Rotorua A&P Show provides fun-filled family weekend

Hundreds flocked to the Agrodome to meet the animals, have a go on the rides and take part in a variety of competitions at the 109th annual Rotorua A&P Show at the weekend.

President Heather Brake has been involved with the show for 25 years.

"I think it's been good, but there's been so many things on in town to compete with.

"That's why we put on a lot of free entertainment for the kids and people seem to be enjoying themselves."

The activities included bouncy castles, equestrian events, a ferris wheel, a police dog display, Sparky the Fire Engine and wood turners.

Secretary Lyn Tetenburg said there had been a good turnout of competitors.

"The numbers are down slightly on last year, but there are so many things happening in Rotorua.

"It's been two good, beautiful days."

It was a full family day out for Micaela Bretton, her partner and three daughters, Alexandra, 5, Isla, 3, and Bella, 1.

"The biggest issue has been trying to decide between getting a goat or a guinea pig," Bretton said.

She wanted an animal that could eat away the blackberries and keep the lawn nice and low.

Image 1 of 9: A&P show. Cody Managh, 14, (left), and Luca Managh, 9,

For Alexandra the best part of the day had been the bouncy castle and the rides.

Little sister Bella even had a go on the merry-go-round.

For 3-year-old Isla the highlight was going for a ride on "the stubborn donkey".

"The family came yesterday while I was sick, I thought I had missed out, but they wanted to come out today as well," Bretton said.

"They definitely loved the Sparky the Fire Engine ride, while I enjoyed the German sausage stall."

Locals Lisa Culligan and Tony Buehler spent Saturday working with dairy cattle but came back on Sunday with Connor, 3 and Logan, 1.

"It's been hot. We got through yesterday with a lot of complaining," Buehler joked.

Culligan said the boys had enjoyed petting the rabbits and the chickens.

"The boys have been on the merry-go-round, enjoyed some ice cream and chips."

Connor said they had seen cows, sheep and donkeys.

Richard Peck and Anna Simmons spent the weekend running Sparky the Fire Engine and raising money for a good cause.

Simmons will climb the Sky Tower in May and 50c from each ride was going to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, which she is raising money for.

"It's been very hot, but a good weekend," she said.

"There's been quite a few people through and I am hoping we've raised about $80."