Royal A & P show hits Hawke's Bay

Troy Grimwood of Taupo judging the bowl section of the wood turning competition held under the grandstand at the Royal A and P Show of New Zealand this week. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

Dog trials, cooking demonstrations and the country's largest apple bin maze are a few of the activities that will fill the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds this week.

The Royal A and P Show of New Zealand kicks into gear today with fleece judging and the Export Lamb Hoof Competition before opening to the public on Thursday.

For the first time the Hawke's Bay A and P Society have chosen to have a two day public event rather than three after a show revamp.

Hawke's Bay A and P Society general manager Brent Linn said the showgrounds were starting to look more like a show with marquees popping up and competitors arriving.

"It will be a good family day out with lots going on and the weather also looks good for us at the moment which is a bonus."

On Thursday the show will extend into the evening with The Hits Show Spectacular featuring a Mounted Games demonstration, The Beat Girls with the Flaming Maniacs fire dancers, a mass kapa haka performance and dog vs duck- a new take on dog trials.

"While the entertainment is going on the trade stalls, hospitality and Mahons Amusements will all still be running into the night."

This year Mahons Amusements are putting on Mahons Moonlight Madness offering a bring-a-mate happy hour from 5pm with two rides for the price of one.

Mr Linn said there was some good free entertainment as well with what they believed was New Zealand's largest apple bin maze.

The fastest person to go through the maze and figure out the clues successfully will win a $1000 travel voucher.

People will also be treated to the traditional fencing, shearing, equestrian and cattle and sheep competitions and for the first time someone will be crowned the Bay's best beef producer.

'The Best of the Bay Beef' competition, sponsored by AFFCO, opened at the end of August and the 10 finalists will have their cube rolls tasted by members of the public at the show and a judging panel. Renowned Auckland restaurant Baduzzi head chef Glen File will cook the steaks.

"The competition enables us to tell a story from the animal around the parade ring to the industry to what the consumer sees on the plate," Mr Linn said.

For those keen foodies the Taste Hawke's Bay Pavilion will be open under the grandstand on both Thursday and Friday featuring cooking demonstrations showcasing local cuisine.

After having the event headlined by the likes of New Zealand MasterChef winners Chelsea Winter and Brett McGregor, organisers this year wanted a local focus.

There will be a intermediate and high school students "MasterChef" cook off on Thursday and a "Hastings Mayoral Cook Off'"on Friday run by Henry and Monique Heke.

"There is plenty for everyone to get involved in with a good variety of activities, and it should be a good week."

Tickets to Thursday and Friday can be purchased at either the Napier or Hastings iSites or at the gates on the day. For more information and a programme visit: showgroundshb.co.nz/hawkes-bay-on-show.php.