Today marks a triumphant return for the Katikati A&P Show after a three-year hiatus, drawing enthusiastic crowds and a flurry of activity under a radiant blue sky.

From the adrenaline of sheep racing to the charm of a puppet show, the event has been brimming with entertainment and interest activities all day, and for all ages.

The show, which ran from 9am – 4pm today, Sunday, February 4, at the Uretara Domain in Katikati, was free for children under 12, and only $5 entry for everyone else.

Aerial view of Uretara Domain during setup at the beginning of the day at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Cam/Powerfarming BOP.

“Such a great turnout and vibe today,” says Amanda Besley in a comment on the Katikati A&P Facebook page. ‘Well done organisers.”

This year is the 99th Katikati A&P Show. The first show was actually held 111 years ago in 1913 but the ‘non assembly' laws of World War II and, more recently, Covid pandemic lockdowns and the cancellation of the 2023 show due to weather means that the show is still only one year away from celebrating 100 years.

President Louellen Davies says it was a tough decision to cancel the show last year, followed by weeks of sleepless nights.

“It became a health and safety issue with the ground affected by all the rain we’d had. So, this year we’ve pulled out all the stops. We’re strong-minded people and the committee has worked hard with a focus on creating a great day for locals. They really do give 100 per cent.”

The joy of riding a donkey at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

The day started with a Maori blessing and karakia before gates opened at 9am.

Wood chopping resonated through the air as families revelled in the joy of donkey rides and the allure of vintage farm vehicles showcased by the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club.

The display by the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

A rock-climbing wall, egg and spoon races, spinning displays, vintage and muscle cars, craft and food stalls and alpacas all added to the fun of the day.

“It’s a day for our community to shine and to bring town and country together for a great family event,” says Louellen.

Agriculture enthusiasts have been able to marvel at a plethora of machinery while farmers explore equipment.

Isla Cave, 8, on the rock climbing wall at the Katikati A&P Show.  Photo: Merle Cave.

There were also information stalls such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand where volunteers Rod and Neil were available to answer any prostate health questions as well as update people on what is happening at a local and national level to close the cancer care gap.

The Western Bay Museum had a free photobooth at their stall where people could try on vintage costumes and take home a free instant photo.

Cherie Marshall of Katikati enjoying the animals at the petting zoo at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

Di Logan's puppet show was a popular showstopper for children as well as adults at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

Di Logan from Katikati Theatre entertained the kids in the showgrounds with a free puppet show.

Bex Tasker from Clicker Training in Aongatete demonstrated positive reinforcement training while performing tricks with her Valais Blacknose sheep as they fetched toys, jumped hurdles and played soccer.

Bex also had her Babydoll sheep on show, and her team of chickens thrilled the audience as they rang bells, went through tunnels, and played on seesaws.

Bex Tasker entertained the crowds with her Valais Blacknose and Babydoll sheep at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

Project Parore brought their own slice of the environmental conservation world with a miniature stock exclusion and restoration area on display.

“Project Parore has put up a predator fence to demonstrate their pest control work in the region,” says Louellen.

The public were able to be involved by planting a seedling with their name on it. This project is supported by the Bay Conservation Alliance Seed Fund, with the Katikati A&P Show committee making land available, and Darryn Maguire from Fencing Worx donating his time and skills.

Harriet Neylon, 8, and Sophia Neylon, 6, from Pahoia planting a manuka at the Project Parore's mini-example of a stock exclusion area at the Katikati A&P Show.  Photo: Merle Cave.

The equestrian events included show ponies, show hack and show riding horses, and side saddle riding. Being a qualifier show for the country's premier equestrian event, the Horse of the Year, the Katikati A&P annually attracts strong competition in the pony and horse rings.

The equestrian section of the Katikati A&P show is a very popular one for onlookers. Photo: Merle Cave.

Crowd favourites include the sheep racing, wood chopping and donkey rides.

“There is so much going on,” says one enthusiastic visitor to the show. “Heaps of people.”

There was plenty of food, beverages and entertainment, including mocktails and cold kombucha from Dr Bucha’s Living Drinks crew.

Highland dancing at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

The Katikati Rugby & sports Club hosted a bar, and a popular part of the show were the dance displays including the Filipino Group, Mural Town Line Dancing, Highland Dancing, and Scottish Country Dancing groups.

The Katipo Creative Studio ran the Katikati A&P Show Hat Competition for any lady or gentleman rocking up in a hat on the day.

The Home Industries section of the Katikati A&P Show was held indoors. Photo: Supplied.

Meanwhile, indoors, home industries have been buzzing with activity, featuring an array of locally grown produce and captivating exhibits, including garlic growing, the ‘Best Looking Hens Eggs’, ‘Best in Show’ potatoes, and the largest tomato.

First prize for a tomato at the Katikati A&P Show went to Rowan Sutherland. Photo: Merle Cave.

The vegetable section of the competition at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

The huge number of baking entries were judged at 3pm on Saturday ready for show day today and included scones, muffins, cupcakes, chocolate brownies, shortbread, fruit cakes, bread, pikelets, slices, chocolate cakes, loaves, and avocado-based baked items.

A kiwifruit-themed cake in the baking section of the Katikati A&P Show won an award. Photo: Merle Cave.

Children age 5-13 years also had three age categories to enter as part of the Home Industries section. The children’s competitions included decorating wine biscuits and eggs, making the traditional ‘sand saucer’, painting pet rocks, and making bird feeders, Lego farms and fruit or vegetable critters. 

Ten to 13 year olds could compete with decorating cupcakes, making potholders or oven mitts, flower arrangements, handmade cards, baking and creating articles using natural or recycled materials.

The baking section of the Home Industries area of the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.

The show wasn’t complete without a raffle, and this year’s exciting prize was a Hitachi 5.0KW High Wall Heat Pump with installation thanks to the generosity of Hitachi NZ and Katikati Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.

With the vibrant atmosphere permeating every corner of the event, Katikati residents have enjoyed celebrating the revival of their beloved show amidst a backdrop of camaraderie and community spirit.

“It’s so good having it back after four years,” says a Katikati resident at the show to SunLive.

“Katikati is loving having their show back, and it’s a beautiful day for it.”

The photography competition of the Katikati A&P Show had numerous entries. Photo: Merle Cave.

The home produce and preserving section of the competition at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo: Merle Cave.