Where town meets country

Waiau A&P Show president Jamie King credits the success of their annual show to the support of the local community.

Celebrating the 85th anniversary year this year, Jamie describes the show

as a very small, rural show that focuses on animals.

“A&P shows all over bring the town and country together.

“Our show has always been about the animals. It’s huge on the horse side of things, and we get a big dairy section, although the sheep numbers are declining.”

He says it’s always been held at the Tuatapere Domain and that’s a great location as the crowds can get up nice and close to the action, like the showjumping.

There’s plenty of activities for kids, and categories for them to enter, and this is an area he and the committee want to expand on.

“That’s what it’s all about, getting the kids out and about,” he says.

The entry cost is just $5 and he says the committee is determined to keep it low to make it an affordable day out.

Jamie is a sheep, beef and deer farmer in the Lilburn Valley, and has been president for four years and involved as a sheep steward for 12 years.

Some families have been attending almost since the show began, and he says the future looks bright, with new committee members and dedicated volunteers.

“We’re lucky to have such a supportive community and some major sponsors.

It’s the community that’s kept it going.” This year they had perfect weather and a record turnout.

“Without the local community we wouldn’t be able to pull it off,” Jamie says.