 1950s to the 80s and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off than with this line-up of top performers. We’ve already had huge interest in the event and this announcement is sure to give us momentum as we begin selling tickets and announcing additional acts.”

Mystery Creek Events Centre also announced The Beat Girls will play at the event, other bands will be announced at a later date.

Vanessa Richmond said ticket holders to RetroFest will be encouraged to camp on-site for the whole weekend for just $10 per site.

“The unique thing about Mystery Creek Events Centre is that we can host huge events that cater for people who want to make a weekend out of it and camp on-site. For example, Mystery Creek has successfully hosted Parachute for the past nine years. RetroFest is a similar ‘camp and experience’ event, with mainstream content,” she explains.

Although music is the centrepiece of RetroFest, the event is not just about the sounds of the era. RetroFest will be an all-encompassing celebration of the retro culture. Activities on-site will include a roller disco, dance hall, diner, bars and arcades.

“As we continue planning, we’re encouraging the public to let us know what retro-type activities they would like to see included as part of RetroFest. What types of activities bring back memories of their childhood? People can give us their ideas and we’ll put them in the mix for consideration,” says Ms Richmond.

A Classic Cars Show’n’Shine competition is also being planned during RetroFest. Those interested in the competition are being asked to register their interest on the event website: www.retrofest.co.nz.

Performance times for all acts will be confirmed closer to the event. Tickets are on sale now online at www.retrofest.co.nz.

Ticket prices are: 3-day Adult $185, 3-day Child $160, Friday Adult $80, Friday Child $55, Saturday Adult $90, Saturday Child $65, Sunday Adult $70, Sunday Child $45. Early bird tickets are available until 31st October. Child is aged 5-14 years, no charge for children under 5.

“After helping drive growth for the business and economic benefits for the Waikato region, I feel the time is now right for me to step down,” says Quayle.

“Mystery Creek Events Centre and NZ National Fieldays Society are now well established with a healthy balance sheet as well as being home to some of New Zealand’s leading events. It’s
been a pleasure to oversee the growth of these two businesses to the stage that they are recognised internationally, and I am ready to hand the reins over to a new leader.”

Into its 44th year, National Fieldays has grown to be a significant event for New Zealand agribusiness. It is the largest exhibition of its kind in Australasia and attracts 115,000+ visitors
every year. Annually it provides in excess of $500 million in economic benefit for the country. Fieldays, along with the many other events hosted at Mystery Creek Events Centre, combine to
bring around 220,000 visitors to the region.

“I am very proud of these figures” says Quayle. “We have added significant value to the local economy. Mystery Creek Events Centre is also the only events centre in New Zealand that has
no local or central government funding.”

Lloyd Downing, Fieldays Society President, paid tribute to Quayle. “The organisation has enjoyed a strong period of growth and diversification under Barry’s leadership. It has a very
robust infrastructure, a new strategic direction and is well poised to maximise a number of new opportunities.”

Quayle is looking forward to applying his considerable event experience in the wider marketplace. “Running an efficient and successful event takes a good strategy, solid business plan and excellent delivery solutions. It’s also about knowing what will work. So I aim to apply this knowledge and experience across a variety of opportunities.”

Quayle will remain as Director of Stream EAM Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the NZ National Fieldays Society which specialises in event access management and ticketing.

Information on the Chief Executive Officer vacancy can be found here.

[ENDS]

For further media comment contact: Barry Quayle, General Manager, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton
Phone: 07 843 4497 Mobile: 027 493 1349 Email: barryq@mysterycreek.co.nz