The Whangārei A&P Show site at Barge Park starts getting busy early, with punters expected to flock again to the show on Saturday.
The Whangārei A&P Show site at Barge Park starts getting busy early, with punters expected to flock again to the show on Saturday.
Northland’s proud agricultural heritage – and its links to the kauri tree – will be in focus of this year’s Whangārei A&P Show.
The popular event is on Saturday at Barge Park from 9am to 4.30pm.
Thousands are expected to descend on the park to enjoy the one-day show’s manystalls, farming accessories, entertainment and fun for all the family.
This year’s theme, “Farming Boots & Kauri Roots”, celebrates Northland’s rich agricultural heritage and the iconic kauri tree.
At the show’s heart will be the Kauri Collaboration Zone, where visitors can explore interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences, microscope stations, and educational displays on protecting the trees from Kauri dieback disease.
Partner organisations supporting the initiative include Ngāti Wai, Te Roroa, Ngāti Hine, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation and several kauri advocacy groups.
Visitors will learn practical steps, such as cleaning boots after walking, hiking, or farming, to help preserve these treasured trees.
Gavin Clapperton from Kauriology will present a seminar on joining the fight against kauri dieback at lunchtime in the Fresha Valley Suzie Moo Tent.
He will share insights on the latest research and practical actions everyone can take to protect Northland kauri forests.
Kids and their pets are popular features of the annual Whangārei A&P Show, which is on again this weekend.
Other highlights include kauri gum polishing workshops run by Whangārei Rock and Gemstone Club, a vintage kauri machinery and related memorabilia display, and live woodturning demonstrations by Northland Woodturners and Woodwork Club.
Northland Vintage Machinery Club will also have displays of bulldozers with bush rigs fitted to showcase how kauri was harvested in the 1940s.
To navigate the Kauri Show features, painted boots on the ground can be followed to help show-goers find their way to the Kauri Collaboration Zone.
The ties between farming and the kauri industry in Northland – “Farming Boots & Kauri Roots” – will be the theme of Saturday’s Whangārei A&P Show.
Northland Regional Council will have a stand laden with information about pest animals, Predator Free Northland, weeds, biodiversity, and the Wild Deer Free Programme, along with updates on biosecurity threats such as exotic marine pest caulerpa and the yellow-legged hornet.
Family-friendly activities include colouring and predator-free games, and staff will be available to answer questions.
Northland Regional Council’s CityLink buses will be free all day. There are two free shuttle buses that will run from Rose St to the show.
The shuttles will run continuously from 8.40am to 4.15pm on Saturday.
There’ll be plenty of family-friendly activities – and lots of fun for the kids – at Saturday’s Whangārei A&P Show at Barge Park.
Dancers entertain the crowds at last year’s Whangārei A&P Show, part of the wide range of entertainment at the show.
MetService is forecasting all-day sun on Saturday, with a high of 26C, so SunSmart measures will be the order of the day – slip, slop, slap and wrap.
For more information on the show, including ticket prices, the full programme and attraction and entertainment details, visit www.whangareishow.co.nz.
