shows retain A&P rural life role in important

A&P shows have an important role to play in bridging the growing divide between urban and rural communities, according to Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show chair Carl King.

King says the opportunity to get up close to farm animals and talk to people off the land gives city-based people the chance to break down stereotypes.

“Farmers often bear the brunt of a lot of bad publicity, especially on the environmental front,” he says.

“Whereas most of the farmers I know are heavily invested in tree planting and care deeply about the welfare of their animals.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the picture that is most often portrayed in the media, so the show is a way for people to see the other side.”

King grew up on a farm at Arapohue, in Northland, where A&P shows were a staple part of the annual calendar.

“People travelled large distances to attend shows. They were a chance to catch up with neighbours, show their animals and take part in the events. It was one of the highlights of the year. We came to the A&P show in Warkworth on many occasions, so I feel privileged to now be part of the team organising the event.

“A&P shows are part of the fabric of rural life and I would hate to ever see them disappear, which sadly is happening in some centres,” he adds.

King says the show is also an opportunity for NZ’s next generation of farmers to see what being a farmer is all about.

“For children and young people, the shows are a great introduction to the rural sector, whether you want to become a farmer or just participate in some of the rural sports such as shearing and woodchopping.”

King says the Warkworth show organisers try to walk the line between honouring the A&P traditions while still putting on a modern event that will appeal to a wide range of people.

“It’s a real challenge, but every year the programme is reviewed and refreshed as we try to get the balance right, bearing in mind that we are always constrained by financial considerations.

“This has been a double challenge following the cancellations forced on us by covid, as many of our costs are ongoing whether we have a show or not.”

King said that was why they valued the loyal support of major sponsors Wharehine, as well as Auckland Council, Northland Waste, Mason Contractors, Mason Containers, Carter’s Tyres, Absolute Scaffolding, Coresteel, Hutchinson Engineering and Rhodes for Roads. “These are some of the major sponsors, but there are many others as well.

“Without these guys, the show just wouldn’t happen.”

Warkworth will hold its show at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Saturday, March 18.

Ticket giveaway

Mahurangi Matters has two family passes to give away. If you would like to go in the draw, email editor@localmatters.co.nz with ‘A&P Warkworth’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include a daytime phone number. The winning entries will be drawn at noon on March 10.

Packed show programme

Organisers of next month’s Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show are promising a packed programme of events with something to appeal to the whole family.

The show will be held at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Saturday, March 18, with gates opening at 9am.

After the disruptions caused through the covid years, the organisers hope the show will bounce back bigger and better than ever.

There will be shearing and woodchopping throughout the day, as well as fire brigade demonstrations and miniature horse shows and events.

The children’s fun zone will once again provide free rides and entertainment. In a change from previous years, the popular indoor section will be complemented by a

Show Day market, with a variety of stalls selling craft and produce.

The entertainment line-up includes Billy Black and his Kiwi Culture Show, which takes audiences on a journey from the bush to the back paddock. The Donkey & Mule Society will also be attending and mixed breed show cattle will be present. Amazing horsemanship skills will be on display when the Mounted Games competitors take to the field and the Warkworth Museum will have a display of vintage machinery.

The trade section is back and will include a number of community and information stands.

Entry is $10 per adult, $5 for children 5-14 yrs; under five free. There is also a Family Pass for two adults and up to four children for $30. There is plenty of free parking.

Would your school, community club or organisation like to make an appearance at either the ANZAC Dawn or Civic services in Warkworth on 25th April to lay wreaths. If so please contact Chrissy Keith, email manager@ warkworthrsa.co.nz or phone 0273 109 055.

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