The country comes back to town!

As the South Island’s largest community event, The New Zealand Agricultural Show has an extensive history. With 2022 welcoming its 159th year, this iconic cross-generational event brings together a passionate group of rural exhibitors, innovators, and celebrators, helping to bridge the urban-rural divide during three days packed with competition, entertainment, and fun. After a two-year absence from its traditional foundations, The Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association is proudly showcasing a triumphant return. It’s bigger, better, and focused on the future of our region.

Many will have memories of the rural games, and this year, it is set to return old favourites.

New Zealand Rural Games Trust founder Steve Hollander said, “The Show is an iconic South Island event, with a long relationship with rural sports like gumboot throwing, timber sports and more. We’re excited to bring some of the Rural Games offerings to Canterbury.”

On top of the traditional games, a raft of new rural-focused events for rangatahi and tamariki will premiere in 2022. Run by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, these games are designed for our rural communities and for those interested in learning more about rural life.

Every Cantabrian child should have the opportunity to come to The Show at least once in their lives. Thanks to Kiwi Gaming Foundation, kids come for free to this year’s event. And with no cost for entering the Clash of the Colleges and Kids n’ Country, the 2022 Show will be affordable for all families. The country is truly coming to town!

The Clash of the Colleges is a hands-on amazing-race-styled event developed to increase the skill level of the next generation. The Kids n’ Country event is all about having a go, with everything from hay bale racing, sack racing, cow pat throwing, pedal tractor racing, and face painting.

The adults get to play too! ‘The Show’ is host to some of the best South Island craft brewers and boutique vineyards. Attendees can get the opportunity to meet people behind their favourite brew and wine, learn about the styles, and find a new drop to enjoy.

General Manager Tracy Ahern said, “With our place in the world in mind, the 2022 show will feature farm-fresh meals. These climate-friendly menus will be designed to feature 75 per cent of ingredients sourced from within the Canterbury region. Through an active food recovery effort, any excess meals will be donated to the City Mission. There will also be sustainable water options throughout the park.”

From livestock competitions to decadent treats to live music and fun for the entire family, The New Zealand Agricultural Show is sure to have a little something for everyone. It’s time again to support Canterbury for its biggest three-day event, and it provides the perfect opportunity to make lasting family memories. Make sure it is a part of your spring calendar, and keep your eye on what’s in store for 2022.

Get ready for the best New Zealand Agricultural Show ever!

Go to theshow.co.nz – early bird tickets on sale from 1 August 2022!