Celebrating the strong links between rural and urban life in Hawke’s Bay is a key objective of the Hawke’s Bay A Society’s annual A Show.
The 155-year-old show, held every year in October, will this year again be honoured with the title Royal Show, making it
the premier New Zealand A Show.
In latter years a ‘Community Zone’ had developed into a significant part of the event, a “dynamic and diverse area of
the show”, said HB A Society general manager Brent Linn.
This year that zone would continue to grow, with Hastings District Council again supporting it with a $22,000 donation
from the Contestable Grants Fund. The fund is distributed annually to groups developing or delivering a community
service or project which fits with Council’s aim of “building a safe, liveable, sustainable community”. Council is
profiling successful applicants from the 2017/18 grants round.
“The zone hosts, amongst other things, a community stage. It has a distinct local flavour, with local talent, bands and
performers taking to the stage. Being able to offer this exposure to local entertainers is wonderful for the Show, great
for Hastings, and a fantastic experience for the performers themselves,” said Mr Linn.
The stage will run throughout the two days of this year’s show, on October 18 and 19.
The funding from Council will also assist the non-profit society to spread the word locally about the show, with
colourful street flags, banners and bunting. “The show is part of the social fabric of our district and the wider
region, and we want the community to join us in celebrating our rural roots”, said Mr Linn.
Council’s social and cultural development committee chairman Malcolm Dixon said the opportunity for the region’s
talented musicians to take the stage in front of tens of thousands of visitors had real value. “The contestable fund is
aimed at helping non-profit organisations develop community services and projects, including promoting participation in
the arts. In Hastings we have some really talented musicians, all of whom started by playing to their community. This is
our chance to help foster the next generation of talent.”
The HB A Society is promising an excellent 2018 show, “with some exciting changes”. For more information on the show see: showgroundshb.co.nz/hawkes-bay-on-show.php
For more on the Contestable Grants Fund see: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/hastings/community-development/grants/contestable-grants-fund