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More than 30 bright orange beauties lined up before judges at the Matakana Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest this year, with a mix of entries from seasoned growers, first-timers and some local schools.
Organiser Tom Klockseth said the atmosphere on the day was fantastic with lots of community spirit, a few laughs and some seriously impressive pumpkins.
“In terms of size, we saw a big jump from last year,” he said. “Last year’s winning pumpkin was 26kg, which this year would have only just made it into the top group. Our 2026 winner, Hugo Fisher, took it out at 41.9kg – a strong step up and a sign of what’s to come.”
In second place was Max Fisher with a 39.6kg giant and Kate Loveridge’s 33.9kg pumpkin earned her third place.
In the ‘fun’ categories, prizes were awarded for the tiniest, ugliest, prettiest, celebrity lookalike and most spectacular shaped pumpkins. The prize for Rookie of the Year went to Warkworth School and the Pumpkin Pie Contest was won by Nina Hassan.
Tom says the event is not just about the biggest pumpkin – it’s about whānau getting involved, schools giving it a go, neighbours sharing tips and the joy of growing something from seed to show.
“From tiny pumpkins to towering giants, every entry had a story behind it, and that’s what makes this event what it is.”
