New administrator for Kaikoura A&P Show

Kate McConchie (12) and Spark will be competing in jumping events for the first time at an A&P show. Photo: Supplied

Nicola McConchie might be new to Kaikoura but she is already playing a big role in the community.

The new Kaikoura A&P Association administrator is busy preparing for the annual show being held on Saturday, February 24. It is the first show since the November 2016 earthquake. Her husband, Clint McConchie, was born in Kaikoura, and the couple moved back to the area with their three children to support Clint's parents after the earthquakes.

"We are both passionate about farming and our kids are farming kids," Mrs McConchie said.

Nicola McConchie has taken over the reins as Kaikoura A&P Show administrator. Photo: Supplied

"I grew up going to A&P shows and, as a youngster from 8-years-old to my teens, I used to enter in Otago and Southland A&P shows.

"We did it as a family. We had a horse truck and travelled everywhere and competed every weekend."

The Kaikoura A&P Association has struggled in recent years to fill the secretary-treasurer role, now known as the administrator, and called a community meeting in June 2015 in a bid to find volunteers.

While new committee members came forward at the time, president Terri Chalmers, who previously served 10 years as show secretary, took on a dual role for the 2016 show.

"It's good that I was able to fill it, because I think they were struggling to find someone," Mrs McConchie said.

"It would be great to see more of the younger generation involved and hopefully we don't lose them to the show movement in the future."

Mrs McConchie is certainly doing her bit to encourage the next generation, with all three of her children competing in the show. Her son Jimmy (15) is entering his pet ewe, with two lambs at foot thanks to a ram borrowed from local show stalwarts Colin and Tina Nimmo. Eldest daughter Kate (12) is competing for the first time in an A&P show, in the pony club jumping.

"Unfortunately, I'm not going to have much time to watch her, but hopefully my husband will be able to make a fuss of her and the pony club members will get in behind her."

Youngest daughter Claire (11) has entries in the baking and photography classes. Mrs McConchie said life was busy in the lead-up to the show, as she worked as an agricultural tutor, spending two days a week in Christchurch as well as juggling family and show commitments.

"I'm new to the role, but I have a fantastic, supportive committee and Terri is just the most knowledgeable woman."

Her work has been made a little easier by the association using the Showday online program for entries for the first time.

david.hill@alliedpress.co.nz