🎃 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
We’re proud to once again support Wildly Curious Outdoor Learning Centre, helping tamariki explore beaches, forests, wetlands and beyond.
Seed packets will be available from October, and seedlings will be available in November — grown and sold by Wildly Curious as part of their fundraising efforts.
Want updates on seedling availability, tips, and reminders?
👉 Register your interest here:
https://www.matakanavillage.co.nz/pumpkin
🌿 Seeds & Seedlings
This year we have:
Atlantic Giant – perfect for those chasing size and glory
Musquée de Provence – beautifully ribbed, great growers, and delicious to eat
Due to an enthusiastic seed-packet mixing moment, some of our free seed envelopes may contain either variety (or a mix!). The surprise is part of the fun — and every variety is welcome on weigh-in day.
📅 Key Dates for 2026
Planting Season: October–December
The Big Weigh-In:
🗓 Saturday 21 March 2026
📍 Matakana Village Farmers’ Market
⏰ Pumpkins must be registered and on display by 9:30am
⚖ Judging begins at 9:30am
🏆 Prize announcements from 10:00am
We’ll build the suspense live — weighing the top three pumpkins on stage!
🏆 Categories
There are plenty of chances to win — it’s not just about going big!
🥇 Biggest Pumpkin (1st, 2nd & 3rd)
🌱 Tiniest Pumpkin
😂 Ugliest Pumpkin
🌸 Prettiest Pumpkin
🎭 Celebrity Lookalike
🌀 Most Spectacular Shape
🌿 Rookie of the Year
🎨 Most Creative Display
Plus:
🥧 Pumpkin Pie Contest
🍽 Most Creative Pumpkin Food Item
No matter your pumpkin’s personality — there’s likely a category waiting for it.
🎉 What to Expect on the Day
8:30am – Submission desk opens
9:30am – Entries close, judging begins
10:00am – Prizegiving kicks off
Live commentary and plenty of crowd hype
It’s a celebration of growing, community, and a good dose of pumpkin pride.
👩🌾 How to Enter
Registration is free and essential.
We strongly encourage early registration so we can send reminders, updates, and helpful growing tips throughout the season.
👉 Register here:
https://www.matakanavillage.co.nz/pumpkin
You can also register on the day before 9:30am — but no late entries will be accepted.
🌻 Why We Do It
This isn’t just about pumpkins.
It’s about whānau, garden clubs, schools, neighbours and a little friendly rivalry. It’s about compost, patience, storytelling and community spirit.
So start planting. Feed generously. Water deeply. And maybe whisper a few encouraging words.
Let’s see what Matakana can grow this year. 🎃✨
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Matakana Village Farmers' Market Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest – Terms & Conditions (2026)
Eligibility
Entry is open to all ages. No purchase is necessary to enter. Everyone’s welcome — from first-time growers to seasoned pumpkin pros.
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 our 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 by 9:30 am on Saturday 21 March 2026 at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.
No late entries will be accepted.
Pumpkin Guidelines
All varieties are welcome, no matter the size, shape, or flavour.
Seed packets handed out at the market were intended to include either Atlantic Giant or Musquée de Provence, but due to a mix-up, some were unintentionally combined. If you picked up one of our free seed packets — surprise! It could be either type (or both).
The good news?
The Musquée de Provence are delicious, and every type has a chance to win — we’ve got a range of fun categories beyond just size.Pumpkins must be grown and cared for by the entrant throughout the season.
Weigh-In Day
Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
Time: Weigh-in begins at 10:00 am
Location: Matakana Village Farmers’ Market
Check-in Deadline: 9:30 am (no exceptions)
Judging Criteria
While weight is a key prize category, this year’s contest features multiple categories — from tiniest pumpkin to best display and more — so there’s something for every grower and pumpkin personality.
Judging decisions are final.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded across a variety of fun categories.
These may include Matakana Village gift cards, custom certificates, and other surprise goodies — announced on the day.Community Spirit
This contest is all about fun, creativity, and community. Whether your pumpkin is a beauty queen, a beast, or just a little battler — bring it along and be part of the fun.
Promotion & Publicity
By entering, you give permission for Matakana Village and the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market to use images or videos of you and your pumpkin for social media and promotional purposes.
Disqualification
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market reserves the right to disqualify any entry that breaches the terms or behaves in a way that isn’t in the spirit of the contest.
Liability
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market is not responsible for any injuries or damages that occur while growing, transporting, or displaying pumpkins.
Amendments
The organisers may amend or cancel the contest at any time. Any changes will be communicated to all registered participants.