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A&P shows have an important role to play in bridging the growing divide between urban and rural communities, according to Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show chair Carl King.
King says the opportunity to get up close to farm animals and talk to people off the land gives city-based people the chance to break down stereotypes.
“Farmers often bear the brunt of a lot of bad publicity, especially on the environmental front,” he says.
“Whereas most of the farmers I know are heavily invested in tree planting and care deeply about the welfare of their animals.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the picture that is most often portrayed in the media, so the show is a way for people to see the other side.”
King grew up on a farm at Arapohue, in Northland, where A&P shows were a staple part of the annual calendar.
“People travelled large distances to attend shows. They were a chance to catch up with neighbours, show their animals and take part in the events. It was one of the highlights of the year. We came to the A&P show in Warkworth on many occasions, so I feel privileged to now be part of the team organising the event.
“A&P shows are part of the fabric of rural life and I would hate to ever see them disappear, which sadly is happening in some centres,” he adds.
King says the show is also an opportunity for NZ’s next generation of farmers to see what being a farmer is all about.
“For children and young people, the shows are a great introduction to the rural sector, whether you want to become a farmer or just participate in some of the rural sports such as shearing and woodchopping.”
King says the Warkworth show organisers try to walk the line between honouring the A&P traditions while still putting on a modern event that will appeal to a wide range of people.
“It’s a real challenge, but every year the programme is reviewed and refreshed as we try to get the balance right, bearing in mind that we are always constrained by financial considerations.
“This has been a double challenge following the cancellations forced on us by covid, as many of our costs are ongoing whether we have a show or not.”
King said that was why they valued the loyal support of major sponsors Wharehine, as well as Auckland Council, Northland Waste, Mason Contractors, Mason Containers, Carter’s Tyres, Absolute Scaffolding, Coresteel, Hutchinson Engineering and Rhodes for Roads.
“These are some of the major sponsors, but there are many others as well.
“Without these guys, the show just wouldn’t happen.
Warkworth will hold its show at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Saturday, March 18.
