A&P show success ignites debate

CRIS JOHNSTON/The Southland Times

AND THE WINNER IS: Jools Topp (left) with winning dog Jed and owner Jock Kinnmont, of Cromwell, who competed in the jack russell race at the Upper Clutha A & P Show in Wanaka.

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The debate about where to build a multimillion-dollar sports hub in Wanaka was brought before thousands of people at the Upper Clutha A&P Show at the weekend.

A&P association president Phill Hunt officially opened the 73rd annual show before the grand parade on Saturday, urging protection of the McDougall St showgrounds and its retention in the Wanaka town centre green belt.

Mr Hunt said the showgrounds land had been given to the community by Wanaka's forefathers, who had the foresight to create a green belt for the town.

"It is important the showgrounds continue to be part of that," Mr Hunt said.

While the association "looked forward to working with the (Queenstown Lakes District) council", it encouraged purchase of a greenfields site so the "future success of the show was guaranteed", he said.

The council is still investigating sites for the new sports hub, with the showgrounds and neighbouring Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park grounds named as the preferred location.

Meanwhile, visitors to the show on Saturday were treated to a range of entertainment, trade exhibits and competitions, including performances by Topp Twins Jools and Lynda, which attracted large audiences.

The twins also performed finish- line duties for the jack russell race, the sisters skilfully intercepting first and second-placed dogs as they pursued a rabbit carcass towed by huntsman Glynn Smith.

The boundary fence main arena was five deep with spectators for the race, which this year was taken out by rookie outsider 14-year-old Jed, of Cromwell, owned by Jock Kinnmont.

Upper Clutha A& P Show co-ordinator Jane Stalker said although final numbers were not yet known, an estimated 15,000 people attended this year's event, up by about 1000 on last year.

"Trade exhibitors and competitors all seemed happy.

"We had no complaints. Certainly I would love to see more volunteers helping out on show day itself – it just all helps keep things running smoothly," Mrs Stalker said.

For full show results, go to southlandtimes.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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