The annual January show is a favourite with many. Horses, ponies and riders from all over the country head to the event as much for the competition as the fun on the side. The river becomes a popular swimming hole, and there’s always plenty of fat to chew around the many truck ramps and BBQs.
It’s a big gathering for the wider Wairoa community, and the largest family entertainment event in the district.
The show has become the goal for the hundreds who have pitched in to help restore the grounds. The aim is to ‘repair, rebuild and revitalise’ the grounds to make them more resilient and fit-for-purpose for future generations.
Working bees have attracted people from all over the region – some are volunteer committee members, but others have just seen a place that needs a hand, even if their own properties are also in dire need of a clean-up. The sheer numbers have impressed the neighbouring regions who have asked organisers just what the secret is to getting so many along to help.
The risk of volunteer burnout is high but the push continues to have the grounds ready for the 2024 show. But there is another problem — while the Society has insurance, the reinstatement of the grounds and silt removal are not covered. Since the cyclone, the Society has raised $60,000 to replace the external fencing and repair the main gates to ensure the grounds are secure. More fundraising is in the pipeline and grants are being applied for to help pay for earth-moving contractors to come in with their big machinery and remove the silt before winter sets in.
The shearing shed, pavilion, equestrian shed and Pony Club buildings have all been stripped and cleaned. But there is still so much to be done — the driveway needs to be repaired and re-metalled, the trade area surface needs to be repaired, power poles removed, the main power supply to the grounds replaced, the rodeo arena fixed, and the 314 equestrian yards rebuilt. The list goes on and it is a massive task by anyone’s standards.
Society vice president Raewyn Foot says the efforts by so many to help get the showgrounds back on its feet have been humbling. “We are so, so grateful for all the help,” she says. “Some may have an association with the grounds through their families, but others are randoms who have just seen it on Facebook and come along to pitch in.”
She jokes that the legendary venison sandwiches may also be the drawcard.
The biggest challenge says Raewyn, is the silt.
“Even when you get it out of the building it doesn’t go away. It is absolutely everywhere and the volume that needs to be moved is huge.”
She extended a massive thank you to her committee and the volunteers. There were some who had been amazing in their efforts.
“They just say ‘come on, let’s just get on with it’,” says Raewyn. “These are practical people who get in and get things done.”
She’s hopeful they will make the January deadline.
“Our community has always been able to look forward to the Show. People come from everywhere for it. The horse competitors seem to really like it and they treat it like a holiday. They tend to their horses, have fun and swim in the river.”
They’re not the only ones. Comedian Te Radar has been back a couple of times and loves to talk about it to anyone who will listen.
It’s things as simple as that that make the difference at this much-anticipated event — the people, old-school type grounds lined with trees, a nearby river to swim in, and plenty of fun.
