Sika Show returns in 2022

After the cancellation of the 2020 event following the first COVID-19 lockdown and the postponement of last year’s event, Sika Show returns on 29 and 30 October 2022.

The show, which was previously scheduled for 26 and 27 February this year, was postponed again after the Government’s announcement of red traffic light setting.

The annual show is under new management and has been moved to a new location after a steady increase in interest seen from hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and commercial exhibitors.

“Mystery Creek in Hamilton provides a quality purpose-built indoor, all-weather venue with ample parking (something that was severely lacking in Taupo given the growth of the show) and adequate facilities all around to host the event,” the organisers said.

The show has more than $100,000 in prizes, including a $35,000 LVB Jet Boat door prize, $45,000 in the Annual Head Competition, $20,000 in the National Duck and Goose Calling Competition, and $5000 in roaring competition prizes.

“Plus, we have attending exhibitors’ competitions and prize promotions separate from our own,” the organisers said.

“The NZ Tahr Foundation also has a new national competition, scoring system, and trophy dedicated to the Duke of Bedford, which will be run and presented at the Sika Show.”

The focus of this year’s event is promoting hunter conservation through education and awareness around what hunters can do to better manage game animals, native species, and forest habitats, as well as collectively come together to support and help the various hunting foundations, clubs, and associations throughout New Zealand.

“We have every major hunting and conservation association, foundation, club, and organisation attending, which has never been achieved before, and we have set up a specific education/conservation zone in the show where people can talk to the various organisations that manage their local game species and forest parks and look at joining in membership and supporting them.”

The show will also fundraise for several causes every year.

“This year, $1 from every door ticket sold will be donated to the Central North Island Sika Foundation for their various conservation projects as well as funding for NZ Game Animal Council, Rural Support Trust, and the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter that does an amazing job servicing the Taupo region and is Kaimanawa Sika Hunters’ emergency evacuation first responder if they ever get into serious trouble while out in the Kaimanawa Forest Park,” the organisers said.

A complete exhibitor list, head competition entry form and rules, and ticket information can be found at sikashow.co.nz.