π The Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest 2027
Can Matakana crack 50kg?
We're back for another season of giant pumpkins, friendly rivalry and good old-fashioned community fun!
Whether you're a seasoned grower, a first-timer or a family looking for a fun summer project, everyone's invited to get growing.
And remember, it's not just about size. From the biggest to the tiniest, prettiest to ugliest, there are plenty of ways to win.
All ages. All varieties. All welcome.
π The Big Weigh-In
Saturday 20 March 2027
π Matakana Village Farmers' Market
2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana
8:30am β Pumpkin registration opens
9:30am β Entries close and judging begins
From 10am β Prizegiving and the big live weigh-in!
Register your interest now to receive growing tips, competition updates and entry information.
Registration is free. Everyone's welcome!
π Can We Beat Last Year's Record?
In 2025, our winning pumpkin weighed 26kg. In 2026, Hugo Fisher smashed that with a whopping 41.9kg!
Now we're chasing the next milestone.
50kg? 100kg? Who knows what Matakana can grow!
Got a competitive streak? This is your year.
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It's not just about growing the biggest pumpkin! There are plenty of ways to win.
π₯ Biggest Pumpkin β 1st, 2nd & 3rd
π± Tiniest Pumpkin
π Ugliest Pumpkin
πΈ Prettiest Pumpkin
π Celebrity Lookalike
π Most Spectacular Shape
πΏ Rookie of the Year
π¨ Most Creative Display
π₯§ Pumpkin Pie Contest
π½οΈ Most Creative Pumpkin Food Item
Plus prizes and surprises on the day!
Four Square Matakana is supporting our Biggest Pumpkin winner with a special hamper, along with Thumbs Up awards for participating schools.
Final categories and prize details will be confirmed before the event.
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We've organised 500 packets of pumpkin seeds to help get Matakana growing! Each packet has 2 Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds β the variety famous for producing record-breaking whoppers!
Look out for seeds through local schools, Four Square Matakana and Matakana Village Farmers' Market.
We're also working with Wildly Curious Outdoor Learning Centre on pumpkin seedlings, with plans to make them available through Four Square.
Where else? Check out Mitre 10, Bunnings and your local garden centres. They usually stock seeds and seedlings for Atlantic Giant pumpkins.
Already have your own seeds or plants? No problem! All pumpkin varieties are welcome.
Seed and seedling availability will be updated as arrangements are confirmed.
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Everyone is welcome, from first-time growers to experienced pumpkin champions!
Grow your pumpkin β Plant it, water it and give it plenty of love over summer.
Bring your pumpkin along β Saturday 20 March 2027 at Matakana Village Farmers' Market.
Check in on the day β Registration opens at 8:30am, with entries closing at 9:30am.
Entry is FREE! All ages and pumpkin varieties welcome.
Full competition terms and conditions will be available before the event.
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Want to grow a whopper? Here are a few tips to get you started.
βοΈ Sunshine β Choose a warm, sunny spot with plenty of room to spread.
π± Good soil β Pumpkins love rich soil and lots of compost.
π§ Water β Keep them consistently watered, especially as the fruit grows.
π Focus β Chasing maximum weight? Concentrate on growing your strongest pumpkin, remove any contenders.
β€οΈ Patience β Give it time, care and perhaps the occasional encouraging word!
Remember, even a tiny pumpkin can be a winner!
πΏ Growing Together
The Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest is about more than giant pumpkins. It's about getting tamariki outdoors, bringing whΔnau together and celebrating the joy of growing something from seed.
A big thanks to Four Square Matakana for getting behind this year's competition, and to our friends at Wildly Curious Outdoor Learning Centre for helping inspire the next generation of growers.
Ready to give it a go? Register here and let's get growing!
Proudly organised by Matakana Village Farmers' Market.