Homeowners free to dream at show

They came for a look and left with dreams of new boats, cars, spa pools and homes.

The Home and Living Show was back at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin for the fourth time over the weekend.

Among those wandering through the stalls, which offered everything from new beds to a cup of coffee, was Robin Harris, of Dunedin.

Mrs Harris said she and her husband were "not looking for anything in particular", just whatever "catches our eye".

Her eyes were soon drawn to smaller items for the home, rather than something more expensive, and she was impressed by the range of products on offer.

So, too, was Cathy Tawera, of Dunedin, who was taking in the show with her sister and grandson.

They came every year, and this time were hunting for a ranchslider, but also took the chance for a "good look around".

"It's just something to do for the day and what's around," Mrs Tawera said.

That included taking just a quick look at the display of new cars, she confessed.

"I will follow that up with my husband," she added.

Her grandson, Tamarau MacKechnie (8), was less impressed by the cars, but more so by the lollies on offer.

"All of them," he said, when asked for his favourite.

Tony and Suzanne Wilkes, of Dunedin, were also spotted taking a short break on a bench seat - suspiciously close to an $85,000 Mustang V8 GT convertible.

"It's the nearest bench from the cafe," Mr Wilkes insisted.

"I haven't got my chequebook. I leave it at home on days like today," he added, before wandering off past the cars with a twinkle in his eye.

A few metres away, Erana Fielding was busy taking a break and enjoying a game of Connect 4 with Macy Harmes in a children's entertainment zone.

"It's actually really cool. It's a fantastic setup with places for the kids and food."

The two-day show, now in its fourth year, is the work of Allied Press, owner of the Otago Daily Times, in partnership with Dunedin Venues, which operates the stadium.

Among the highlights was an appearance by The Block NZ's resident builder, Peter Wolfkamp, and the return of show favourites including the Whitestone Cheese Fresh Food Show, the Drivesouth motoring and boating zone and a range of local and national exhibitors, specialist demonstrations and food and beverage sample options.