Carnival Week in Christchurch : the implement section of the Canterbury A & P Association's metropolitan show. [1899]
christchurchcitylibraries
Early agricultural shows in Canterbury
The first agricultural show in Canterbury was held by the Canterbury Pastoral Association on 14 September 1859 at a farm on the north bank of the Rangitata River. Although the site had been chosen so that entries would come from all over Canterbury, the interest in the show was mostly from the south.
Twenty eight pens of sheep were judged. They were not divided up into classes according to breed. The next year, a more successful show was held at Turton’s Accommodation House in Ashburton.
First Christchurch agricultural show
A Canterbury agricultural show was held in Christchurch for the first time in 1862, using a paddock fenced with gorse, just north of Latimer Square.
The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was founded in 1863. The association bought a showground of 14 acres (5.6ha) in Sydenham. This became Sydenham Park in 1894. A show was held there on 22 October, but was washed out by rain.
Thousands of city dwellers will spend a day in the “country” this week as crowds flock to The New Zealand Agricultural Show in Wigram.
From farmyard fun to animal parades, show-goers can herd together friends and family for a big day out from Wednesday, 13 November until Friday, 15 November.
With a packed schedule of entertainment, competitions and activities – along with the show’s first roller-coaster ride – make sure you plan your day and take advantage of country life closer to home.
Parking spots will be at a premium so farming fans are urged to make the most of public transport, with a special show service leaving the Bus Interchange every 30 minutes from 9.30am to 4pm and returning every 30 minutes from 10am to 4.30pm on both Thursday and Friday. Public parking is available via McMahon Drive, Augustine Drive and Wigram Road.
Bike stands are also available at the Lake Turnstile and River Turnstile entrances but remember to bring a padlock.
The first show stop for many families will be Hazletts Farmyard, where youngsters can get close to lambs, calves, puppies, ducklings, chickens and much more.
Further afield, the finest animals in an array of classes will be competing for prestigious ribbons. More than 3000 animals will be on-site – from alpacas to lambs and ducks to ponies. Boer goats, bantam hens and huge Angus bulls will all be in the Livestock Pavilion while the country’s second-largest equestrian competition will feature hundreds of riders.
You can climb on board the Tractor Shuttle to get your next show stop. Take in the Let There Be Meat BBQ competition or marvel at the duck herding and dog trials.
You can also show off your gumboot-throwing skills or sit back and soak up the sounds – and a glass of wine – at the Village Green. The New Zealand Army Band, Brotherhood Musiq, Nat & Jono, The Eastern and Kings will be centre stage.
Check out the wood-chopping contest in the battle for trans-Tasman supremacy and see New Zealand’s top shearers and wool handlers in action as they vie for a spot in the national teams. Among the show highlights is the Ballantynes Grand Parade on Friday.
Led by the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band, the parade will feature the best of the best in the livestock and equestrian sections.
Check out the tailored itineraries to help plan your day and grab a ticket online or at the gates. The show will be open from 8am to 5.30pm daily.
