With over 500 volunteers and 2500 individual competitions, The New Zealand Agricultural Show symbolises community, history, and heritage. This cross-generational event brings urban and rural together in three days packed with exhibitions, competitions, and fun!
Historically the Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association has survived on The Show income for survival. But COVID-19 forced the cancellation of The Shows in 2020 and 2021, paving the way for our first NZ Ag Online Show. In 2021, we released our first TVNZ programme. These proactive initiatives were well-received with viewership exceeding expectations. The problem was they didn’t generate income, so we looked to our community for donations for survival.
The support of our community ultimately saved the Canterbury A&P Association. Our Show Saviours will always have a proud place in our Associations history, for not only what they provided us, but for the whole of Canterbury.
At The 2022 New Zealand Agricultural Show, our Show Saviours Garden was unveiled in the Canterbury Agricultural Park as a permanent reminder to those who have supported us.
This has been a great time of change in our history. But the generosity of our Show Saviours means The Show will go on.
On February 7 the Canterbury A&P Association had the honour and privilege of hosting Her Royal Highness Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence during their trip to New Zealand. As part of their visit to the Canterbury Agricultural Park, the pair received an update on the role of New Zealand’s agricultural and pastoral showing movement, and the stature of the sheep and wool industry. While at the park Princess Anne unveiled a plaque in honour of our incredible Show Saviours, whose donations saved our Show during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a true privilege to see our Show Saviours honoured by royalty and a wonderful way to start our 160th Anniversary year.
