Tomorrow we're taking a day out of the office and going to meet and greet the unwashed masses. While I say that tongue in cheek, as there certainly will be a lot of primping and preening going on around the district tonight, I dare say that a decent portion of that will be horses and livestock for show. Please tell me I'm not the only one that didn't know that horses wear makeup to these sorts of events?

Did you know that The Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Show is the oldest agriculture show in New Zealand with a history predating 1888? It was initially started as an "agricultural demonstration" and held in the area on local land until the first permanent site was established at Grove Cottage Farm.  A nikau and pole structure formed the first Show Hall. These days, the show incorporates The Food & Wine Pavilion, showcasing local producers, wineries and cafes in the indoor RDA arena, as well as the more traditional events such as Equestrian and Livestock classes, indoor Hall Exhibits, competitions, demonstrations, live entertainment and over 150 Trade Site exhibitors.

Now how does a group of "townie accountants" fit in with that? You say why, we say why not? It allows us to be out and about, interacting with our clients, people we know and the community in general. Every now and again they do let us out of our windowless offices and away from the computers and calculators to stretch our legs and fill our lungs with country air. They tell me it does a soul good.

I had to catch myself as I nearly wrote "It's not all fun and games." But tomorrow, it is. Just for coming and talking to one of our lovely team, you can go in the draw to win a Xero package worth $500. But what's more, we appreciate that it's not a prize (as fantastic as it is) that interests one and all. So we've got cold hard cash on offer. Back by popular demand is our competition to guess the combined weight of a lamb and a calf. Have your laugh now as it will indeed be Alison Lemon chasing and catching them in the dark this evening. After a bit of stick that the adults couldn't play last time, this year they can as there is separate adults and kids categories. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten the tiny tots as we've got colouring in and balloons to keep them distracted under our gazebo while you have a good ol' yarn to us.

We look forward to seeing you at site 78, Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Show, 205 Showgrounds Road, Waimate North. Gates open 8am. Adults (13 years and over) - $10. Children (12 & under) Free. Free parking.

PKF Poutsma Lemon Limited

Jancy Stott – Chartered Accountant