Editorial: Show just kind of boost Bay needs

Andrew Austin says the show seems to be bigger than last year. Photo / File

I popped down to Farmlands Horse of the Year at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds in Hastings yesterday and I am glad I did.

In the three years I have been in Hawke's Bay, I have enjoyed going to Horse of the Year annually and am always amazed at how popular it is.

I was a little worried earlier this week that the remnants of Cyclone Pam would make the first few days a bit wet, but it was good to see the sun out yesterday and I think we are in for a good weekend of action.

By my informal calculations, the show seems to be bigger than last year, with more stalls and more people for this stage in the show.

I also bumped into Andrew and Kevin Hansen yesterday and had a quick chat to Andrew.

What impressed me was the professional manner in which they were still carrying on with the show, despite their not bidding for the event management contract for next year after the HOY board put it out for tender.

They are going to be missed but at this stage they are simply getting on with the show. Which is good, because the Horse of the Year Show is a fantastic showcase for our region.

What is also fantastic for our region is when companies make a commitment here and invest in our local economy.

This week, the Havelock North Fruit Company opened its new 2500sq m facility in the village. The company had the processing facility built to meet global demand for its Rockit apples, which are marketed in a clear plastic tube and exported to several countries.

The special guest at the event, which unfortunately I was unable to attend, was Economic Development Minister Stephen Joyce and the attention this facility has received is all worth it.

The more events like Horse of the Year and the more openings of Rockit-like facilities we can have in the Bay, the better.