Six-year-old Marlow Campbell from Ruatangata, near Whangārei, with Berry, her multi-prize-winning Suffolk lamb.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
An estimated 5500 people turned out to enjoy the oldest country show in New Zealand on Saturday.
While livestock displays have yet to return, following the M. Bovis scare of some years ago, this year’s show featured other regular attractions, such as pet lamb and calf competitions, miniature horses, two equestrian rings, a food and wine festival called Savouring the Source, live music, plenty of kai, children’s rides, and more than 150 trade stalls.
Founded in 1842, the Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show is only a couple of years younger than the Treaty of Waitangi.
It has been held on the current site in Waimate North, midway between Kerikeri and Kaikohe, since 1888.
The Bay of Islands Show is the first of the season in Northland each year, and is famous for its picturesque grounds, dotted with ancient puriri trees.
It’s also a stone’s throw from the historic Church of St John the Baptist, and Te Waimate Mission Station, the second-oldest building in the country.
Children await their turn in the pet lamb ring, at this year’s Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Eight-year-old Casey Williams, from Whangārei, reacts after winning first place with his Jersey calf Joanna.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Grant Smith and Meg, from Maungatapere, coax a reluctant trio through a gate during the dog trials.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
The showgrounds are famous for their mature trees.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Free pony rides were a feature of this year’s Bay of Islands Show.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Traditional rides, especially the merry-go-round, are always a hit with the kids at the Bay of Islands Show.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Two-year-old Indi Dunbar, from Kerikeri, shows her delight on the merry-go-round.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Mixing up a storm are, from left, Benjamin Thrippleton, Frankie Jago and Elisa Jago.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Bay of Islands band Kōhia, with Harry Muunu on bass, keep the crowd entertained.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Levi Henry clears a jump on Coppermine Road in the equestrian ring.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Kerikeri 10-year-old Gee Wright finds the shortest way down from an inflatable climbing tower.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Twelve-year-old Bella Mawson, from Tomarata, leads miniature horse Dakota through the trail event.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Perry Lynn, 8, of Kerikeri, and nana Shirley Gordon take a free ride in the Top Energy bucket.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Free rides in Top Energy bucket are always popular at the Bay of Islands Show.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Blooms galore fill the competition hall.
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
