Among the most passionate participants in the Fieldays Tractor Pull is Ōhaupō farmer Daniel Reymer who is part of a family with a long-time involvement.
Tractor pull in 1975
What began as a modest contest in 1975 with two-wheel drive tractors and manual gearboxes has become one of Fieldays’ most beloved attractions, drawing crowds to catch the competition riverside.
For Reymer, Tractor Pull is more than a sport – it’s a family tradition.
His father and uncles were among the early competitors in the 80s and 90s, and the Ōhaupō -based Reymer family has remained a driving force behind the event for decades.
His father Stephen claimed victory in the late 1980s, and three Reymer brothers once famously swept the podium, taking home first, second, and third place.
Andrew, Stephen and Bill Reymer
“These were two-wheel-drive tractors, some without cabs — it was a very different set of rules back then,” Daniel says, reflecting on how the sport has evolved.
He has been involved since before he could legally drive, helping behind the scenes at local events.
“As soon as I had my licence at 16, I entered as a competitor, and I’ve been competing ever since. I’m always trying to win it,” he says.
“A lot of it comes down to luck and having the right setup on the day.”
Stephen remains a committed volunteer, still helping out on the track by hooking up chains and lending a hand wherever needed.
“It’s great to see so many familiar faces still involved,” Daniel says.
“A lot of them keep coming back year after year.”
“The modified tractors are always a crowd favourite,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society Venue Operations Manager Marie Rechner, who has helped coordinate the event for the past six years.
Daniel Reymer, second left, receives the certificate last year from Fieldays’ Jenni Vernon, with sponsors Graeme Austin from Corson Maize, left and Giltrap AgriZone’s Andew Gilbert. Photo: Stephen Barker.
