She was a reluctant entrant but one year as Te Puke's senior kiwifruit queen has put many smiles on Joy Hughes' face. The 87-year-old hands in her crown when a new queen is selected at this year's Te Puke Kiwifruit Festival. The festival started yesterday with an art exhibition and tomorrowthe first of the town's contests gets under way. "Of all the things I've had to do I think I enjoyed my last engagement the most," Mrs Hughes said. On Wednesday she was invited to Papamoa Kindergarten to present Olympic-style medals to 45 youngsters. "I had to give them each a medal and tell them each how good they have been. One asked me where my king was and I said he was at home. He said he would be my king for the day. "I've cut a few cakes and uncovered some plaques. I've really enjoyed my year; it's been interesting. "I'll be sorry to be out of that position." Mrs Hughes will be helping to judge this year's contest, which takes place on Sunday at The Orchard. She said when asked last year to enter she was very reluctant. "Then I thought it would be fun. They called out second runnerup and then first runnerup. "Then they called out my name and I couldn't believe it. I was a bit apprehensive at the start." Her first engagement was at the Kiwifruit Festival Ball, where she said she "had a ball". On Sunday, Mrs Hughes will be looking for a successor who can do Te Puke proud. "Someone who presents themselves well and who I feel could be capable of public speaking. A kind of relaxed person. It's hard to say really." She said whoever was chosen should take the opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves. And despite last year not being asked if she liked kiwifruit Mrs Hughes said she loved them. "I prefer the gold one. I eat them straight although I've made jam with them and added a bit of raspberry essence." And when Sunday comes and it's time to hand back the title Mrs Hughes said she would be glad to revert back to her normal life. "People won't be ringing me up all the time to see if I'm free."
