A muster is coming to Methven, but it's not sheep or cattle they will be rounding up.

The fourth annual Ute Muster is returning to the Methven Show on March 15.

Whether your truck is a trusty farm ute that's seen better days, a tradie work-horse or a show-stopping classic, event organisers are encouraging people to enter.

"They can be in any state; they don't have to be clean, and they don't even have to go. They can arrive on the back of a trailer," says event organiser Craig Elliott.

Last year's event saw around 70-80 vehicles enter, from new company vehicles to American pick-ups and everything in between.

"Hopefully, we get a good variety, and the more, the merrier."

There are ten categories, meaning all utes are catered for, including Best Presented, Pre-1985, Shepherds Ute and American Pick-up.

There is even a category for the dirtiest ute.

Entering could pay off, with $6000 worth of prizes up for grabs, and winners have the chance to showcase their vehicles in the grand parade.

But that's not the only reason to enter.

"It gets you a close park for the Methven Show," Elliott points out.

A ute tug of war debuted at last year's event with some initial reluctance by vehicle owners to enter.

Once they watched the action of a Toyota Hilux in competition with a Volkswagen Amarok, people were keen to give it a go, and Elliott expects this year's competition to be popular.

"Now that they have seen what it's all about, they'll probably be lining up."

Elliott believes the popularity of utes in New Zealand comes down to their practicality, Kiwi's love of the outdoors and our often-inclement weather.

"They are just so versatile; they can go anywhere.

"In New Zealand, we can have four or five inches of snow in the wintertime, and at least with a four-wheel drive ute, you know you can go wherever you want to.”

The Methven Ute Muster

Where: Methven A&P Show

When: March 15

Vehicles can enter the Showgrounds from Gate A, 54 Barkers Road, from 8.00 am and must be parked ready for judging by 10.30 am.

Prizegiving and barbecue at 12:30 pm.

Enter on the day or in advance via Showday Online.

The $30 entry fee includes a driver's gate pass (extra adults to pay at the gate).

The $30 fee per vehicle covers all categories.

Categories

Best presented/cleanest

Best paint job

Pre-1985/vintage

Tradies Ute

Best sign written

Best accessorised

Best modified

Shepherds ute

American pick-up

By Claire Inkson