Best in Show

November 20, 2025

The Royal Canterbury A&P Show

There was a time when most New Zealanders claimed at least some distant rural connection, with a relative or friend toiling to make a living from agriculture. While many of those farming connections have long since passed the country's rural identity still resonates strongly for townies both young and old.  It's one of the reason's so many city folk continue to flock to the regional A&P shows where farmers celebrate their successes and showcase their talent and latest innovations.


 I was recently asked by Michael Mehaffey from www.thesouthernseries.com to film the 2025 Royal Canterbury A&P show with a focus on sheep and shearing. What a joy, a sheer pleasure if you will! Michael has a passion is to bring New Zealand sheep shearing to a global audience...and you can see why. If darts can be an international sporting event broadcast around the world, why not international shearing? The pace, the characters, the passion and the performance all there just waiting to be enjoyed. A big thumbs up to www.heartland.co.nz for sponsoring the local event.

This course offers a pathway to unwavering self-assurance. Through introspection and practical tool

Ethnic Leadership Course

By John Sellwood • March 19, 2026
This course offers a pathway to unwavering self-assurance. Through introspection and practical tools, founder, Dr Hafsa Ahmed MNZM, will guide you in uncovering your true potential and cultivating authentic confidence from within. Embrace your uniqueness, build resilience, and confidently navigate life’s journey.

The Commons Project

By John Sellwood • February 26, 2026
It was only meant to be a six week project, but it lasted for two years. The engagement and results speak for themselves, with a number of city's most difficult to reach rough sleepers now housed. Most the 'kaewa' or 'wanderers' have been living on the streets for years and struggle with multiple issues including addiction and mental health problems. Housing First- Otautahi sit up the commons project during covid so the homeless would have somewhere to gather during the lock down. The result was a shared meeting place in the central city, where those needing help could connect with those providing help, but on their on terms. The gatherings only last for a few hours each week, but that's all it takes to build trust and deepen relationships.