It's like the Field Days but with a twist – it's the first of its kind and its being held right here in the Bay of Plenty.

Introducing the Bay of Plenty Rural Lifestyle Expo! Hosted at the Te Puke Showgrounds, the expo is this weekend March 4-5 and there'll be something for everyone.

'It's our version of the Field Days but we've got a little bit of a twist… there's a difference because it's all about the rural lifestyle,” says event organiser Ernie Stewart.

This two-day event won't just be about agriculture. There will be everything from tents, motorhomes, trucks, canoes and kayaks, EVs and E-Bikes, and boats on show, as well as gardening, outdoor action and agricultural equipment on offer.

Something local

Pondering during the pandemic, Ernie says he wanted to bring something different to the Bay of Plenty region.

'The reason why I came up with it is because when Covid-19 first hit and the Field Days were cancelled, there was a bit of talk around people that I knew in the agricultural industry about thinking while why can't we do something of our own here in the Bay and keep it a bit more local.”

And there you have it! 'It's our version of the Field Days but we've got a little bit of a twist there's a difference where because it's all about the rural lifestyle.”

Celebrity-style kai

It wouldn't be an expo without food either, where there'll be plenty of food trucks and stalls offering up scrummy meals and snacks. Celebrity Chef and the original winner of MasterChef New Zealand, Brett McGregor, will be cooking up a storm as the expo's special guest. Ernie is a fan of Brett's kitchen know-how and flare.

'He's really clear with what he's doing, how he's doing it and passionate about what he does as well.”

Sending delicious scents of tasty kai through the show grounds, Brett will be cooking using only a barbecue and fresh, locally-sourced produce. And of course, there'll be taste testing too so you'll get to experience MasterChef quality morsels!

Tractors and fun

Among all the exciting toys on show, Ernie will be keeping his eye out for John Deere tractors. As a mechanic who has worked on agricultural and diesel equipment for 45 years, Ernie has grown an appreciation for these trusty machines.

'I like working on them because they're easy to work on and a good machine.” There will also by tractors by Massey Ferguson, McCormick, and Power Farming at the expo too.

And if that doesn't entertain you, then there's plenty of fun and family activities to enjoy including a bouncy castle and animal displays!

'I'm just looking forward to people and families coming along and having a good day out.” Get along this Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5 at the Te Puke Showgrounds and explore this rural living wonderland.