A Whakatane man is displaying his rare vintage tractor, which assisted with Britain's food production during World War 1, at a public tractor show in Rotorua in February.

The 1917 International Titan tractor will be among the oldest tractors on display at the Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club's vintage tractor show and live day on Sunday, February 22.

John Couch will have his 1917 International Titan tractor on display at the Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club's vintage tractor show and live day on February 22.

The tractor, which belongs to John Couch of Whakatane, was bought by his grandfather at the end of the war and accompanied John and his family when they immigrated to New Zealand eight years ago.

'I believe it is one of only seven in New Zealand. The Titan was among 3000 shipped to Britain to help increase food production during the war.”

The Rotorua tractor and machinery club's annual show day is held on the Mamaku property owned by agricultural contractor and club member Eric Cullen.

'We are very fortunate to be able to hold the day on Eric's farm and if the weather is fine, will be using vintage machinery to make hay,” says John.

'Eric will also use his big modern machinery to demonstrate making wrapped silage.”

As well as vintage tractors, there will be vintage cars and vintage stationary engines on display.

A vintage tractor-pulling event, ploughing demonstrations with vintage tractors and horses are also planned, along with shearing demonstrations using hand-operated shearing machines. The Mamaku Volunteer Fire Brigade will also be there.

A swap-meet is another attraction and anyone with machinery or parts to sell can buy a stall space for the day.

The event runs from 10am-3pm and will be sign posted from State Highway 5 at Mamaku. Entry is $10 for adults and admission for children under 10 is free.

For more information contact John Couch phone 07 07 308 0571 or email: titancouch@msn.com