All go at the Royal A&P Show

PGG Wrightson's Brian McKinnel and Redshaw Livestock's Will Maxwell judge the new season section of the Export Lamb Hoof Competition at the Royal Show of New Zealand. Photo/Duncan Brown

The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand got officially under way yesterday with the Export Lamb Hoof Competition judging.

Entries were similar to last year with 10 entered in the new season class and 10 in the old season class.

Rebecca McNutt, from Progressive Meats, was pleased with the feedback from judges, Will Maxwell and Brian McKinnel, and was looking forward to seeing the final results.

"They said there were some good-looking lambs entered this year with some consistent sizing which was good."

The sheep were off to be processed with the final results released on Thursday at the show at 4pm.

Meanwhile the hospitality side of things was also starting to ramp up with the makeup of the marquees just about there ahead of the public days on Thursday and Friday.

Hawke's Bay A and P Society general manager Brent Linn said that as part of the show's revamp they wanted to create a reason for people from all walks of life to come to the show.

"We wanted to create a social experience so it wasn't just about the animal competitions, buying a tractor or watching a horse jump."

For the first time a "Brewery Lane" and "Vintners Valley" had been created for the over-18s as organisers recognised a large demographic who did not previously have a reason to come.

"People would come until they were about 15 then drop off until they had a family so we have created this area with local craft beers, wines, and entertainment for that demographic."

For the rural sector instead of businesses just offering their products they will be using the show as an opportunity for relationship building through a more social experience.

Mr Linn said PGG Wrightson was having a marquee on the entertainment ring offering clientele a bite to eat while Farmers Transport and Stephenson Transport are undertaking functions in the cattle arena.

The Farmlands Corporate Lounge will host a series of breakfasts, lunches and evening functions with about 500 people expected over the two days.

Members will also relish this strong emphasis on social experience with the members' lounge now situated in the "heart of the show".

From the lounge people will be able to watch everything from the Thursday night entertainment to the terrier racing and showjumping.

"It should be a great hit with the members so they can buy a drink, sit down in the sun under an umbrella and watch the action."

The Waikoko Gardens will also be available for members to have a car boot-style picnic.

"The Hits Show Spectacular" starts on Thursday night at 6.30pm featuring an entertaining lineup and "Mahons Moonlight Madness" runs until 10pm.

"We hope this year we have built a compelling reason for all kinds of people to see Hawke's Bay on show," Mr Linn said.

For more information and the programme visit: showgroundshb.co.nz/hawkes-bay-on-show.php. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or from either the Hastings and Napier iSites. The show is open on both Thursday and Friday from 8.30am.