Bumper year for Wairoa Show

AT THE ZOO: Giles (left), Isla and George Pogson of Napier enjoy some quiet time at the Wairoa A&P Show's Animal Zoo.

The rich whiff of sheep poo from the pens greeted visitors to the Wairoa A&P Show, an aromatic reminder this is New Zealand where the Show goes on.

The shearing, rodeo and equestrian competitions were the most keenly attended events while others sought shade, food, ice-creams, produce and crafts from the pavilion display and bragwall, or took their kids to side-shows such as the “animal zoo”, paintball target shooting, mini hot rods and mechanical bronco.

“A lot more people came through the gate this year than last year,” said Wairoa A&P Show Society secretary Charlotte Knight.

“The most popular events are the speed shearing and rodeo.”

Travelling the rodeo circuit with her father, Daniel Retimana of Warkworth, was teen rider Olivia Retimana who competed in the junior girls' barrel racing event on her father's quarter-horse, and clocked up her best time so far.

“This is only my second season. It's a really nice rodeo family to be with,” she said.

“I like getting out there and racing my horse. You get an adrenaline rush.”

The equestrian event was close behind in the popularity stakes. With 350 horses and 250 riders from around the North Island, this year's equestrian competition attracted a “bumper number” of entries.

In the nearby wool room, wool classer and consultant Ross Buscke prepared to retire after 30 years of service at the A&P Show while Mawa Spinning Club (Mahia/Wairoa) members restarted their involvement with the Show.

“We're trying to carry on the wool story,” said Mawa member Barbara Pryde as fellow spinner Sally Marshall spun wool from a Romney-cross fleece she had bought the day before for $10.

“They would have done this 100 years ago,” said Ms Marshall.

“It's a very ancient craft.”

Ms Marshall spun her fleece “in the grease” — wool with natural grease still in it. She planned to knit a men's jersey from it.

“It slides apart really evenly. I'll spin the wool, wash it then roll it in newly shorn fleece to absorb the lanolin and the jersey will become waterproof.”

After two days of sun, fun and big crowds the Show was suddenly over — until next summer.

“We have a bit of a break and in a couple of months time we start planning for next year.

“A lot of work goes in over the course of the year — maintenance of the grounds, yard repair and maintenance.

‘Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors and funders we'll be back next year.”