A dedicated police recruitment stand has been a focal point at this year’s National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek, drawing significant interest from the record-breaking crowds and highlighting a strong community appetite for a career in blue.
The event, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, saw more than 132,000 people pass through its gates between June 10 and 13. Amid the showcases of agribusiness and rural innovation, the New Zealand Police stand buzzed with activity, engaging with thousands of attendees from across the country.
Hosted by the Waikato District with support from Counties Manukau and national recruitment staff, the site was designed to be an interactive and welcoming space. It featured a bespoke fleet of police vehicles, including a quad bike and an electric BMW, giving the public a modern glimpse into the resources used by the force. The stand was far from a static display, offering hands-on challenges like the jump and grip strength tests, which are part of the official physical competency requirements for new recruits.
Waikato District Recruitment Lead, Senior Sergeant Craig Bates, praised the atmosphere and the public’s enthusiastic response. He says the sunny skies and cheerful mood contributed to a highly successful four days of community engagement, with the police presence being warmly received.
A new generation of interest
The recruitment effort yielded impressive results, with more than 50 people completing formal expressions of interest on-site. Many others left with crucial information and links to begin the application process online. The stand attracted a diverse crowd, including hundreds of daily visitors from as far away as Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, alongside strong local interest from the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki.
Everyone was positive and there were a lot of laughs and smiles on people’s faces.
Senior Sergeant Bates says the staff's approach was key to the stand's success. “All of our staff at the stand did an outstanding job,” he says. “They were engaging and professional in a way that entertained the crowds. It wouldn’t have worked so well without them.”
He noted the significant number of families who visited, highlighting the long-term benefits of such positive interactions. “These sorts of events help us to connect with the community and encourage the next generation to consider a career with Police when they grow up,” Bates says. This community-focused approach aligns with broader police strategies to build trust and make the force more accessible to the public, an important aspect of modern policing in New Zealand.
'The welcome we received ensures we will be back'
The success of the initiative has already been recognised by Police leadership. Police Recruitment Director Kate Milburn says the turnout and engagement exceeded all expectations. The event provided a unique platform to promote the benefits of a policing career to a large and receptive audience.
“We were really excited about the opportunity to run a recruitment activation at Fieldays to promote the benefits of a career in policing to an engaged and engaging crowd, and the welcome we received ensures that we will be back!” Milburn says. This confirmation signals a continued police recruitment presence at future Fieldays, cementing it as a key event in their annual outreach calendar, similar to other major community celebrations in Hamilton.
The physical recruitment drive was amplified by a significant online presence. Social media content showcasing the police activities at Fieldays achieved over 700,000 post impressions, extending the reach of recruitment messaging far beyond the Mystery Creek event site. Even a costumed Batman made an appearance, walking the beat alongside Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park and Inspector Andrew Mortimore, adding a light-hearted touch to the serious business of crime prevention and visibility.
For those considering a career, the New Zealand Police have a comprehensive recruitment website detailing the application process, requirements, and various roles available within the force. The physical standards, such as the grip strength and jump tests demonstrated at Fieldays, are a mandatory part of this process.
High visibility and public safety
Beyond the recruitment focus, a strong police contingent was active across the entire Fieldays venue to ensure public safety. Waikato West Prevention Teams, road policing staff, and diplomatic protection officers maintained a high-visibility presence throughout the four-day event.
Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore says the operational side of the event ran smoothly, with staffing levels proving more than adequate for the large crowds. “We received really positive feedback from both the public and Fieldays staff about Police’s presence at the event," he says. "With such large crowd numbers, the numbers of staff worked well to allow us to respond to any eventuation.” This proactive approach to managing a major event ensures a safe environment for all attendees, much like the logistical planning required for local infrastructure projects, such as the Auckland business expo expansion.
In a collaborative effort, Impairment Prevention Teams also worked alongside partners from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) at a dedicated road safety display. This joint initiative aimed to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, a critical message during an event that draws tens of thousands of vehicles to the region. The collaboration underscores a multi-agency approach to public safety, a theme also seen in the development of other regional professional services, including the effort to address the regional doctor shortage.
As Fieldays concluded, the feedback affirmed the success of the police strategy. The combination of recruitment, community engagement, and a robust operational presence not only contributed to a safe and enjoyable event but also built a strong foundation for attracting the next cohort of officers to serve communities across New Zealand. The police have confirmed they will return for next year's event.
