Jordan Bradly could be the youngest president in New Zealand.

The 21-year-old has just taken the reins of the Helensville A&P Association and is looking to haul in other younger members.

"Anyone can join - it's not just for old men and farmers."

He follows fine A&P family pedigree that includes his grandfather Pat Bradly and great-grandfather Russel "Bun" Bradly both heavily involved in the Helensville show.

Russel's older brother Jack "JW" Bradly also served as the longest running president from 1938 to 1947.

"People often say if it wasn't for JW the show wouldn't have continued," he says.

"Due to the number of men fighting during the war, he ran a much smaller event to keep it going."

Jordan's parents Richard and Geraldine are life members and are still heavily involved.

Richard, a past president, is a committee member and was a strong supporter for Jordan to consider joining the committee in the first place.

"Mum's a fierce competitor in the baking section and helps out a lot during in the weeks prior to the show."

The pinnacle of the association's year is the Helensville Show with the next one - the 111th - on February 23.

"One of my earliest memories when I was about 3 or 4 was looking at the rides and animals.

"I always looked forward to it as it was so much fun," Jordan says.

Show manager Marion Stutz is busy preparing for the largest one-day show in the northern region, helped by loyal volunteers.

"It's a fantastic thing to have new blood in an old association," she says. "The show has really retained its country feel, its intrinsic country flavour.

"We had a very positive survey last year from participants."

Jordan has won his fair share of ribbons since he joined calf club at Helensville School.

"At the show you got prize money which was a motivating factor," he says.

Jordan hopes to encourage younger members to join the association.

"The show is a fantastic way for anyone to get involved in the community," he says.

"Everyone is more than welcome. Volunteering just for one day is a big help to everybody on board and we really appreciate the wonderful service that the volunteers provide.

"At the end of it, there's an amazing sense of accomplishment and achievement about being a part of this great event."

Jordan helps his dad maintain the showgrounds where their cattle graze. They also sell hay to raise funds for the association.

Jordan is a former head boy of Kaipara College and is in his fourth year at Auckland University studying mathematics and statistics.

"My friends think it's quite cool to be a president at such a young age. They're supportive and think it's really great."

• Link to helensvilleshowgrounds.co.nz/gallery/gallery.htm

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