The A&P Show Returns
The Whakatāne A&P Show opens today and organisers are promising something for everyone, with a host of attractions both on the field and off.
President of the Association Andrew Isles says that this year, in addition to the horse events and petting zoos out on the field, there will be plenty to see and do inside the War Memorial Hall complex. “We are bringing some Show life back inside, with live music – including Rock n’ Roll and the ukelele orchestra – and 26 stall holders,” he says, “in addition to the trade exhibitors and things like the apple pie competition. The Home and Industry competitions are also back, and this year we have Cow Pat Bingo, though obviously that one will not be indoors!”
The A&P Show was first held in 1908 in Tāneatua and became a regular and popular fixture on the District’s calendar before moving to Whakatāne in the 1930s. It remained popular for many years, helping to bring town and country together, but in 2009 it was cancelled as organisers struggled to gain support. With new blood on board the Show returned in 2015 however, and Mr Iles says the Association is looking firmly to the future.
“We have a new committee but with some familiar faces like our patron Don Herdman, who has a long connection with the Association as well as the town, having served as Mayor. We also have a new logo and a new sense of mission to rejuvenate what was a regular spectacle in Whakatāne. We’d like to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors – and urge everyone in the District to come along; it is just a gold coin donation for a great day out.”
The Whakatāne A&P Show is on from 7-8 October at Rex Morpeth Park; for more information, visit: whakatane.com/events/whakatane-ap-show
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.8% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.7% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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33.3% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.2% I didn’t know online booking was available
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