Tug-of-war declared with AVOCO at the Katikati A&P Show

AVOCO team supporters get in some practice ahead of the Tug-O-War competition. Pictured (from left) Kim Webb, Renee Scott, Alistair Young, Alan McLean, Mike Swan, Colin Partridge, Henry McIntosh, Antony Jack and Dennis Noble.

Friendly rivalries will be tested at the Avocado Expo run in conjunction with the Katikati A&P Show on February 4.

A Tug-O-War competition will be held as part of wider expo activities that have been organised to celebrate the contribution that many local businesses make to Katikati's well-established avocado community.

Packhouses and picking crews are among those encouraged to enter teams in the event which is also open to the public. The Tug-O-War requires teams of five pulling members — two of whom must be women. The team captain can be a non-pulling member of the team that collectively, must weigh no heavier than 400kg.

New Zealand's largest avocado export supply group, AVOCO, is sponsoring prizes and a trophy for the winning team whose athletic strength and technical ability takes out the event for 2018.

Director Alistair Young says the competition returned to the A&P Show last year and is always fun for both participants and expo visitors.

"We're very keen to see more teams enter this year and take on the challenge."

Designed to showcase all things avocado, the Avocado Expo has become a popular fixture of the Katikati A&P Show since its inaugural appearance in 2016. Industry-related businesses and technology can be found inside the large avocado marquee sponsored by AVANZA, the brand used by AVOCO for exports to Asia and new markets beyond Australia.

Sheryl Palmer from the expo's organising committee says the event is a chance to celebrate the incredible contribution that the avocado industry makes to the Katikati region every year.

"The A&P Show is Katikati's oldest event and a wonderful opportunity to bring people across the industry together to enjoy a day out with their friends and family."

The marquee is also a great place to gather in the shade to watch the ever-popular axemen and their wood-chopping demonstrations, she says.

The expo caters to people of all ages with activities like the Avo Shy, colouring competition and avocado 'races' for children on a new purpose-built racing track.
For the first time, there will be avocado-related culinary treats for sale and in keeping with traditional carnival-style activities, individuals can test their strength at the 'strong man' station.

Back by popular demand, show visitors will also get to try an experimental avocado craft beer brewed by Mount Maunganui's Rocky Knob Brewing Company. The unique brew debuted at the expo last year.

The Katikati A&P Show will be held on Sunday, February 4 at the Uretara Domain in Katikati.