Fun day out at Waihi agri group day

Ben and Jess Mathis of St Joseph came fifth and second in the crossbreed calf-rearing. Jess was the winner of the LIC Trophy. Photo / Melanie Camoin

Almost 100 participants entered the annual Waihi Boys and Girls Agricultural Group Day on Friday.

Children from seven local schools - Waihi East, Central, St Joseph's, Waihi Beach, Waikino, Waimata and the College - participated in the event held at the Waihi A&P showgrounds.

This year's show was hosted by St Joseph's which also provided food and drinks as a fundraiser for the school.

Pupils showed their lambs, goats and calves' best qualities during several leading, calling and rearing competitions.

Most of the calves were from the College farm unit, organiser Kevin Corney said.

Rodney Ross, who moved to town in June, said he has encouraged his children to be part of the event.

"It is a good way to teach them responsibility and get a sense of what's going on in the country.

"I am happy for them, and hopefully they will want to do it again next year," he said.

One of his daughters, Alesha Ross, from Waihi East School, was one of the two placegetters in the First Time Entry of the Overall Lamb Championships category.

Waihi College won the Parker Shield with 44 points in the lamb and goat section.

The Gibb Cup was won by Waihi East School.

Bree Heays of Waihi College was the champion in the kid goat category and also received the Tamlyn Trophy.

Another College student Brooke Griffiths received several prizes, including the Waihi District Boys & Girls Agricultural Club Cup and the Heays Trophy.