Our Towns

This year the 125th Mackenzie Highland A&P Show will host a Royal Event in the Sheep section. Royal Events were introduced by the National A&P Association (the RAS) in 2001. A Royal Event allows A&P Associations to promote and feature a specific section at their Show. The RAS Supreme Champion Medal and red, white and blue ribbon is awarded to Supreme Champions in these sections. RAS Champion Medals and ribbons are also awarded. This is quite an honour and will draw large entries from throughout the country.

There will plenty to see at the Show. The Timetable and Programme are currently being developed and will be available online from our website www.mackenzieshow.co.nz a fortnight before the Show.

Here are some of the things you can see, do and experience at the Show
Royal Event in the Sheep Section

The ‘Wonky Donkey’ Man sponsored by Fairlie Early Learners

Brad Stehle

Bedford Entertainment & Talent Show

As well as….

Pedalmania, Archery, The Mackenzie Shears, a live Sheep Auction, Wood Chopping, Sheep Dog Trials, Vintage Machinery, Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band, Country Kids Agri-sports, Pet Tent, Fairlie Four Square Lolly Scramble, Grand Parade, Carnival Rides, shopping (over 160 businesses), food/drink (over 20 options), animals and much, much more…..

In addition to the Show events, there will be plenty of exhibits to enjoy. Please consider entering as exhibits are an important part of the Show…with over 1000 classes, I’m pretty sure there is at least one class for everyone! Maybe one of these areas will catch your eye: home and farm produce, wine and home brew, cooking, flowers, patchwork, needlework, art, crafts (card making, scrapbooking, jewellery, sculpture, carving, pottery), photography, dog trials, highland dancing, piping and solo drumming, alpacas, wearable arts, equestrian (from miniatures to Clydesdales and exciting hunter jumping), sheep, wool, goats or poultry (chickens, ducks and pigeons).

The Show Committee would like to extend an open invitation for Show helpers. This doesn’t mean you have to ‘join’ the Committee (though you are more than welcome to) but with an ageing Committee, we can definitely use always use more helpers for setting up, taking down and on the day. Please, please consider putting your hand up and contacting me.

The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission– bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you.

Showcasing a carefully crafted and curated collection of bike films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised for the two-wheel devotee!

The 2023 treasure chest of films includes a delightful young Australian bikepackers learnings from her adventure- completing a scenic trip to Hell; a visually commanding film set in postcard Tuscany following a 74-year old bicicletta rider (and his marvellous moustache) whose spirit personifies cycling; a team who have spent five years formulating a dream…and only one way to get it- via packraft and mountain bike, on a pursuit of a first descent on the gnarly lines of Dillon Cone in the rugged coastal Kaikōura ranges of New Zealand;

Two schools share their insights into how they promote active transport within their school community; the tale of a rider with a searing thirst for adventure, exploring interior Iceland; putting the ‘mountain’ into mountain biking – a Scottish highlands rider’s eyes are opened to the healing power of the bicycle; an uplifting film that celebrates a humble volunteer whose community spirit is inspiring and so are the majestic winter views of the trail where he lives in rural heartland Central Otago;

Also a moving movie that follows a family that chooses to live life to the fullest in the face of adversity; and rounding out the night, find out what happens when you combine an ultra-distance 320 km gravel race and parenting together over a 24-hour period (which is tougher?); ALL in the mix!

These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all- inspiring us to get out and ride. All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables.

WIN A GREAT RIDES CYCLING HOLIDAY! Thanks to presenting partner Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand you could WIN A GREAT RIDES CYCLING HOLIDAY for you and a friend when you buy a ticket to the Big Bike Film Night New Zealand screening.
Find out more here https://www.nzcycletrail.com/bbfn/

So…listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, grab your tickets, GO ON… grab your bike and come along for the ride!!