Second time round for 2018 Rangiora show president

Duncan and Diana Lundy are looking forward to this year's Rangiora show. Photo: David Hill

Duncan Lundy is looking forward to serving as Rangiora show president for the second time.

The sheep and beef farmer, of Okuku, north of Rangiora, is serving a second term as Northern (Rangiora) A&P Association president on Saturday, October 20, having presided over the 1994 show.

Mr Lundy has been involved with the show most of his life - he joined the association committee in 1982, at the age of 23 - and has performed a variety of tasks, including parking duty, organising permits for tents, serving on the operations and finance committee and attending working bees.

Over the years there have a number of changes, but the show continued to maintain its community feel, he said.

''We have got to offer variety and that's really the challenge. While we want to enhance the tradition, we have to be mindful that people's interests are changing.

''It's a challenge to remain relevant in a changing world, but the show is also an opportune time to promote farming as a sustainable business and to fly the flag.''

The rural landscape has also changed. While there were still sheep on the foothills and ''intermingled on the plains'', farms had grown biggerand many had converted to dairying.

Farmland around Rangiora and Kaiapoi has been sub-divided, and the Waimakariri district now has the most lifestyle blocks in New Zealand, which had been reflected in the growth of other livestock sections at the show such as alpacas, goats and poultry.

Mr Lundy said the Rangiora Showgrounds, which were owned by the association, were a valuable asset for the whole community.

''There has been a considerable focus in recent years about what happens on the other 364 days of the year.

''In the past, as soon as the show was over the showgrounds would be grazed by sheep from the Rangiora High School farm, so that was easy to manage.

''But now the focus is on providing a top facility all year round. It's like farming, as the grass turf is the most valuable asset.''

Caretaker Colin Black, supported by some dedicated volunteers, played a valuable role in keeping the showgrounds in top shape for a growing number of activities, including MuscleCar Madness in January, pony club and equestrian events, and local sports.

The Okuku farm has been in the family since 1956 and Mr Lundy now runs 1600 breeding ewes, 350 replacements and a few cattle.

He has been married to Diana for 27 years. Mrs Lundy's maiden name is McIntosh and the family has produced several Northern A&P Show presidents over the years.

Mrs Lundy would be stewarding in the senior cookery classes in the produce shed and son Angus would be roped in to help out on show day, Mr Lundy said.

''He was a baby last time I was president, so I hope he remembers a bit more this time.''

-By David Hill

Central Rural Life