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Shear fun at Banks Peninsula show

Shear fun at Banks Peninsula show
Photo Krystal Merry Photography

Banks Peninsula A&P Show president Ben Butterick reckons the show, at Awa-iti Domain in Little River on January 18, is a good chance for people to get off the farm and catch up with their mates.

"Shows are always nice to go to, but you get the most satisfaction catching up with all the people you haven't seen in a while."

The show is one of the first in the South Island for 2025.

The show programme includes blade shearing, a Fashion in the Field equestrian competition, and a dog high jump event, which Butterick says will be "a bit of a laugh."

The Tux yard dog trials will be a highlight, with Butterick himself a keen dog trialer.

"Farmers get a hard time, and it's not always financially easy farming, so I think it's important for people to be involved in something, whether it is shows, sports or whatever.

"So shows and dog trailing are my two things."

Butterick said sheepdog trials are always a good spectacle for people who haven't seen them before

"There are some pretty well-respected dog trial men that will run there."

Butterick has a long history with the event.

He began showing his Poll Dorset sheep at the A&P show at the age of 13 and has put the breed in the spotlight this year.

"I'm president, and we breed Poll Dorsets, so they will be a show feature."

Then there is the team shearing event—a quintessentially Kiwi competition that is sure to be a crowd favourite.

"One person eats a weetbix, another has to drink a beer while a third person has to wind the old fashioned winder while someone shears a sheep, which will be a bit of fun."

Country music lovers will be in for a treat, with Zayde Blair performing, and the Ellesmere Pipe Band will lead the grand parade.

Photo Krystal Merry Photography

Butterick said the show, with its close proximity to Christchurch, was a good way to bring people from the town to the country.

"We are only 40 minutes from Christchurch, and we are pretty unique here in that not all people involved with the show are farming people.

"It's a good chance for the community to get together, and it's a beautiful setting."

All you need to know for a great day out at the show

Banks Peninsula A&P Association – Little River Show

Where: Awa-iti Domain in Little River

Date: 18th January 2025 – 113th Show

President: Ben Butterick

Vice President: Tom Power

Junior Vice President: Dave Butterick

Gates open at 8 am

Admission: $20 per Adult. Children 16 and under free

Car Parking: Free

Website: www.littlerivershow.org.nz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlerivershow

Highlights include – Blade Shearing and shearing demonstrations, Duck Yarding, Fashion in The Field Equestrian Event, Tux Yard Dog Event, Dog High Jump, Josh Grimaldi magic shows,  musician Zayde Blair,  Grand Parade at 1.30 pm with the Ellesmere Pipe Band, Show Jumping and trade stalls.

By Claire Inkson