New North Otago A&P Association secretary Catherine Gardner knows she has “huge shoes” to fill, stepping into the role after Katrina Kelly died suddenly in May last year.

“At every step of the way I'm mindful of her legacy, because all the people, all the volunteers, they didn't just lose a secretary, they lost a really good friend. So there's that grief.” Catherine says.

She took on the part-time position in June, but as Saturday’s (February 22) 162nd North Otago A&P Show approaches and the demands of the job have ramped up, Catherine appreciates even more the enormity of the role Katrina played.

“I just want to do her proud. I didn't know her, but I feel as if I did.

“That's a big thing for me, is that I want to make sure that it's good for her. Because she just had done such good work.”

Previous North Otago A&P Association secretary Katrina Kelly's sudden death while on holiday last year left a huge hole in the organisation. File photo: Ashley Smyth

Catherine grew up in Ōamaru, but has been away for 40 years.

She was a police officer in London before joining New Zealand Police for about 17 years and then changing careers to take a job at WorkSafe in Wellington.

She was able to transfer to the Dunedin office after deciding to move back south to help an ailing relative, but was then made redundant.

The new job has been a “huge learning curve” for Catherine.

“But the thing is, I just love being back in town, and it's nice to do things at a local level. The last lot of years I was doing things at a national level.”

The people of Ōamaru have been “wonderful” as she finds her way around her new job.

Sponsors for the A&P Show have continued to be generous and support the show, even though times are tough. And if it wasn’t for the volunteers, none of it would happen, Catherine says.

“I was just so impressed with everyone.

“I watch all of these incredibly creative children bring their stuff in, and I'm just blown away. And then we've got the vendors, and then we've got the trade space, and then of course we've got the magnificent animals.”

Six Clydesdale horses will come in from Canterbury exhibiting how they go about their work. They will be joined by the regular influx of other horses, sheep, cattle, goats and dogs for the chaotic terrier race.

“I just think, it's that agriculture, when you watch the farmers bring in their animals, you see how much effort they put in . . . it's amazing.

“I think the whole thing is quite humbling, to be honest with you, right across the board. On every level.”

The ribbons up for grabs at Saturday's A&P Show. Photo: Supplied/North Otago A&P Facebook

There is a show committee of about 15, who do their best to “muck in” however they can. Then there are the stewards and the judges who arrive on the day and “just do it because they love it”, Catherine says.

One thing the committee feels strongly about, is providing a variety of free activities for children, so aside from food and entry, parents shouldn’t have to be constantly forking out money.

House of Bricks and Pedalmania are returning after being well-received last year. There will be a busker, highland dancing, and the increasingly popular Agrikids challenge.

Catherine really hopes people come out and support the show.

“If people don't come, it won't survive.

“I remember vividly the A&P show as a child, and I just think it's worth fighting for. And I think at a time when farmers are struggling, to have them come and for them to be acknowledged, you know?

“We've got sheep shearing demonstrations, we've got the dog trial demonstration, because, it's just vital. It's our lifeblood.”

There are still a few spaces available for trade stalls. Find out more by emailing [email protected]