For the first time in over a decade, the prestigious Royal Agricultural and Pastoral Show of New Zealand (Royal A&P Show) will return to Canterbury, with the Canterbury A&P Association proudly set to host the event as part of its 162nd Show this November, in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand.
To be held at Canterbury Agricultural Park from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th November, the Royal A&P Show is set to reclaim its place as the South Island’s largest agricultural showcase.
Sir David Carter, Chair of the Canterbury A & P Association Board said, “Canterbury hosted its first Royal A&P Show in 1925 and last one in 2010. A Royal A&P Show is the pinnacle of the showing calendar and provides the opportunity for exhibitors and competitors from across the country to compete at a national level.
“For our show to regain Royal A&P Show status is a significant milestone for our Association and for the wider rural sector. The Royal A&P Show designation brings with it heightened prestige and competition,” says Carter. “Farmers and competitors across New Zealand will be eager to exhibit their animals at a Royal A&P Show where championship titles are harder earned and more highly prized.
“Livestock entries are already expected to increase, and the competition will be fiercer than ever, and we expect the most trade sites for many years,” says Carter.
Rachel Walker, President of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand says, “We’re excited to see a Royal A&P Show return to the South Island after a bit of a hiatus. We’re even more excited for a Royal A&P Show to be hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association in acknowledgement of the fantastic shows they have run over many decades and the vision they have for 2025 and the future.”
“A maximum of two Royal Shows can be held in New Zealand each year, one in each island, and 2025 will be the first time that will be achieved with a Royal A&P Show in Stratford and now a Royal A&P Show in Canterbury. With 66 Breed and Kindred member societies, both Royal Agricultural and Pastoral Shows of New Zealand will have a range of animals on show,” says Walker.
“Regaining the Royal A&P Show status for the 2025 event is a fantastic coup,” says Kate Acland, Chairperson of Beef & Lamb New Zealand. “It will mean a stronger showing of livestock competitors, more people through the gate, and more exposure for trade exhibitors—which means a stronger show overall. This is a great outcome for the entire Canterbury region.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger echoed the excitement. “This is more good news for Christchurch and Canterbury. These shows bring people from town and country together, supports local business, and celebrates everything that makes our rural communities so important to Canterbury and beyond. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for what’s going to be an incredible event.”
Phil Anderson co-owner of Event Hire said the team is thrilled to again work with the Canterbury A & P Association and its experienced team of volunteers.
“We had a very tight timeframe to pull together last year’s Show, but it was a great success—financially strong and well-attended across all three days. With more time to plan, and the Royal A&P Show status,we’re putting on a full-scale show this year. We’re aiming to deliver a truly exceptional event,” says Anderson.
Over three packed days, the Royal A&P Show will offer non-stop action, including equestrian events, shearing, woodchopping, dog trials, wool handling, and all major livestock classes. For competitors, it represents the pinnacle of agricultural achievement in New Zealand.
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