Gisborne Herald - Poverty Bay A&P Show 2025 by NZME.

CelebratingaDiverseRegion

It’sbeenahecticleadintothe2025 GisborneShowforgeneralmanager LanaDavy.

Theyearhasbeenfilledwithplanning astheregioncelebrates150yearssince thebeginningoftheassociationandit seemseveryoneiskeentobepartofit.

Manylong-termsponsorsareback, butLanahasalsowelcomedanumberof newonesonboard.

“Ican’tthankthemallenough,”she says.“Somanyhavebeenkeentohelp celebrate150years,markingsucha greatoccasion.Thatextrasponsorship givesusalittlemoreroomtodo additionalthingsforthecommunityat theShow.”

Tradesiteshavewaitinglistswitha

numberofnewinitiativesacrossthe Show.

“Somuchworkhasgoneintokeeping ourgroundsinperfectcondition.Many handsmakelightwork.Ourcommitted committeemembersandfriends oftheassociationarealwaysthere, shovel-readytohelp.Theworkingbees areaveryimportantpartofkeeping everythinginsuchgoodnick.”

Behindthescenes,Lana’steamhave beenofgreatsupport,too.It’sjusther secondShowandshesayssheishugely gratefulforhersmallbutstrongteam.

“Theyareaspassionateasmeand haveriddentherollercoasterthisyear haspresented.”

Withgatenumbersatthe2024Show

thebiggestforsometime,she’shopeful thisyearwillexceedthat.

“Peoplewillseesomechangesthis year,”shesays.“Gocheckoutallthe corners.Getaroundandhavealookat thenewexhibitorsandareas.”

OneofherfavouriteareasistheEvent Centre.“Homeindustriesarehugeand areallyhistoricalpartofourShow.I thinkweareoneofthelastareasinNew Zealandtostillhavesuchabighome industriessection.”

Lanasaidthewiderteamwerelooking forwardtoanothercrackerShow.

“Itiswheretownmeetscountry.Ithink everyoneseesjusthowimportantitisto cometogethertocelebratethediversity ofourregionanditspeople.”

PresidentPatcontinuing richfamilyhistory

WhenPatrickSherrifffirstturneduptohelpat theShownearlytwodecadesago,hefigured hewouldbethereforaday...insteadhe stayedforseveralandthisyeartookoverthereinsas presidentofthePovertyBayA&PAssociation.

Patisfollowinginthefootstepsofarichhistoryof SherriffswhohavebeeninvolvedwiththeShow.

Hecomesfromacelebratedlineofequestrians. Hisparentswerehighlyaccomplishedridersandas achildhe,too,rodeandcompeted.Patgrewupatat MangaheiaStation,followedby20yearsinWhanganui beforereturningtoTairāwhitiAreialStation,Hehada severalyearsinTaihapeandtravelledoverseasbefore cominghomein2006tomanageatMangapoikeupthe WainagkeValley.

Thesedays,heandwifeAimeelease500hectares atMahiawheretheyfattenbulls.It’swhereAimeegrew upandwheretheyareraisingtheirchildren,10-year-old Peteand6-year-oldMac.

“Itisarealfamilyaffair,”saysPat.“Itisagreat opportunityforourkidstogrowuponthefarm.” They’realllookingforwardtotheShow.

“TheShowisalotoffunforthekids.”

PatsaystheGisborneShowmarksthestartofspring formany.

“It’sthattimeofyearandisagreattimetocatchup withsomanyfriendsandfamily.Everyonecomesout ofthehillsoroutfromtowntobepartofthiswonderful communityevent.”

He’sproudtobeheadingahard-workingexecutive.

“Ithinkourvolunteersarekey–theyaretheXfactor oftheEastCoast.Itissomethingquitespecialtobe involvedwith.Theamountoftimepeoplehavegivento theassociationovertheyearsisincredible.”

Patsaysmanywouldn’trealisetheworkthatgoeson behindthescenestoensuretheassociationcontinues thelegacyofthosebeforethemtoensurethevenueis viablewithotherrevenuestreams.

PovertyBayA&PAssociationpresidentPatSherriff(left)withvice-presidentStephenThomson.

GeneralmanagerLanaDavy.

NevilleClarkepickeduptwolifemembershipswithinaweekrecently,withoneofthoseforthePovertyBayA&PAssociation.

Shepherd’sChallengeClarky’sfave

NevilleClarkeisthevoicemanywillhaveheardat theShow,butmaynotknowjustwhoisbehind themicrophone.

It’saspecialplaceforthisveteranlivestock auctioneer,whohasn’tmissedaGisborneShowsince hemovedtothedistrictin1994.

Thisyearcouldbealittlechallengingforhim,buthe’ll betherecomehellorhighwater.

He’sbookedinforahipreplacementjustbeforethe Show,sofigureshemaybeonaZimmerframeor,at best,crutches,fortheeventhehasnointentionof missing.

Asusualhe’sbeenthereinthebuild-uphelpingat workingbeesalbeithobblingalittlemorethaninyears goneby.

It’sbeenabigyearalreadyforClarky,ashe’sknown byhismates,whowithinaweekwasmadealife memberofthePovertyBayA&PAssociationandthe NewZealandRodeoCowboysAssociation.

Hehadnocluehewasgettingeitherandevennow, talkingaboutitmakeshimalittleemotional.

“It’sjustsohumbling,”hesays,“andahellofathrill togetboth.Everyoneworkshardhere(attheShow).If everyonedoesalittlethenonedoesn’thavetodotoo much.”

Thosefewwordssumuphiscommitmenttohis community.

HemovedhisfamilytoTairāwhitiin1994atthe behestofPGGWrightson,whohadbigplansforhim.

“Ihadalwaysbeenattractedtotheregion–just thehorses,dogsandbigcountryculturehere.PGG Wrightsonthoughtitwouldworkformycareerpath andthatIwouldbetheunderstudyforPatCooperand headthegeneticssellingteamfortheregion.”

Backthen,cattlesaleswerebigbusinessand PGGWrightsonrightlyneededabigpresenceonthe ground.Sincethen,Clarkyhasseenplentyofchange, butwhathasremainedattheheartofitallhasbeen goodpeople.

It’sthesamewiththeShowforhim.“Ihavealways enjoyedshows.IrodeponiesasakidinNorth Canterburyandalwaysthoughtitawonderfulwayof

meetingpeopleandhavingagooddayout.”

HeandwifeJody’sdaughterLauradidparticularly wellinshowjumpingatthelocalshowwhilesonsCody andthelateBradysuccessfullypursuedpolo.

“Asanauctioneeryoutendtoendupwiththe microphone.Itneedsavoicetocreatetheenthusiasm. Theyseehorsesgoingroundinthering,butadd excitementandexplainingitalladdstothemoment.”

ForClarky,theShowiscountrycomingtotown.

“Wetakeitabitforgranted.Thereisabigdivide betweentownandcountry–peoplehavemovedoff theland.”

He’llbebackonthemiCthisShow.Hisfavourite eventistheShepherd’sChallenge.

“ItisrawNewZealandfun,”hesays.“Kiwisbeing Kiwisanddoingwhatwedo.Thereisanelement ofdanger,plentyofskillandinvolveshorsesand shepherdslivingagoodlife.Nothingisscripted.It’s goingtoanothergreatShowforsure.”

TrustTairāwhitiisexcitedtosharethatwe’rereturning tothisyear’sA&PShowwithten$100Prezzycards togiveaway!Forachancetowin,takethe2025 TairāwhitiWellbeingSurvey.Besuretosnapsomepics inourphotoboothwithyourwhānauandfriends. www.trusttairawhiti.co.nz

ThereweremanyverywarmmomentsforauthorSheridanGundryasshewrote andbroughttogetherthebooktocelebratethen150-yearhistoryofthePoverty BayA&PAssociation.

“The150-yearhistoryofthePovertyBayA&PAssociationreflectsthehistoryand developmentofthedistrictitself,”Sheridansaid.

Withaccesstothousandsofphotographsfrompublicandpersonalcollections, shehadplentyofopportunitytoimmerseherselfintothestorieseachtold.

“Myfavouritephotosarethosewithpeopleinthem,”shesays.“Thebookcontains morethan600imageswhittleddownfromthousands.Itemphasisestheimportance oftakingphotographstodayfortomorrow,andbestofall,ifpeopledatetheir photographsandnamethepeopleinthem.”

Shewasthrilledtofindaphotographoftheassociation’ssolefemalepatron, NanCotterill–astalwartofthehomeindustries.

“Aswithalllong-lastingorganisations,thevoluntary contributionismassive.Itisnosurprisetofindthesame familiesinvolvedandcommittedtothecauseoverthe generations,”Sheridansaid.

Itwassadthatnoonehadbeenabletofindtheplaqueto HentyTucker,whoisregardedastheshow’s“fairygodfather”.

“Everylocalhistorywrittenisanimportantadditiontothe region’srichstory,”Sheridansaid.

Bringingthebooktolifehadprogressedoverthepasttwo yearswithDebbieinterviewingpresent-daysubjectsand SheridanstartinginAprilonthehistory,decidingonthe formatandhowtoincorporatethemoderninterviews,as wellaschoosingandcaptioningthephotographs.

“Everyfamilywillhaveastoryandphotographstotell abouttheirlinktothePovertyBayA&PShow.Asthe author,youmustattempttoprovidefaircoverageto allcontributingsectorsknowingthebookwilljustbea snapshotofwhathappenedover150years.”

DressingfortheShowwasarealhighlightoftheyearfor manyinyearsgoneby.Sheridanfocussedonjustthreefamiliesinthebookbut saidhundredsofotherfamilieswouldsurelyhavesimilarphotos.

“Youcan’tfeaturethemall.”

ThebookwillbeavailableforsaleattheShowattheEventCentreHome Industriesentrance.

1. Evenwaybackin1951theannualShowwastheplacetobe.

2. TheFerrisWheelhaslongbeenafavouriteattheannualShow.

3. TheGrandParadeusedtobedominatedbyhorsesandlivestockandalwaysdrew ahugecrowdtothemainarena.

ProBullRidingcomestoShow

NewZealand’sbestbullridersareheadingtothe GisborneShowchasingmuchsought-afterberths intheKiwiteamtotakeontheAussiesinthenew TasmanCuplaterthisyear.

It’sthebrainchildofthenation’sbest-everprobullrider FraserBabbingtonandpartnerEmmaGibson. He’sbeenpushinghisAustraliancolleaguesforsome timeandfinally,thisyear,thecupishappening.

FraserwasbasedforsometimeinAustralia.He’sthe onlyKiwitoevermaketheworldfinalsandhascompeted intheUnitedStates,CanadaandAustraliawhereheisa two-timeprobullridingchamp.

HecamehometoworkonthefamilyfarmatMatawai, butaftersteppingbackforabitfromthesportheloves somuch,he’snowkeentoseethenextrunofKiwi hopefulsmakeitinprobullriding.

TheexhibitionrideattheGisborneShowisthestartof teamselectionforthesecondProBullRidingNZversus AustraliaTasmanCup.ThefirstwasheldinTownsvillein August.

“ItwillbegreattohaveithereattheShow,givenitis the150thcelebrations,”saysFraser.

Hisconnectionsmeanhe’sbringinginthebest, includingJohnsonDavis–afour-timeNewZealandbull ridingchamp,KlayWard.KobyParsonswillalsobethere. He’salocalrider,butiscurrentlybasedinAustralia.

TheWardbrothers’father,Jonnyissupplyingthe buckingbullsfortheShow.He’swellknownforquality andhasproducedthelasttwobuckingbullsoftheyear. He’salsoamultipleNewZealandbullridingchamp.

MakingthetripupfromWaipukurauwillbeBlackBelt, whosesireYellowJacketisaworldchampionbucking

bull,andSugarBoom–the2025buckingbulloftheyear, bredbyJohnny.

FifteenriderswillcompeteattheShow.Eachwillgo twice.Ridersmuststayonforatleasteightsecondsto getascorefromthejudges.The$3500prizepoolisabig incentive.

“It’sprettyexciting,”saysFraser.“Mybackground isfarminginTairāwhiti,horses,bullridingandreally anythingtodowithanimals,soitisspecialtohavethisat ourShow.”

FraserandEmmawillbecompetinginshowjumpingas well.

TheexhibitionbullridingisonFridayaspartofthe afternoonentertainmentandkicksoffwiththeMokairau HerefordStudBullaramaat4pmfollowedbytheprobull ridingat5pm.

COMESEEUSATTHESHOW!

Equestrian settosoar

It’sforgoodreasontheGisborneShowisknownin thehorseyworldasonenottomiss...andthisyear isnoexception.

Thejumpingandshowhunterisalwaysthrillingwith thebreed,in-hand,flat,workinghuntersandhunter jumpingclassesaRASRoyalShowthisyear.

BeingaRoyalmeansanextra396showingclasses addedtheShowwithcompetitionstartingonthe Wednesday.

A&PexecutivememberJessBourkesaysshe wouldlovetosee15differentbreedslinedupforthe supremein-handclass.“ThatissomethingGisborne hasnotseenforalongtime...ifever,”shesaid.The specialChristineBeatsonMemorialwillalsorunon Wednesdayafternoon.“BeingaRoyalmeansprettier ribbons,RASmedals,bestpresentedrosettes,more garlands,sponsoredrugsandroyaltitlesupforgrabs.”

There’sevenprizesforthebestpresentedjudgeand steward.Eachsectionhasbeensponsoredthisyear. “That’sbeenmassiveasitisasignificantcostfora showtohostaroyalevent.”

Thesix-stronglistoneRASjudgesline-upincludes localKayeWilliamsalongsideMelbournitesBeverly RichardsandCaroleLindeman.

TheshowjumpingwhilenotaRoyalwillbeexciting andhighlycompetitiveandgetsunderwayon Thursday.TheShowishostingthefirstlegoftheNorth IslandFEIWorldJumpingChallengewhichisopento ridersfromthebeginningoftheyearinwhichtheyturn 14.The1.2m-1.3mcompetitionisheldallovertheworld, withridersjumpingidenticalcourses.Thetoptwo ridersfromtheNewZealandzonewillhavethechance tocompeteattheworldfinal.

Headofthehorsesection,AngeDolman,ishoping foragoodturnoutthankstosomehealthyprizemoney thankstosupersponsorshipfromlocalbusinesses, includingHeikellTransportandLeaderbrandwhoare

sponsoringthejumpingarenas1and2respectively.

“Wereallyareluckytohavesuchgreatsupport,” shesays.“Wewanttohaveagreatprogrammefor everyone,especiallygivenitisthe150thcelebration.”

Thehorseandponygrandprix–thegrandfinale ofthehorseeventsattheShow–areheldSaturday afternoonintheHeikellTransportJumpingArena1. Withabeautifulgarlandand$4000upforgrabsinthe horsegrandprix,whichislocallysponsoredbyEast CoastWools,hopesarehighforastrongfield.“We havealwayskeptourprizemoneyabovethenorm,” saysAnge.“Itistoughtodothatbutweneedridersto maketheefforttotravelhere.”

SouthlanderErynDuffywilltheleadcoursedesigner intheHeikellTransportJumpingArena1withEdward Bullock(Auckland)intheLeaderbrandJumpingArena 2andAshleighMitchell(Hawke’sBay)intheshow hunterarena.

&Wairoaprovidehealtheducationin schoolsthroughoutourregion,giving tamarikitheknowledgeandskillsto supporttheirhealthandwellbeing nowandintothefuture.Children areexcitedtoenterourmobile classroomwheretheyhaveengaging memorablelearningexperiences.

LocalriderAmeliaPaullaboardVanguardcompetingattheShow.

Dannevirke’sLoganMassie,alongtimecompetitorat Gisborneshows,competinginoneoftheshowjumping classes.

NoChanceofMissingtheShow

JohnLarsenhasafewverypredictabletraits,like thehat,thestubbies,theshirt,hisunwaveringand verygeneroussupportofaraftoflocaleventsand organisations...andyoucanaddtheGisborneShow tothatlist.

“Formeitistheplaceyouhavetobe,”saysthelong-

timeexhibitorandsponsor.“Itistheplacewheretown meetscountryandcountrymeetstown.Ihaveclientele inbothsectorssoitisanobrainerforme.Igottabe there.”

JohnstartedLarsenSawmilling36yearsagoandhas beenexhibitingthereeveryyearsince.He’salsobeena

sponsorfordecadesandwasrecentlymadeaPoverty BayA&PAssociationlifemember.Thisyearheisthe newoverarchingsponsorofthefencingsection–fitting givenitaccountsforalotofwhatissoldthroughhis Makarakayard. He’swonawardsovertheyearsforhissiteandloves

JohnLarsen,whowasmadealifememberoftheassociationatthe150thgaladinner,isalong-timesupporteroftheShow.

HeyGizzy,welikeorangetoo.

that the bright yellow canvas stands out “like the proverbial” in any aerial shot of the Show

“When I go into something, I go in for the long term,” says John who moved from Dannevirke to Gisborne in the early 1970s “It is absolutely key to support a community event like this I couldn’t think of anything worse than to not be at the Show”

That’s not to say it isn’t hard work – chatting to old clients and new “It’s a bit of a challenge because they’re all dressed up for the Show and I don’t have the benefit of seeing their vehicles which tells me who is coming into the yard.”

The networking side of the Show is important for John who sells everything from fencing

to farm supplies, stock feed, culverts, water pipe fittings, kennels and runs, chook houses, farm gates, planters, BBQs and more

He’s seen the changes roll through the region He prefers not to mill pine, given he can pick up the phone and have it made to measure and delivered in whatever quantities he wants for cheaper “I prefer poplar, macrocarpa, redwood ones like that They are more fun than pine and can be a challenge to get the best out of”

John says he’d love nothing more than to have a wander around the Show this year – generally he barely gets to leave the Larsen Sawmilling site “It’s good to have a look around – it gives you a good gauge of what is happening in the region Besides, I could get a steak burger too”

He’s confident the weather will be good this year “Things always come right,” he says, “like the weather and the economy, that’ll come right too It’ll be a good Show this year – I’m sure it will”

Larsen Sawmilling are the overarching sponsors of the very popular fencing competitions Wood chopping is as thrilling to watch as it is to compete in

GBHSOLDBOYS

THEBROTHERHOODOFTURANGATANE

Ouryearsatschool,thoughwemightnot realiseitatthetime,contributehugelytowho webecomeasmen.Wetakestepstowards discoveringwhoweareaspeopleandwhat westandfor,aswellasmeetingandmaking friendsforlife.

Ifyouareinterestedinreconnectingaspart oftheGBHSOldBoys’Associationpleasevisit ourschoolwebsiteandgiveusyourdetails, yourconnectionwithusaddsimmeasurable valuetooursenseofbelongingasproudGBHS Oldboys.

Atschoolweperhapsfeelthemostcomfortableandconnectedwithourpeers,thriving offthevalueoftheirfriendship.Thekinship andrelationshipofourexperiencescreate asharedbelonging-theManaakitangaof TurangaTane.

TheGBHSOldBoys’Associationisherefor allourstudentstoreconnectasmenwho proudlyattendedTurangaTane.Toreunite withtheirschoolmatesandbeinterestedin thenextgenerationofmenourschoolwill produce.

www.gisboyshigh.net/gbhsoldboys

ToaHingaKore,ToaMateKore

Ngāmihinui.

TomCairns Headmaster

GISBORNEBOYS’ HIGHSCHOOL

ToaHingaKore,ToaMateKore

RoyalOutingsforTriallists

Localdogtriallistswillbenotchingthingsupabit thisyearwiththeadditionofaRoyalShowtotheir competition.

Thedogtriallingisaverypopularattractionatthe annualshow–bothforcompetitorswhocomefromfar andwide,butalsospectatorswhodelightinwatching theskillofthecombinations.

HeadofthesectionthisyearisHenryGaddum, himselfakeencompetitor.

“It’sprettyexcitingtobehostingaroyalshowforthe dogtrialsthisyear,”saysHenry.“Dogtrialsarenotoften includedinroyalsbutasanaffiliatedsocietyweare allowedtohostaroyal.”

He’sexpectingupto220dogsandaveryhighcalibre ofcompetition.“DogsarejudgedoutofahundredandI wouldexpecthigh90sfromthereallygoodones.”

Allthe‘usual’competitorswillbeliningupincluding MervUtting,LaurenceRau,GraemeCook,Leo Edginton,MattCooper,JoMcIntyre,SamShaw,Toni BlundellandSheenaMartin.It’sanequalopportunity sportwithmenandwomencompetingagainsteach otherinthevariouscategories.

Allthecompetitionwillbeundertheeagleeyeof judgeLeoJacentho(Waikato)thecurrentlongand shortheadNewZealandchamp.“Heisarealquality judge,”saysHenry.

TheTahurauEarthmoversandTuxsponsored competitionstartsonWednesdaymorningwiththree fulldaysfollowedbyrun-offsonSaturdaymorning.The topfiveeachdaygothroughtothetop15onSaturday. Thetopnovicecompetitorfromeachdaywillgointoa separaterun-offonSaturday.

Competitorsrangeinagefromteensthroughto thoseintheireighties.

“Dogtriallingisarealgoodchallenge.Ittestsman anddogandshowswhohasputintheworkandwho hasn’t.Asaregionweareoftenstrong–Ithinkitis becausewestillhaveafewbigstationsandsomegood hillcountryforthedogstoworkon.

“It’sabigdealtohavearoyalandweareallreally lookingforwardtoit.”

Bestmatesthroughandthrough. It’sarealroyalaffairforthedogtriallingattheShowthisyear.

Fromthethrillingtothetraditional

TheGisborneShowisafirmfavourite fortheMahonsAmusementsteam.

They’vebeencomingherefor manyyearsnow.

ItallstartedwhenGrandadRoybrought theWallofDeathMotorbikeStuntShow totowninthe1940s.

“It’slongbeenafavouritespotforour family,”saysCJMahon.“Wecan’twait

toonceagainbepartofthisiconicNew Zealandevent.”

SinceGrandadRoyandtheWall ofDeath,theentertainmentside hascontinuedtogrow,includingthe introductionofelectricspeedwaycars.

“Theywerethefoundationfromwhich wegrew,”saysCJ.“Addtothatcarousels andchairplanesandsomuchmore.We

alwaystryandmakesureGisbornegets thebestofthebest.”

Crowdfavouritesovertheyearsinclude theFerraricarsofthelate80s,theSuper Loopofthe90s,theScreamMachineand TurboBoost.

“Forthe150th(GisborneShow)weare bringingsomeofthosefavouritesback, includingtheExplorer,TurboBoost,

DodgemCarsandthecarousel.”

Butthere’salsothenewstuff,including theGoldenWheel,whichhasnotlong beenimportedfromEurope.

“It’satraditionalFerrisWheelthewhole familycanenjoy.Grandparents,children andlovebirdscantakeintheviewofthe wholeshowgroundsfromnearly70feetin theair.”

Forthethrillseekers,theAliBaba willbeback.Itdebutedlastyearand fastbecameacrowdfavourite,taking passengershighintotheskyonamagic carpetride.

Thisyear,Mahonshasateamofaround 40staffandcrewwhowillmakethetrek inasmanytrucks,trailersandcaravans. Earlybirdticketscanbefoundat eventfinda–withnobookingfees.The ScreamPass,whichgivesticketholders anextra90minutesofridetimeonthrill rides,willbereleasedbeforetheShow. KeepaneyeontheGisborneShow SideshowAlleyFacebookpageforthe latestinfo. There’sareridessuitableforallagesat theShow.

MahonsAmusementsteamareonceagainbringingallthefavouriteridestotheShow.

Fromlivestocktobestmullet... braggingrightsandcashupforgrabs

There’snoshortageofcompetitiontowatchand wonderatacrosstheShow.

Livestockisattheveryheartoftraditionatthe GisborneShowandwhilesomecertainlymakeyousmile, there’saserioussidetoitallaswell.

ThePGGWrightsonSwineCommanderCompetition, SupremeHeiferChallenge–forthecovetedTurihaua Trophy,ShortContractingSuperHeavyLamb Competition,MangahauhauHampshiresOldSeason’s LambMuster,SilverFernFarmsSteakofStation CompetitionandOvationChilledLambCompetitionare allhotly-contestedbyindividualsandstationschasing braggingrightsfortheyear.

There’salsoabrandnewcompetitionontheblock–theEastCoastStudHeiferforwhichtheregion’sstud breederswillhavetheirthreefinestheifersonshow. Thesewillgoontobreedsirebullsthatwillhopefully becomerecord-breakersattheannualsales.

TheRuralSupportCountryCommunityChallenge bringstogethersyndicatesofnolessthanthreepeople fromdifferenthouseholdswithinasinglecommunity, withentriesintheSupremeHeiferChallenge,Swine Commanderandtheoldseasonhoggetcompetition,

DancinghasbecomearealtraditionattheShow.

alongwithaShowdaypieandcondiment,ascarecrow portraying150yearsoftheShowandthemystery challengetobeunveiledjustbeforetheShow...the winnersridingoffwith$2000.

TheGrahamandDobsonPetLambandGoat Competitionhastwodivisions–7yrsandunderand 8-16yrs–withthepetseitherinfancydressorala

natural.It’sapopularsectionforentrantsandspectators andkicksoffat8.45amonSaturdayintheLawsonField Area.

Long-timeShowsponsorLarsenSawmillinghas steppedintosupportthecadetanddoublefencing competitions,whichkickoffonFridayat10amandare alwaysplentyoffuntowatch.

TherewillbenoshortageofentriesintheMullet Competitionbeingheldat10amonSaturday.It’sfreeto enterandfeaturestwodivisions–junior(16andunder) andsenior(17andover).ItisbeingheldatthePGG WrightsonSheepPavilion.

Makingaspectacularcomebacktothe2025Show isthefarriercompetitionwithtopfarriersfromallover NewZealandgoingheadtoheadintheirspecialistfield individuallyandinteams.

Associationvice-presidentStephenThomsonsaysit willbeonefortheages.

“With150years,itisgreattohaveasmanylivestock andruralattractionsaspossible.Ithinkitiscoming togethernicely.Iamlookingforwardtoalltheentries cominginandeveryonegettingtogetheroverthose days.”

Ifyoulovespeedandappreciatetalent,then headtotheshearingcompetitions.

StarsofTomorrowto DebutinMainArena

SaraMcNaughtproudlycallsTomorrow’sStars the‘ringofcuteness’andshe’stakingthingstoa wholenewlevelthisyear.

ThePonyClubmumandridersteppedupfiveyears agotohelpbyrunningthesectionthat’sthereforriders whoarenotquitereadytodebutinthebiggerringsat theShow.“Ididn’thavethehearttosaynowhenthey neededsomeonetohelp,”saidSara.“Thisissomething wehavecreatedtopreparethemforwhentheyare readyforthebigrings.”

It’sjustasthrillingforthekidsasitisfortheparents, grandparents,auntsanduncleswhogatherintheir drovestowatch.

There’snoshortageofribbonsandprizesforthe youngsterswhousuallyrangeinagefromfourthrough to16andwillcompeteintwoagegroupdivisionsover eightclasses.There’sevenabeautifulgarlandforthe supremechampion,donatedbyMerranHain.This isthefirstyearTomorrow’sStarswillbeheldinthe TrustTairāwhitiMainArenaandissettogoat9amon

The2024Tomorrow’sStarsunder-12champOliviaRauaboardKimallaMoonSpirit.

Thursdaymorning.“Thisisforthekidslivingtheirbest livesatPonyClub,”saysSara.

OnSaturdayafternoonSaraisrunningthe inauguralMcNaughtCup–anewcupandclassfor 10combinationswhoarenotcompetinginanything otherthantheTomorrow’sStarsclassesandwilljump nothinghigherthan50cms.Eachriderwillhavea mentorwhowillwalkthecourseandwarmthemup fortheir“grandprixforlittlies”.Itwillberunjustafter thehorseandponygrandprixandbeforethemain entertainmentstarts.

“There’sboundtobeafewfutureOlympiansinthere forsure,”saysSara.“IamsoexcitedfortheShow thisyear–150yearsissomethingelseanditreallyis specialtohavetheseclassesforthosewhoarenotso confidentbutwillsurelyberidingatfutureshows.”

LifeisrosyforthisyoungstercompetinginatarecentShow.Thebestdressedpet lambcompetitionishugelypopularforkids,parentsandgrandparentsalike.

C&Marecelebrating their10thbirthdayand wehavesomeamazing offersforyou.

Popintooursiteandspeak withourdedicatedteam whocanshowyouwhat amazingofferswehave.

AllspecialswillrunfromFriday 17thOctoberuntil24thOctober 2025ORWHILESTOCKSLAST.

•Surronelectricdirtbikes–upto$1200off

•Husqvarnarideonmowers–upto$500off+freewaterblaster

•20%offallhusqvarnahandheld andbatteryproductabove$1000

•Freereferencestationwithselected automowersvaluedatrrp$799+

HonouredandCelebratedbyMany

Ittakesanarmytoputtogethertheannualshowandherearesomeofthisyear’scommittee.

AttheheartofthePovertyBayA&PAssociationare people–thevolunteerswhogivemanyhoursto helpputontheShowandthewidercommunity whoturnoutintheirdrovestosupportthepopular annualevent.

ThegaladinnerheldattheFarmersAirEventCentre inJulywasasell-outwithmorethan435peoplethereto celebrateandhonourthosewhohadcomebeforethem.

The150thanniversarycelebrationsincludethe awardingoflifemembershipstosomeofthoselongstandingvolunteers.JohnLarsen,NevilleClarke,Peter Andrew,RickShanksandAmandaMathers.

Inpresentingtheassociationlifememberships,these menandwomanweredescribedas“theoneswhoturn upyearafteryearandwhohelpkeepthespiritoftown meetingcountryaliveandwell”.

GISBORNE/WAIROABUYERS

JontyLeLievre–021946410

KirkHooper–02108205577

KevinHarper–021594548

TimGardner–0273555001

DarylFergus–0272092787

GlenForrest–0212282535

ThedrivingforcebehindthePovertyBayA&P Association,theexecutive(frombackleft)Norm Thomas,HaydenSwan,PaulRandall,MarkCandy, SimonBousfield,(frontleft)RichardHarding,Jess Bourke,presidentPatSherriff,vice-presidentStephen ThomsonandRobTelfer.

CelebratingthePovertyBayA&PAssociation’slife members(fromleft)NeilAndrew,RickShanks,John Larsen,RossBuske,MichaelMuir,SidHain,Neville Clarke,MerranHain,AmandaMathersandTim Williams.

Droneworxdeliversadvanced dronespraying,spreadingand spotapplicationstailoredtoyour land.Smartersolutionsforsmarter farming, righthereinTairāwhiti.

KerryWorsnop(left)withMayorRehetteStoltzand JoshWharehinga.

StacksofFun foralltheFamily

There’snoshortageof entertainmentandexcitementat thisyear’sShow.

Fromsideshowstoanimals.Frombull ridingtoJakeWhitakermotorcyclestunt rider.TherewillbeliveartwithRodney Stratton.theNovusShowUsYourCrack UndieRun,Clydesdalesandkids’stuff galore.

ExecutivecommitteememberNorm Thomasisoverseeingtheentertainment fortheShow.It’sabigjobbutonehe thriveson.

“It’salotoffunputtingtogetherallthe entertainmentforourcommunity,”says Norm.“Welovetoseethecrowdsof familiesaroundthemainarenaandjust outthereenjoyingtheShow.”

ArtistRodneyStrattonwillbeatthe Showbothdayspaintingallhesees goingonacrosstheshowgrounds.

“He’sgoingtogiveusabigmuralthat willgiveusalastingremembranceofour 150thcelebrations,”saysNorm.“Look outforRodneyneartheEventCentre.”

JakeWhitaker’smotorcyclestunt showwillrunovertwodays.Themultiple NewZealandandAustralianmototrials champwillperformachoreographed stuntshowoverrampsandobstacles.

OnFridayandSaturdaymorninghe willbeinthePoyntersParktradearea beforeheadingintotheTrustTairāwhiti MainArenaforthebigentertainmenton Saturdayafternoon.Histeamwillhave postersandgiveawaysforthekids.

TheWhangaraFarmsandWhakaari sponsoredspeedshearisalwayspopular andissettogoaround1pmonFriday. Fridayafternoongetsunderway around3pmandwillfeaturetheequine

grandparade,includingthePoverty BayHunthoundsandleadingintothe MokairauHerefordStudBullarama around4pmandthentheProBull Ride,featuringsomeofNewZealand’s topcowboysridingthecountry’sbest buckingbulls.Itissettostartataround 5pm.

Saturday’sactionintheTrustTairāwhiti MainArenarunsfromabout2pm-4pm. Therewillbeallsortsonshow,starting withthetraditionalGrandParadewhich willincludeoldvehicles,dignitaries, livestocktheTahaenuiClydesdales,a sheepdogyardingchallenge,donkey race,theNovusShowUsYourCrack UndieRunwitha$1000prizepool,Jake Whitakerstuntriding,theever-popular Shepherd’sChallengeandlivemusicto rounditalloff.

MotorcyclestuntriderJakeWhitakerwillbeperforming throughouttheShow.

Noshowiscompletewithoutapipebandandthisyearisno exception.

NewfootingforRDA

ItseemslikeforeverthatPovertyBay A&PAssociationlifememberMerran Hainhasbeeninvolvedwiththe GisborneShow...butsheneverstops contributing.

Along-timecompetitor,thesedays shefocusesonsupportingtheevent–particularlytheequestrian.Thisyearshe wasthedrivingforcebehindensuring thefootinginTheVetEastGisborne EquestrianCentre(theindoorarena)isin tip-topconditionfortheseasonahead. InclassicMerranstyle,shecoordinated thewholeoperationwithmilitaryprecision afterTreadlite’sTraceySmithoffered her15bagsofTreadlitehorsearenamix forjust$1apiece,savingthousandsof dollars;FreshwaysTransportwhobrought themixtoGisbornefromHawke’sBay; HallShingletodonateatruckloadofriver sand;SimonKirkpatrickfromYardsAhead helpwiththemixing;andCharlieReynolds toassistinthedisposalofthebags.

“Itwasarealteamefforttobringitall together,”saysMerran.“Itissoimportant thisisdoneeachyearforourhorsesand riders.”

Thisyear’sshowhunterclasseswill againbeheldintheindoorarena.