Husbands compete

HUSBAND OF THE YEAR: Waipapa Lions’ Husband of the Year Gary Larken, second from right, with his wife Jacqui, daughters Jade and Aimee, Shortland Street actor Shaun Edwards-Brown, contest organiser Marian Andrews, far left, and Waipapa Lions president Kelly Adams.

Cake decorating, flower arranging and dressmaking aren't most blokes' idea of a fun Saturday night.

But that didn't stop contestants at Waipapa Lions inaugural Husband of the Year contest in Kerikeri at the weekend exploring their feminine sides.

Ten men representing Kerikeri's police station, fire brigade, schools and sports and service clubs took to the stage in front of an enthusiastic audience of more than 100 wives, family members and friends.

The event raised $1000 for Plunket and was compered by actor Shaun Edwards-Brown who plays Ben Goodhall on TV soap Shortland Street. Contestants at the event had to:

•  Decorate a sponge cake
•  Belly dance after watching a demonstration by belly dancer Gilly Alexander
•  Demonstrate a flair for floral artistry
•  Create a dress for their wife or partner out of a sheet and four safety pins
•  Draw their ideal woman
•  Decorate a hat for their wife to wear to the races.

Springbank School's Gary Larken was judged the winner by deputy mayor Sally Macauley, Kerikeri businessman Brian Harvey, Waipapa business owner and health educator Dave Hookway and artist Valerie Hunton.

He won a weekend break for two in Auckland staying at the Copthorne HarbourCity in the Viaduct Basin.

Kerikeri Rugby Club's Rob Drummond was named runner-up, Kerikeri Fire Brigade's Steve Edwards won the Mr Personality prize, Les Remnent of the Kerikeri Leisure Marching Club won the Knobbly Knees Prize and Mark Roberts of Kerikeri police took away the booby prize.

- © Fairfax NZ News