Diane Sharpe’s enthusiasm for Fieldays has not been blunted even after 35 years.
Diane Sharpe, right, volunteering at Fieldays last year with Jacquie Wellington. Photo: Stephen Barker
While Fieldays is calling for volunteer, organisers need not send an invitation to Diane – she will be there, yet again.
“It’s nice being part of Fieldays because everybody gets to know one another, when we come together once a year, and I’ve felt as though I’ve been doing some good.”
Diane is no stranger to public service and was a served on the Waipā District councillor for almost 30 years.
However, her involvement with Fieldays dates back even further, since the event moved from Te Rapa in Hamilton to Rukuhia in 1970.
She began by helping to “feed the troops” at what would become New Zealand’s largest agricultural event.
“I was with Rural Woman NZ – we made all the pies and sandwiches to feed the volunteers,” she said.
“When the event grew too big, about 10 years ago, Rural Women stopped doing the catering. Since then, I’ve been selling programmes and helped as an on-site liaison, making sure all the exhibitors are happy with their sites.”
Prior to retiring and moving to Leamington’s Lauriston Park, Diane was a dairy farmer at a property on Sharpe Road, Rukuhia.
More than 150 people are still needed for next month’s event at Mystery Creek Events Centre. Volunteers remain vital, said Taryn Storey from the NZ National Fieldays Society.
“Fieldays was started by volunteers in 1969 and they are part of the fabric of the event,” she said.
“Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to not only contribute to a world-class event but also gain valuable experience and make lifelong connections.”
