Telecom signs on to fund Fieldays' internet strategy

Telecom has signed a million-dollar deal to fund an internet strategy for the national agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek.

The three-year deal will see Telecom become a major sponsor of the expo, with ANZ Rural.

The annual trade show for farmers has been running since 1969, and this year will be held over four days from June 11, under the theme "e-farming".

Fieldays chief executive Barry Quayle said the internet deal would help the event to maintain its position as the pre-eminent agricultural showcase in the country.

More than 100,000 people regularly attend the event and last year it won the conventions and event category at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Telecom chief operating officer Simon Moulter said the "virtual Fieldays" plan would also allow the company to show off its latest technology.