10 Questions: Chris Mason, A&P show success

Chris Mason talks coffee, shoes and the primary sector.

With the Whangarei Summer Show just around the corner and planned for December 5-6, the Advocate took time out to chat with Chris Mason, business development manager with the Whangarei Agricultural and Pastoral Society about her love of coffee, shoes and the primary sector.

1. Describe yourself in three words.

Friendly, caring and passionate - about New Zealand's primary sector and the opportunities it offers.

2. What is the most important advice you have ever been given?

Never put off tomorrow what you can do today - you never know what surprises tomorrow will bring.

3. What do you think is Northland's best kept secret?

The Barge Showgrounds.

4. Describe your role with the Agricultural and Pastoral Society?

I'm really fortunate that the A&P Society has a wide range of activities for me to be involved with - from the Summer Show to sponsorships for young people wanting a career in agriculture. My role is varied and the next telephone call could be about animals, property management, farming or something completely unexpected.

I can be organising a function, preparing advertising, in a meeting or out and about promoting one of the society's activities - no two days are ever the same.

5. Tell us something that most people don't know about you.

I have been to nearly every A&P Show in New Zealand - from Invercargill to Kaitaia and the Whangarei Summer Show rates as one of the best.

6. Tell us something that most people don't know about the Agricultural and Pastoral Society.

The society provides contract services for the Northland District Masonic Trust and the Whangarei District Council managing over 250 pensioner units in total. It also coordinates the Northland Ballance Farm Environment awards and sponsors 17 Northland school calf club days and Central Calf Club day.

It offers more than $10,000 each year in scholarships and through the Summer Show donates thousands of dollars to a wide range of community groups from the SPCA to the Jack Morgan Museum every year.

7. What is the best part of working with the Agricultural and Pastoral Society?

It will sound corny but it's the people. Not just the ones that you work with and come into contact with every day but all the others surrounding the many aspects of the business too. From the seniors in the pensioner housing to those related to the agricultural sector like other rural professionals, farmers, show enthusiasts and of course the many volunteers.

8. As a child, who or what did you want to be when you grew up? And why?

I wanted to be a police woman - but the rules at the time said I was too short.

9. What album is playing on your stereo/computer at the moment?

Maroon 5 - their recent concert was awesome too.

10. What is the one thing you could not live without each day?

That's a tough one - wine or coffee - or that pair of shoes I just must have.