Association History

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, established in 1862, is an association under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908. The Association has held its annual Show every year since 1862. Livestock and machinery exhibits featured from the outset. In 1997, the Show moved to the 145 hectare Canterbury Agricultural Park, New Zealand’s first purpose-built Show facility. 

In 2001 the A&P Association reached agreement with the Christchurch City Council for the purchase of a significant portion of land from the Association.  The A&P Association has retained the right to use that land for the annual Show. 

Tenth Dot Management Limited has been appointed to provide event management services to drive the Show forward into an expanded event for the 21st Century. The A&P Board, together with the Committee and event management team is determined to position the Show as the single biggest event on the region’s event calendar.

The annual event is a showcase of international agriculutral excellence that continues to build on its long and successful reputation for bringing the country to town.

In 2012 the Canterbury A&P Association will celebrate its 150th Show.

Past Presidents
Chris Abbott 1996
Bob Anderson 1999
Melville Brooks 1980
Tom Grigg 1968
John Gunn 1991
Richard Johnson 1988
George Kelly 1987
Neil Macfarlane 2003
Roddy Mackenzie 1993
John Marshall 1997
Michael McEvedy 2002
Ernest Murray 1983
Peter Northcote 1990
Rob Reid 2001
Ivor Robinson 1995
Bruce Russell 1998
Jim Stevenson 1961
Keith Stevenson 1982
Murray Thacker 1986
Bob Todhunter 2000
Chris Wright 2004
Stuart McLean 2005
Ian Stevenson 2006
Murray Hartnell 2007
Keith McIntosh 2008
Donald Wright 2009

For more information on the history of A&P Shows in New Zealand visit Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.