Embedded Files
WELCOME TO LIVESTOCK DAY!
Get completely ready for the big event—this page includes lots of info on raising your animal, what to expect on the day, getting involved with our school Agricultural Exhibition and Group Day.
Livestock Day (or Ag Day) began in Otago in 1911 to teach rural children responsibility through raising farm animals. Over the years, this proud tradition spread nationwide, with students showcasing their skills in animal training, grooming, and care.
Tatuanui School shares a long history with this event; our earliest recorded Pet Day took place in 1927, featuring several ponies, dogs, cats, bantams, and a single calf.
Depending on your region, this event may be called Calf Club Day, Pet Day, or Agricultural Day. Today, Tatuanui School proudly continues this tradition, and we look forward to your entries for dairy calves, beef calves, lambs, or goats!
SCROLL DOWN TO FIND:
How to raise your animal and what to expect on the day
Tatuanui School Agricultural Exhibition - Entry via the form below
Group Day Information
Livestock Day has been a big part of Tatuanui School's history.
Raewyn Clark 1969
Circa 1981
John Ralph, circa 1992
Shelley Steele, 1995
CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL AND WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY
Livestock Day is easily one of the biggest highlights of our school year! It’s the grand finale after months of hard work from both kids and parents rearing their animals. This is your big moment to shine just as much as your animals, so make sure you dress to impress—that means smart attire and closed-toe shoes— leaving the gumboots and Crocs at home for the day!
To help you get your furry friends completely show-day ready, we’ve put together the ultimate playbook! You'll find everything you need to know about caring for and rearing your calf, lamb, or kid. From secret grooming tips to teaching them how to lead like a pro, this guide has got you covered every step of the way. Scroll down, get stuck in, and let the rearing begin!
TO REGISTER:
To enter an animal, complete this form by 4th September 2026. Please complete one form per child entering. Please hand completed forms to the school office and pay the $3.00 entry fee to the school PTA account (not the Board of Trustees Account).
LIVESTOCK DAY AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION
The indoor exhibitions play a vital role in our Livestock Day, ensuring every student can experience the magic of the event regardless of whether they are rearing an animal. This inclusive tradition gives all tamariki a meaningful platform to participate, express their creativity, and share their unique talents.
Ultimately, Livestock Day is a true family and community celebration. Grandparents, caregivers, and local neighbours are warmly invited to come along, watch the children proudly showcase their animals, and view the agricultural displays. This special day is an excellent opportunity for our school values to shine, honouring the immense hard work, dedication, and preparation put in by all of our students.
The upcoming school holidays are the perfect time to get creative and start working on these exhibition projects. Children are to bring their projects completed and ready to present on the day. See the categories below for more information.
Children can choose up to four options in their category. Please note this is not compulsory, and activities are to be completed at home and brought to school on Wednesday 14th October, by 9 am for display in Te Whare Kea classroom. Entries must be pre-registered via this form. Friday 9th will be the closing date for registration. No late entries will be accepted.
On the day, please don't name your child's masterpieces. On arrival, they will be given a number for all of their entries. Between 9.15 and 10 am, judging will commence. After this, the exhibition will be open for all caregivers and family to view. Please remember to take your child's items home at the end of the day.
The link to register your entries will be open soon.
Agricultural Exhibition Categories this Year:
Te Whare Piwakawaka, Kiwi & Tui
Decorate a Super Wine biscuit - place up to 3 decorated biscuits on a paper plate. Homemade biscuits are also fine.
Miniature Farm Scene - an oblong or square flat container with sides, e.g. old baking tin or heavy cardboard box lid, is needed to make a mini garden or scene with stones, flowers, moss, toy cars, plastic animals etc.
Vegetable / fruit person - please display your vegetable person a tray or plate.
Lego creature - this is a good holiday project. Make a creature (real or fictional) of your choice.
Te Whare Kereru, Ruru, Kea
Recipe in a jar - layer your dry recipe ingredients in a jar with a recipe label.
Flower arrangement in an unusual container - the unusual containers need to be able to hold a jar with water in it if the container is not water-tight.
Nature’s creatures - creatures can be made from pinecones, bark, shells, nuts, wood, leaves, twigs, berries etc, must be organic with glue or Blu-Tack to stick them together. Get collecting over the holidays!
Lego creature - make a creature (real or fictional) of your choice. Another good holiday project.
GROUP DAY
Group Day 2026 will be on Friday, October 23rd at the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds.
If your child has won a first, second or third prize for their calf, goat or lamb, they will be able to attend Group Day representing Tatuanui School.
If you wish your child to attend Group Day, please register and pay the entry fee at our school’s Livestock Day so we can add your name to the Group Day list. The entry fee is $5.00, payable at Tatuanui School. Please see the Livestock Day organisers, Tammy Morris or Briar Wood, if you have any questions.
ON THE DAY
Registration: Starts at 9.00 am with info packs and entry numbers to be collected from the registration tent.
Start: At 10.00 am, all main events commence.
Dress Code: Students showing animals should be dressed smartly. You're there to show an animal to a high standard, and there is an expectation that students also present themselves to a high standard. Closed-in shoes are a requirement - NO gumboots, crocs or jandals when competing.
Judges will take note of students' dress standards.
Leading expectations: The lead must not be bunched in the student's hand. Drop lead from neck connection into loop to knees and lay lead in left hand to drop from hip area. Refer to the leading guide under your animal information above.
No harnesses - collar only for lambs and goats, and halter for calves.
Catering: Food will be available for purchase onsite.
For full details, including the order of events, event courses and parking information, click here.
Page updated
Report abuse