The Rural Industry Leaders dinner is moving into the arena at Fieldays and is capped at 800 people, up from 620 last year, founder Mike Green says. The group is also exploring South Island opportunities.

“We’re struggling to hold it at 800,” he says.

Businesses now come in as event partners at $15,000 or more.

The group is setting up a charitable trust with Rural Support as the beneficiary, whereby funds must be used within the year.

“If it goes into a bank account, it’s not changing or connecting with the community and strengthening community.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.