Best in show

Rural New Zealand is explored by Canadian freelance journalist Judy Schultz who stumbles upon a Pukekohe A&P show, explores the historic community of Waiuku and samples local wares at Awhitu Country Market in Matakawau. “Getting lost here is half the fun. Backroads are chock-a-block with vineyard cafes, jazz festivals, great beaches. The A and P in the town of Pukekohe lasts the weekend, rain or shine. Every prize pumpkin and domestic animal in the region is trotted out in its Sunday best, cattle all sleek and shiny, from enormous Belgian Blues to hair-in-the-eyes Highlanders. Competition is cutthroat, but there’s coffee and meat pies while you wait.”