Wood chopping will return to the Katikati A&P Show in February after several years in the wilderness

The 2016 event will feature demonstration chopping and sawing by some of the country's top names in the sport.

AVANZA will sponsor the wood chopping event at the 2016 Katikati A&P Show. Photo: File.

Alongside the chopping arena will be a large marquee, housing a range of events and exhibits co-ordinated by Kati Avo Expo representing the local avocado industry, with sponsorship avocado marketer AVANZA

Sheryl Palmer, chair of the Kati Avo Expo co-ordinating committee says the aim is to promote the local avocado industry to orchardists as well as the public.

'This is the Katikati A&P Show's 94th year,” says Sheryl, 'and we believe it is appropriate to bring back one of the show's long standing traditions while also promoting the growth of a relatively new industry – avocado orcharding.”

The avocado site will feature a range of exhibits and activities, including the heaviest avocado competition and competitions and activities for children.

'We'd encourage orchardists to select fruit they think will grow really big and leave it on the tree until February, to enter the heaviest avocado competition,” says Sheryl.

Val Baker of the Katikati Axemens Association, is co-ordinating the chopping exhibitions which will run throughout the afternoon.

'It won't be an axemen's carnival as such,” she explains, 'but we may run it like a series of match races.

'So far we have several axemen and possibly two axe-women, who have indicated they are keen to take part.”

'I am delighted that the avocado industry has revived chopping at the Katikati Show. I'm sure the public will be delighted to have it back.”

The Katikati A&P Show will be held on Sunday February 7, 2016. Anyone interested in being part of the Kati Avo Expo stand should email: [email protected] by December 5.