A&P Shows have been a time-honoured feature of New Zealand rural life for decades.
But organisers of the Te Puke show are proving that doesn’t mean they don’t change and adapt.
This year’s show, set for early next month, will be the 119th and the organising committee continues to provide something fresh each time it is held.
A new competition for heavy horses and tree climbing demonstrations are among the new attractions in 2025.
A&P Society secretary Kim Cawte said introducing new attractions keeps the community involved in the show and keeps things fresh for those who attend.
“And when you do different things – variety is the spice of life,” she said.
The new events are just a small part of the day of entertainment.
Livestock, of course, provides the mainstay of any show and this year that won’t be any different.
The dairy calf and cattle section includes all breed dairy cattle, young handler classes and an ever-growing primary school boys’ and girls’ calf sections.
Shearing classes will include the full range: junior, intermediate, senior, veteran and open and there will also be a women’s invitation competition.
Te Puke Pony Club will run a novice ring earlier on in the day for other pony clubs' members and younger riders to compete.
Horse of the Year qualifying classes include Park Hack, Saddle Hunter and Working Hunter events.
There will also be a fun event for hunter jumping for horses and ponies to jump 80cm to 90cm.
These events have been specifically designed so local people can bring their horses and ponies to the show.
Other horse sections include harness and led horse to provide experience in the show ring.
Horse and pony rides will also be available for the public and Ross Wilson will provide rides in a wagon behind his Clydesdales.
But there is so much more to Te Puke A&P Lifestyle Show, with mechanical bull rides, grass karts, a fencing demonstration and a fun dog ring.
Te Puke Young Farmers Club will be running the ladies’, men’s and children’s gumboot and horseshoe-throwing competitions with prizemoney.
Those seeking more competition can have a go in a digger, try their hand at driving a rally car or, for the serious competitor, the Te Puke Strongest Man and Woman contests will be ongoing throughout the day.
The pet corner will have tents full of animals and birds to pet and purchase. Vada’s Angels Animal Rescue and Te Puke Fire Brigade will be on site.
After a number of years without a bar or beer tent, this year sees a Cocktail Cart for over-18s to buy beer, wine and cocktails.
This will complement the more than 20 food stalls offering variety for everyone from burgers, wraps and salad to candy floss, shakes and confectionery as well as a wide range of international foods.
Trade sites will include tractors and machinery, electric bikes, BoP Rural Support Trust, motorbikes, power equipment and other rural and agricultural products.
There will be home industries displays, the Hargreaves Children’s competition and Master and Miss competitions for boys and girls aged between 4 and 11.
February 8 at the A&P Showgrounds on Showground Rd.
Under 5s are free, children $2, those 13 and over $10, family $25.
Attractions and entertainment start at 9am but gates open at 7am.
While there will be EFTPOS machines at the gate, visitors are encouraged to take cash if possible.