Things to do  |  19 Oct 2022

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The New Zealand Agriculture Show 2022 is just three weeks away and organisers are touting it as ‘the best Show ever’.

The Show has been in hiatus for the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is back from 9 to 11 November with a few innovations, including new sponsors and corporate hosting.

There will be free entry to The Show for those under the age of 18 and for the first time in The Show’s history, there will be evening entertainment, at the aptly named Cassels BaaBaa Bar.

“Our Board is focused on a new future proofed strategy. We definitely had to rethink because it just wasn’t financially viable to keep relying on two weeks of income a year to keep The Show alive, yet alone grow it,’’ says General Manager Tracy Ahern.

Other innovations introduced this year include the Clash of the Colleges – a 15 module competition open to secondary schools. Teams face a variety of tasks such as identifying animal anatomy, condition scoring of sheep, wool classing, identifying seeds and weeds, applying drench, tying knots, safety, aspects of fencing, and putting together a shearing hand piece.

Ms Ahern is also determined to reduce waste at The Show, with an ambitious aim to halve it this year through the likes of sustainable sourcing (including the reduction or reuse of materials), a specific bus service and encouraging cycling with the addition of more cycle racks for the duration.

“Materials will be measured, tracked, and reused or donated to community organisations and schools at the conclusion of the event.”

A grandmother of four, Ms Ahern says The Show brings together all the things dear to her.

“I’m intrigued by the rural urban divide, passionate about sustainability, love animals and people having a good time. There just are not that many places where people can go for good old fashioned inter-generational family fun.

“With a focus on youth this year, I believe that we can inspire and showcase options for kids to have a go in a safe space. We want to help every child get a taste of rural life – many kids don’t have that opportunity.”