Show Highlights

Despite some inclement weather the 2009 Show proved once again to be a favourite with Cantabrians and visitors to the City.

Visitor numbers totalled 89,000 with a record Thursday reaching 32,000 visitors. Trade exhibitors were also at an all time high with 609 exhibits. The Trade and Feature Pavilion was at capacity, as was the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion and the Garden NZ Pavilion continued on its success from 2008.

Livestock exhibitor numbers were up with a total of 7584 livestock and feature competition entries competing in over 1400 classes. This represents a 100% increase since 2000. From alpacas to gourmet oils, yard dogs to wines, the 175 judges and 270 stewards were kept busy in the judging rings over the three days. The number of entries from outside Canterbury also significantly increased as there was an excellent response to the incentives and concessions offered to Southland and North Island exhibitors.

In addition to the competitions, feature entertainment proved to be a Show favourite with a wide range of events and attractions including the carnival area, Tip Top Family Lawn, Food & Wine NZ Pavilion, City Farmyard, Tui BaaBaa Bar plus the traditional events including the livestock and equestrian programme.

The Dakins Ambassador of the Year, honouring a farmer or competitor who has been seen to support the ideals and focus of the Canterbury A&P Association, was awarded to Dean Geddes from the dairy cattle section. Dean has exhibited at Shows from Auckland to Invercargill for over 15 years and in partnership with his parents before this. He has attended the Show in Canterbury every year since he was a child and has been an exceptional promote of showing encouraging and helping many young breeders to show their cattle.  

The Mint Lamb Competition was won by Grant Hyde from Rangiora. His Texel/Perendale lamb was named the country’s best lamb, from paddock to plate. Farmers from throughout New Zealand were invited to showcase their quality lamb in the competition which was open to all breeds, with entries being judged on the hook for best overall yield and on the plate for best taste.

The Canterbury A&P Association would like to thank all sponsors for their cash and product sponsorship for the 2009 Show and all the volunteers who kindly donated their time.

The Canterbury A&P Association will host its 148th Show in Christchurch, 10-12 November 2010.