On Saturday, she was ringing them to check on their welfare, but she had to hang up because Wanaka's Jack Russell race was about to start.
She was relieved to hear her family were safe.
Her dog Neko was about to compete in - and win - the race of her life.
Ms Hirata did not want to miss out.
"I had told everybody she was going to be the winner. I am so proud I am going to be sending her photo to everyone," Ms Hirata said after Neko won the race.
Up to 50 Jack Russells were entered in the race, which quickly turned to chaos.
Only a handful of dogs were able to maintain focus and chase the dead rabbit being pulled by the Upper Clutha A and P Show hunt master.
Ms Hirata's partner Luke James (29) said Neko's speed came from playing Frisbee golf, and chasing balls or himself.
Show guest Wellington comedienne Ginette McDonald (aka Lyn of Tawa) was impressed.
"That dog is like a rat on steroids and twice as fast. I've done a lot of things in my long and enriching life but that has to be up there with the most exciting thing I have seen," she said.
A former race champion, Rusty, of Lake Hawea (owner Travis Brenssell), was second and Kate, of Alexandra (Mark Hutton), third.
Ms McDonald assisted at the pet parade, judging Ella Maluschnig's 2-week-old frog Harry most unusual pet.
Ella (11) said Harry was the product of her pet frogs the late Gary and Gemma.
The show is the second-largest in the country, behind the Christchurch show, and was attended by many thousands of people from around the South Island, including hundreds seeking refuge from the aftermath of Christchurch's earthquakes.
Ms McDonald said it was tremendous" and complimented the organisers for their hard work and helping everyone get over national and international disasters.
She thought the Jersey cow Google Eyes, a veteran show-goer, had lovely eyes and was also astounded by Oscar the Boer goat's sweet tooth.
"I am just a townie. I don't come from Tawa. I actually come from Haitaitai (a suburb in Wellington). We don't meet sheep, cows and goats of an ordinary afternoon," she said.
