Runner number 1 takes an early lead in the noon pig race, at the 2024 Kaikohe A&P Show. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
In the most anticipated political race since last year's general election, a piglet named David Seymour has beaten porker "The Jones Boy" - named in honour of NZ First's Shane Jones - by a nose.
The parliamentary-themed pig race was the highlight of the Kaikohe A&P Show, which drew an estimated 3500 people to the Far North town on Saturday.
A&P Society president and pig race commentator Richard Dampney said it was the show's biggest crowd in many years.
The free rides, including the merry-go-round, proved popular with the kids. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Ten-year-old Ivy Southee, from Waiotira, with a family calf named Daisy. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Two-year-old Aurora-Storm, from Taheke, gets acquainted with a goat while mum Ariana Wilson looks on. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Other attractions included horse events, shearing competitions, dog trials, the Northland Gumboot Throwing Championships, animal displays, and free tours of the nearby Ngāwhā geothermal power station.
Showgrounds entry and all rides were free for children aged 14 and under, to give families an affordable and fun day out.
Power company Top Energy's free bucket rides were a hit with the kids. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Dairy goats were increasingly popular at the Kaikohe show. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Dairy farmer and part-time shearer Stefan van Oorschot competes in the shearing competition. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Three pig races were held during the day with eight piglets, each wearing a numbered bib, vying for glory on a circular track featuring ramp and tunnel obstacles.
The final race also featured piglets named after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Greens co-leader James Shaw, but on the final straight they were no competition for coalition partners Seymour and Jones.
NZ First MP Shane Jones watches as a contestant is readied for the pig race. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Show volunteers slip a bib on "The Jones Boy", a racing pig named after NZ First MP Shane Jones. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Pig racing was the biggest drawcard of this year's Kaikohe A&P Show. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Kaikohe's showgrounds are 4 kilometres east of town at the corner of State Highway 12 and Ngāwhā Springs Road.
Volunteers from Kaikohe Fire Brigade show how not to put out a burning pot of oil. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Twelve-year-old Christie Price, from Waimate North, sniffs a bloom in the flower competition. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Linda Bracken directs Kaikohe Pioneer Village's 1901 Burrell steam traction engine Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Kaikohe shepherd Kauri Warmington and King compete in the dog trials. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf
Kauri Warmington and King coax a trio of sheep into the pen. Photo: RNZ/ Peter de Graaf