MEDIA RELEASE
28 October 2005
CLEVEDON A & P SHOW CELEBRATES 92 YEARS IN BUSINESS
The Clevedon A & P Show, to be held on 12 and 13 November, marks its 92nd year of operation since its inception in 1909.
Apart from breaks during world wars one and two, it has been business as usual each year. The A & P Show was first held on Mr Bell’s paddock in East Road, (now Monument Road) next to Mr McKnight’s butter factory. It
moved in 1914 to its current location in Monument Road, now known as the Clevedon Showgrounds.
This 7.9 hectare piece of land was sold to Manukau City Council in 1994 by the Clevedon Agricultural and Pastoral
Association, with the agreement the organisation could have the use of the land for 10 days every year for the Show.
The Duder family from Clevedon has been associated with the event from the beginning. Ian Duder became involved when it
started up again after the war in 1945, his father before him in the 1920’s and his grandfather, William Thomas in 1909;
he became president of the A & P Association.
One of Ian Duder’s most vivid memories was the colonial grandstand on the showground, which was moved there from the
Auckland Racing Club’s Takanini Training Track, a few years after the show began.
He says, “I believe a bullock team must have moved it, but I don’t know how! It was made of heavy kauri timber and was
25 – 30 metres long with room for a secretary’s office and changing rooms underneath.
“The premier spot was the grandstand; and people would also park their cars around the perimeter of the grounds to get
an uninterrupted view of events in the arena. It was a case of first there, best position. People took their own picnics
and there were 4 coppers (early washing machines) boiled up behind the grand stands for people to get their teapots
filled
“The show originally held in February, was changed to November in the 1960’s to fit with the milking schedules. In those
days the dairy section was strong with prizes for the best in each breed and a calf club was popular with the children;
also the fat lamb competition for which our family gave a cup. These events have largely faded away today.”
Today like other NZ rural shows the Clevedon A & P show still focuses on animals, but with a farmyard, sheep dog trials and sheep shearing, wood chopping, trade
displays and a range of entertainment.
Its wine and food enclosure showcases Clevedon’s boutique wines along with an array of foods and live bands.
Manukau City Council Events Planner Paul Eagle says, “Manukau City Council supports the Clevedon A & P Show as it aligns with Manukau’s strategic directions and goals. As a community event it delivers identifiable,
measurable economic, community and social benefits to stakeholders. Its brand and reputation developed over almost a
century, has the capacity to attract tourism, contribute to community well being and city image.
“Once again this year crowds will come to capture a taste of country life, fresh country air and green country side, and
see the huge assortment of animals and entertainment on offer, at affordable family prices.”
Special features this year include: the start and finish of the ‘Cycle for life’ competition in the grounds and there
will be ‘Typical Northern Man’ and ‘Typical Northern Sheila’ competitions.
Adults: $5, 5 -14 $2 family pass $12 and parking is free
For further information contact Chris Moxon 09 232 0267
ENDS