Every man, woman, child, farm dog and horse was out in force for the 2025 Poverty Bay A&P Show that opened today ... or at least it seemed that way.
A&P shows are an institution for most Kiwis who grew up in regional New Zealand, but I must admit
Crowds flock to Gisborne Showgrounds for 150th Poverty Bay A&P Show
Subscribe to listen
Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
The ferris wheel was brought to Gisborne specially for the 150th Poverty Bay A&P Show. Photo / Anne-Marie de Bruin
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
You only had to listen to the screams of fear and joy to know the kids definitely enjoyed soaring to new heights on the variety of Mahons Amusements rides.
After that cauldron of thrill-seeking action, I headed along to Fire and Emergency NZ’s display and spoke to volunteers Mathew Bannister of the Eastland fire brigade and Josh Rolfe of Te Karaka.
They proceeded to inform and educate me about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and showed me their safety displays.
“When you have a fire, you need a plan,” Bannister said.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
The Fire and Emergency display also featured a pile of things that should never be burned, such as tyres, which I was informed people might fill with diesel, plastics and packaging.
Obvious, you might think, but it happens, and staff were keen to emphasise items like these should never, ever be set alight.
The tastebud-teasing aroma of various treats got the stomach rumbling, so I checked out some fare at a Pacific Island outlet ... I ordered a bun filled with steak and egg ... yum.
I watched a few young horse riders in action, then headed back to the office after enjoying a morning in the sun at my first Poverty Bay A&P Show.
The show continues on Saturday, and for those who have never been to it, and those who have been many times before, I highly recommend it. There’s something for everyone.
