Black Fern Selica Winiati opens up Levin AP&I Show

Equestrian competitions attract competitors from around the country.

This year's AP&I Show was bigger and better than ever. Show organiser Jo Wells says 12,000 people enjoyed the two-day show.

"Huge numbers in the Show Jumping competition and large entries across the board for sheep, pig and beef sections of the show, numbers were down in the dairy section due to the drought."

Woodchopping is a main staple of any AP&I Show and Levin is no exception. Men and women from Horowhenua, Kapiti and further afield showed off their skills with the axe. Equestrian competitors were kept busy from Thursday and throughout the weekend.

Young people proudly show off their award winning charges.

The animal nursery, run by Levin and Horowhenua Veterinary Centre and which won them a first prize, was very popular with the kids, who were able to touch sheep, a goat, some lamas, pigs and cuddle puppies and baby chicks.

The show's official opening included the grand parade with many of the prize winning animals showing off their owners.

Sheep shearing is among the most watched activities at the show.

Local celebrity Selica Winiati, a Waiopehu College old girl, did the official opening speech. Selica has been a Black Fern since 2008 and plays for Manawatu, but hails from Horowhenua and said she was pleased to be back for the show and seized the chance to encourage young girls to consider taking up rugby.

A star attraction on the stage was Renee Maurice, winner of the 2013 New Zealand's Got Talent TV show. Other performers were YOUBE4T and the Singing Cowboy.

The vintage machinery display attracted a lot of punters, especially at times when one or more of them got started up, making noise, and smoke to their heart's content.

"Many volunteer organisations were also on the grounds helping out and also promoting their work," says Jo who is very happy with the positive feedback so far.