🎃 The Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest 2026 is On! 🎃
🎃 The Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest 2026 is On! 🎃
Grow something massive, meaningful, and maybe even edible…
The Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest is back for 2026 — and this year, we’re adding a tasty twist. Whether you’re growing for glory or for dinner, it’s time to get those seeds in the ground and have a go!
Growing for Good: Supporting Wildly Curious 🌱
Once again, all proceeds will go towards Wildly Curious Outdoor Learning Centre, helping our local tamariki explore the beaches, forests, and wetlands of our region. This year, we’re raising funds to expand their adventures even further — register here for updates! Or watch this space or keep an eye on our social media.
Seeds, Koha & New Options
We’ll be handing out seed packets at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market for a gold coin koha.
This year, you can choose from two seed types:
Giant Atlantic Pumpkins – big, bold and perfect for the competition (but not the dinner table!)
Musquée de Provence Pumpkins – beautiful, ribbed, heirloom pumpkins that grow large and taste delicious.
Whether you’re growing for the scales or the soup pot, there’s something for everyone.
Key Dates for 2026
Planting Season: October–December — ideal time to start growing!
The Big Weigh-In: Saturday 28 March 2026, 10 am at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.
(All pumpkins must be registered and on display by 9:30 am to qualify.)
📏 Note: This year’s judging is all about the heaviest pumpkin — no need for tape measures or beauty contests. Just bring the big guns!
How to Enter
Registration is free and essential. Sign up online or in person when you collect your seeds. We’ll keep you updated with handy tips and reminders along the way.
Let’s see what the Matakana community can grow when we put our hearts (and compost) into it. Happy planting!
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Eligibility
Entry is open to all ages. No purchase is necessary to enter. Everyone’s welcome — from seasoned growers to curious first-timers.
Registration
All pumpkins must be registered to be eligible for judging and prizes.
There are two ways to register:Preferably, register your interest early via this online form. We’ll send you a pre-registration form before weigh-in day.
Alternatively, you can register on the day, but all pumpkins must be checked in and fully registered by 9:30 am on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.
No late entries will be accepted.
Pumpkin Guidelines
All pumpkin types are welcome!
Choose between:Atlantic Giant – ideal for size and show (not so tasty)
Musquée de Provence – large, sculptural, and delicious
Pumpkins must be grown and cared for by the entrant throughout the season.
Weigh-In Day
Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
Time: Weigh-in starts at 10:00 am
Location: Matakana Village Farmers’ Market
Check-in deadline: 9:30 am (no exceptions)
Judging Criteria
This year, it’s all about the scales!
The heaviest pumpkin wins. No other categories or measurements will be judged in 2026.Judging decisions are final.
Prizes
Top prizes will be awarded to the heaviest pumpkins.
Prizes may include Matakana Village gift cards, custom certificates, and surprise giveaways — all announced on the day.Community Spirit
This event is about fun, connection, and a love of growing things (big things, in this case!). Please bring your best self — kind, respectful, and full of good vibes.
Promotion & Publicity
By entering, you agree to allow Matakana Village and Matakana Village Farmers’ Market to use images and videos of your pumpkins (and you) for promotional purposes on social media and marketing channels.
Disqualification
The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the above requirements or behaves in a way that undermines the spirit of the contest.
Liability
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market is not responsible for any damage or injury incurred while growing, transporting, or displaying pumpkins.
Amendments
The event organisers may amend or cancel the contest if required. Any updates will be communicated to all registered participants.