Laura McGoldrick named NZ Cup and Show Week ambassador

If you’re looking to catch the eye of New Zealand Cup and Show Week fashions judges this year, ooze confidence, throw in a splash of colour and don a funky fascinator.

That’s the advice from Christchurch born and raised media personality Laura McGoldrick, who has just been named as a NZ Cup and Show Week ambassador.

Laura will return home to Christchurch as the face of Cup and Show Week, which kicks off on November 5.

She is looking forward to soaking up the Show Week buzz in the city.

“It is incredibly special to be chosen as an ambassador for NZ Cup and Show Week. I’m proud to be a Cantabrian and this week has always been such a highlight in the calendar so to be coming is very cool,” says Laura.

“There’s something about this city when there’s a major event like this one – it has a great buzz about it. With the great progress that’s gone on since the earthquakes it makes it even more exciting. I know that, like me, people from out of town will be amazed at what is being achieved. I can’t wait to get there!”

Raised in Christchurch, Laura, who is married to New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill, has fond memories of Cup and Show Week, including the feeling of excitement in the house.

“Every year my Nana and Poppa would take my brothers and I to the Show. We all have great memories of the rides, the farm animals and the candy-floss. And of course we used to love the extra days off school!”

Currently working on Radio Hauraki’s breakfast show, Laura is also hosting the weekend NZ Herald Focus show, and fronts Sky TV’s domestic and international cricket coverage.

Among her roles as an ambassador, Laura will be a Cup Day fashion judge at Addington Raceway this year, and has a few tips for would be winners.

“I always think if a lady feels good she looks good. So I am looking for confidence, colour, and a funky fascinator! Ladies, if you are going to rock your high heels, make sure they are comfortable and you are confident walking around in them! There are little plastic things you can get (at the chemist I think) for your heels that stop you sinking into the grass – definitely worth thinking about.

“Study up a bit on the form guide and stick with people who know their racing! Otherwise just ‘fake it til you make it’, pick the name of the horse you like most and have a good time!”

When it comes to her own style choices for the day, she’ll be following her mother’s own style over the years and dressing to match her body shape.

“I have plenty of style inspirations … so I may love what Blake Lively wore to the Oscars or Jodi Anasta wore to the Spring Racing Carnival in Sydney, but I know that I am not as tall nor the same shape as them so it won’t look as good on me. So it’s all about embracing your body, dressing for your shape – not always wearing black – and embracing colours and patterns as well.”

And her final tip: pack your Cup Day clutch with some hand sanitizer, eye liner, a good lip-gloss and a form guide, ‘just to look the part’!

Richard Attwood, Christchurch City Council Head of Events, says choosing Laura to be the NZ Cup and Show Week ambassador was the obvious choice.

"Laura is the perfect ambassador for New Zealand's largest spring festival. She's a Cantabrian through-and-through and has fond memories of time spent with family at the A&P Show, Addington Raceway and Riccarton Park Racecourse. We feel she reflects the spirit of the week – her love of sport and the outdoors, passion for Christchurch and interest in fashion makes her the obvious choice. Laura has become a notable name throughout New Zealand households and we're thrilled to welcome her to the New Zealand Cup and Show Week team"

Find out more on NZ Cup and Show Week.