Plenty of sheep thrills at ball

More than 250 fancy dressed guests kicked up their heels in CHB on Saturday night as they partied the night away in Waipukurau.

"Drenched" with a shot of liqueur on arrival, guests at the Mutton Dressed as Lamb Ball went all-out to celebrate the Central Hawke's Bay Lamb Country Festival in conjunction with the Real New Zealand showcase.

CHB Promotions tourism marketing manager Christine Shanahan said hay bales, grass, shearing equipment and 400 daffodils were just some of the decorations used to transform the AW Parsons Stadium into a temporary woolshed. .

Hostess Wendy Petrie also got into the spirit of things. Dressed in sequins, fishnets and leopard print she took on the persona of Sheila - the epitome of mutton dressed as lamb.

Cover band Stolen Records played a mix of classic hits for the ball, held to give Rugby World Cup visitors a real Kiwi experience.

On Saturday, teams lined Waipukurau's main street and got hot and heavy for the annual Lamb Chilli Cook-Off.

Locals gathered in team fancy dress and sold their fare to raise funds for a nominated charity.

Ms Shanahan was delighted with the event. "It's events like these that help support the retail sector of New Zealand small towns."