There will be no romantic confessions or catwalks, but the seven young farmers arriving in Whangarei are not after the title of Bachelor of the Year.
After an eight-year absence, the National Bank Young Farmer of the Year competition returns to Whangarei for three days starting on Thursday and ending with a televised final on Saturday night.
The event is expected to bring benefits to the region. "The media coverage, tourism and the financial benefit - they're all important," said grand final organiser Wayne Linton. Tourism is a major part of the Northland economy and Mr Linton is expecting an extra 400 people to arrive this week just for the competition. Ticket sales for the final evening have been steady - more than 550 out of 700 have been sold. "I'd love a full house," Mr Linton said.
Destination Northland manager Robyn Bolton said that with school holidays on, some visitors would hopefully stay extra days. Competition organisers had made a video showcasing Northland to screen throughout the final, and that exposure in the tourism off-season was invaluable, she said.
Murray White, of the Continental Motel in Kamo, said most Whangarei motels were fully booked. "On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I don't think you'll be able to move around town without being surrounded by young farmers," he said. When the competition was held in Ashburton a few years ago, the economic benefit to the community there was about $750,000, mostly from tourism, but also from using local goods and services in the contest. "We're using local caterers, local hireage and the liquor is being sourced locally," he said.
Enterprise Northland chief executive Brian Roberts expected the Whangarei economy to benefit by $250,000 from basic living costs such as accommodation and food.
Mr Linton said this year's contest would focus more on entertainment. It needed to stay modern to be competitive. "We're trying to make it as visual as possible, and have lots of action so people can actually see things happening."
Highlights
* Wednesday July 13: Mayoral welcome, powhiri, duck penning, sheep hairstyling and mini-agrisports for the children at Laurie Hall Park, Whangarei.
* Friday July 15: Practical challenge and AgriSports race, Barge Showgrounds. AgriKids event at 1.30-2.30pm.
* Saturday 16 July: From 4.15pm - televised question and answer session at Kensington Stadium. Tickets still available at $55 for the evening, including dinner and ball.
Call 0800-934-726 for more information.
Farmers in town for grand final
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