A and P Shows held since 1840s
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
Celebrating Agricultural and Pastoral Shows held in NZ
agriculture, agricultural, pastoral, A & P, A&P Show, A and P Show, shows, festivals, showgrounds, competitions
A&P (Agricultural and Pastoral) shows have became an annual event in many districts and are either held during the spring/summer months, winter or Easter. Childhood memories include wood-chopping and sawing contests, pet lamb and calf parades, show-jumping, sideshows, merry-go-rounds and, of course, candy floss! At our community's A&P show, locals and visitors came to socialise and find out the latest farming trends.
The Royal Agricultural Society's website gives the locations and dates of forthcoming A&P shows: https://www.ras.org.nz/
Since the 1840s, the first agricultural shows in NZ were held in the Bay of Islands and Auckland to promote breeds of farm animals and crops. Similar shows began to be held elsewhere which led to the forming of the Agricultural and Pastoral associations from the late 1850s. Under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Acts of 1877 and 1908, other A&P societies were set up throughout NZ. Since 1900s, some districts also began holding shows during winter to promote animal and vegetable produce.
Since 1840s, shows have been held to exhibit breeds of farm animals & crops during October-March
1934: Watching sow with her piglets at Nelson A&P Show
Nelson Provincial Museum
From the late 1850s, Agricultural & Pastoral (A&P) associations began to form
No date: Crowd at the Auckland A&P Show at Epsom
Auckland Libraries
Under the Agricultural & Pastoral Societies Acts 1877 & 1908, other A&P Societies began to be set up throughout NZ
Societies began buying land & had show-rings with grandstands (1896: Grandstand at A&P Show)
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
Since 1900s, some districts also began holding shows during winter to promote animal and vegetable produce
Image: Manawatū Winter Show at Palmerston North (1914) which was first held in 1903
Auckland Libraries
The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand, which was formed in 1924, became the umbrella organisation for A&P shows and bestows the name ‘Royal’ on a different show each year. The 'Royal Event' to showcase an exhibit was introduced in 2001. The A&P shows became an annual event in many communities, with disruptions occurring during the 1918 influenza pandemic, World War II, and COVID-19.
In 1924, the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of New Zealand was formed & became the umbrella organisation for A&P shows
Wyndham & Districts Historical Museum
RAS bestows the name ‘Royal’ on a different show each year. 'Royal Event' to showcase an exhibit was introduced in 2001.
First Royal show was at Manawatū. (Image: Royal Show held at Epsom in 1926)
Auckland Libraries
Shows became an annual event with disruptions occurring during the 1918 influenza pandemic, World War II, & COVID-19
(Image: Newshub: Christchurch A&P Show resumed in Nov 2022 after being postponed for 2 years due to COVID-19)
TV3
Over the decades, A&P shows have expanded in each district to also include horse riding, woodchopping, shearing, displays of farm machinery, other trade exhibits, competitions, and sideshows. Some shows have had name changes, including the Auckland show which has become known as the ‘Easter Show’ from 1953; and the Canterbury A&P Association which was renamed the New Zealand Agricultural Show in 2018. In addition to the A&P shows, field day events to display new farming machinery and technology have been held in the South Island since 1951 and a national field day event has been held near Hamilton since 1969.
Over the decades, A&P shows have expanded to include additional events & sideshows
Events include shearing, horse riding, woodchopping, displays of farm machinery & other trade exhibits
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
1930s: Showjumping at the Canterbury A&P Show, Christchurch
Show Jumping Man at the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Canterbury Photography Museum
No date: A "Calf Club" Champion at the Manawatū A&P Show
Manawatu A & P Show - A "Calf Club" Champion at the show
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
1955: Demonstrating seed bagging at the Waimate A&P show
Seed bagging demonstration at A&P show
Waimate Museum and Archives
1958: Girl with the winning pet lamb, which is wearing novelty glasses with nose & moustache, Palmerston North A&P Show
Unidentified young girl with her winning pet lamb, which is wearing novelty glasses with nose and moustache, Palmerston North Agricultural & Pastor...
Alexander Turnbull Library
1966: Miss Te Puke Junior at the Te Puke A&P Show
Te Puke A & P Show. Debbie Singleton Miss Te Puke Junior
Tauranga City Libraries
1965: Enjoying candy floss at the Katikati A&P Show
Katikati A&P - Vivienne Wallace and candy floss
Tauranga City Libraries
In addition to the regional A&P shows, Field Day events are held in Sth Is & a national Field Day is held near Hamilton
Aim is to show new farming machinery & technology to advance agricultural & primary sector industries
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Nowadays, A&P shows are still an annual event in many communities & some shows have had name variations
(Auckland's became known as the ‘Easter Show’ since 1953, & Canterbury's as 'New Zealand Agricultural Show' since 2018)
TV3
2023: TV3 (2:03 mins) - New Zealand Agricultural (A&P) Show in Waitaha/Canterbury celebrated 160 years
TV3
Backstory:
A&P shows - the beginnings since 1840s
The first agricultural show in New Zealand was held in the Bay of Islands during 1842 as an "agricultural demonstration". The following year, on 19 December 1843, the newly formed Agricultural & Horticultural Society of Auckland held its first show in two locations - the Empire Hotel on Fort Street (seed and home industry) and the Auckland Domain (livestock). The idea had originated from European settlers. In 1784 the Highland Society of Edinburgh was established to promote the Scottish Highland and held its first agricultural show in 1822. Later in 1838, the Royal Agricultural Society was founded in England with the motto "Practice with Science" and held shows applying science to farming.
Agricultural shows began to be held elsewhere in NZ to promote improvements in farming practices. This led to the forming of the Agricultural and Pastoral associations from the late 1850s, including Hawkes Bay in 1858, Canterbury in 1863, Southland in 1867, Otago in 1876 and Auckland in 1877. Some associations began holding annual shows.
During 1842, the first agricultural show in NZ was held in the Bay of Islands as an "agricultural demonstration"
Tauranga City Libraries
On 19 Dec 1843, Auckland's first agricultural show was organised by Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Auckland
The purpose was to feature livestock and crops to promote farming in the Auckland area
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Crops were held at the Empire Hotel & livestock at Auckland Domain. Similar events began to be held other parts of NZ.
(Image: Empire Hotel on Fort Street at top middle)
Auckland Libraries
From the late 1850s, Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) associations began to form in parts of NZ
(Image: Medal commemorating the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, 1869)
Trove
1865: Canterbury A&P Association Prize (silver plated mug with one handle) awarded to E. Garlard for salt butter
Mug
Canterbury Museum
1866: The first Timaru agricultural show which was held on Elizabeth Street
The first Timaru agricultural show
Alexander Turnbull Library
c1872: Otago Peninsula A&P Show
Otago Peninsula A. and P. show
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
On 1 Jan 1877, 'New Zealand Country Journal' was published by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association
Aimed to be "record of information connected with agriculture, pastoral and horticultural pursuits and rural sports..."
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1877
Under the Agricultural & Pastoral Societies Act (20 Nov 1877), other A&P Societies began to be set up throughout NZ
The A&P Societies began to acquire land for showgrounds
The University of Auckland Library
1879: Certificate for best set of cart harness from Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral and Agricultural Society show
Certificate from Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral and Agricultural Society show
Wairarapa Archive
c1890: A&P Show at Arun Street Showgrounds in Oamaru
Agricultural and Pastoral Show, Arun Street Showgrounds Oamaru
Waitaki District Council
A&P Associations' first national conference, 1892
The A&P Associations held their first national conference on 26-28 May 1892 which was hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association.
On 8 Feb 1892, Canterbury A&P Association agreed with Wellington A&P Association’s proposal for a national conference
Purpose would be to fix dates of shows & discuss related matters
National Library of New Zealand
On 26-28 May 1892, the A&P Associations held their first national conference
The Conference was hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association
National Library of New Zealand
Article summarises items discussed on 2nd day of the Conference, including order of the next metropolitan shows (27 May)
A. AND P. CONFERENCE. (Hawera & Normanby Star, 27 May 1892)
National Library of New Zealand
Article summarises items discussed on last day of the Conference (28 May) ranging from noxious weeds to taxes
CONFERENCE OF A. AND P. ASSOCIATIONS. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 28 May 1892)
National Library of New Zealand
Conference remit led to the forming of the Department of Agriculture in 1892
Discussions held by delegates at the A&P Associations' National Conference led to a request being made to the Minister of Lands, John McKenzie, to establish a government department to oversee agricultural affairs. Already in existence were the following branches of the Department of Crown Lands - the Stock Branch (which had been formed by 30 sheep inspectors in 1875), and the Forests and Agricultural Branch (which was created in 1885). The outcome was the Department of Agriculture being formed from the Livestock and Agriculture Branches, with the Chief Inspector of Stock appointed as the Department's head. The Department's role was to oversee agricultural affairs, including developing an export dairy industry, reducing weeds, and helping to prevent animal and plant diseases.
13 July 1892: A list of resolutions from the A&P Asssociations' National Conference was tabled at Parliament
National Library of New Zealand
The Department of Agriculture was formed by merging the Dept of Crown Lands' Stock & Agricultural Branches
The Chief Inspector of Stock was appointed as head of the department & was to promote welfare of the farming community
National Library of New Zealand
Local Associations held shows in spring/summer months
A&P shows continued to be held throughout NZ during the spring and summer months. Societies who had bought land increasingly developed a show-ring with a grandstand to aid public viewing of events. Amalgamations between shows also began occurring. The Bay of Islands agricultural show has been organised since 1888 by the Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Association and is held behind the Waimate North Mission House.
A&P Associations continued to hold shows
1894: Committee Room at the Canterbury A&P Show
Auckland Libraries
1899: The Judges at the Auckland Agricultural Show
The Judges at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
1899: Executive committee & officials at the Waikato Show
Group of executive committee and officials at Waikato show
Auckland Libraries
1900: Hawke’s Bay A&P Society Show held on the Hastings Racecourse
A & P Show 1900
Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank
1901: Showing the grounds & people gathered at the Waikato A&P Association's Tenth Annual Show, Hamilton
The Waikato A. and P. Association's Tenth Annual Show, Hamilton, October 23 and 2, 1901
Auckland Libraries
1901: The Committee & Judges at the Ōpōtiki A&P Show
Opotiki Agricultural and Pastoral Show
Auckland Libraries
1903: The Committee and Judges at the Rodney Agricultural Show held at Warkworth
The committee and judges at the show
Auckland Libraries
1905: Judges and Secretaries' pavilion at the Feilding A&P Show
The judges and secretaries' pavilion
Auckland Libraries
c1907: Cattle walking onto the oval show-ring at the Palmerston North A&P Show with grandstand full of spectators
Agricultural Societies Show, Palmerston North
Massey University
1908: Crowds at the showground at Kaitaia (described as "the most northerly show in New Zealand")
Kaitaia, the most northerly show in New Zealand. A general view of the showground
Auckland Libraries
Some A&P Associations also began holding Winter Shows
As well as holding shows in spring/summer months, some A&P Associations also began holding shows in winter at indoor venues. The purpose was to exhibit dairy and farm produce (butter, cheese, vegetables, preserves), poultry and eggs, horticulture, farm machinery, and other exhibits, including arts and crafts - sewing, knitting, etc.
In July 1903, the Manawatū and West Coast A&P Association held its first Winter Show, in addition to its Spring Show
The committee organised for the Winter Show to be held indoors at the Theatre Royal in Palmerston North
Palmerston North City Library
Winter Show's intent was to exhibit dairy & farm produce, poultry & eggs, horticulture, farm machinery, & other exhibits
Auckland Libraries
In April 1907, the Malvern A&P Association's Winter Show was held at Sheffield
Image: Poultry pens
Christchurch City Libraries
Image: Judging saddle horses at Malvern's Winter Show, 1907
Judging saddle horses
Christchurch City Libraries
In May 1907, Auckland A&P Association's first Winter Show was held in NZ Army Drill Hall & gun shed on Rutland Street
Auckland Libraries
Waikato's district's Spring/Summer and Winter Shows held by separate organisations
The Waikato district held summer and winter shows organised by separate organisations. The first Waikato A&P Association's show was held at Cambridge during summer in 1877 and alternated being held in Hamilton until 1892, when Hamilton's Claudelands showgrounds became the venue. The Waikato Winter Show Association was formed by local businesses and held its first Waikato Winter Show in July 1907 in the Horse Bazaar buildings in Ward Street, Hamilton. The Waikato Winter Show later moved to the Bledisloe Hall of Agriculture (opened 1935) and then to the Claudelands Showgrounds in the 1960s. Under the Waikato Show Trust Act 1965, both Associations formed a Trust to administer the use of the land and buildings at Claudelands for both shows.
Since 1877, a summer show was held by the Waikato A&P Association, alternating between Cambridge & Hamilton
(Image: Champion sheep at the Waikato Show, 1899)
Auckland Libraries
In 1907, the Waikato Winter Show Association was formed by local businesses to hold a Winter Show in Hamilton
Image: The produce department at the Waikato Winter Show Association's first exhibition in the Horse Bazaar in Hamilton
Auckland Libraries
Under the Waikato Show Trust Act 1965, both Associations formed a Trust to administer use of the Claudelands showgrounds
The Waikato Winter Show had moved to Bledisloe Hall of Agriculture (opened 1935) & to Claudelands in 1960s
Alexander Turnbull Library
Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908
On 4 August 1908, the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act was passed which made provision for societies with 50 people or more to be incorporated for the promotion and enhancement of agricultural activities. By the end of 1908, 64 North Island and 41 South Island associations were in existence.
On 4 Aug 1908, the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act was passed
The Act made provision for 50 persons or more to be incorporated for promotion & enhancement of agricultural activities
The University of Auckland Library
Sixty-four North Island & forty-one South Island associations were incorporated under the 1908 Act
1909: Masterton A&P Show
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Royal Agricultural Society umbrella organisation since 1924
The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of New Zealand was established in 1924 under Royal Charter through the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908. RAS became the umbrella organisation for A&P shows and bestows the name ‘Royal’ on a different show each year, with Manawatū being the first. In 2001, Royal Events were introduced whereby the A&P Association promotes and features a specific section at their Show. The RAS has a national executive and six regional committees which currently support 94 annual A&P shows. It is also affiliated to 66 breed and kindred societies (listed on its website under Equestrian, Beef, Dairy, Sheep and Other) which can have a section or classes at A&P Shows. RAS is a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth founded in 1957, of which HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) is currently the President.
Find out more: Royal A&P Society: About usand Royal A&P Society New Zealand: Affiliated societies
In 1924, the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of New Zealand was formed & became the umbrella organisation for A&P shows
First RAS President was William Perry
National Library of New Zealand
Film of "The Royal Show" held in Auckland in 1926
Video (14:21 mins) of animal shows, side-show attractions, horse-jumping, sheep shearing etc
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
RAS is also affiliated to breed & kindred societies which can have a section or classes at A&P Shows
RAS' website lists 66 affiliated breeds & kindred societies under: Equestrian, Beef, Dairy, Sheep and Other
Alexander Turnbull Library
Some A&P shows underwent name changes
Some shows have had name changes over the decades. Auckland's show has become known as the Easter Show when the Auckland A&P Association and the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association combined in 1953. (The latter was promoting New Zealand Manufactured goods and the Auckland A&P Show joined them with competitions for "manufactured" agricultural items, such as bacon, butter, cheese and wine.) The Canterbury A&P Association was rebranded as the New Zealand Agricultural Show in 2018.
A&P shows are still an annual event & some have had name changes; eg Auckland's is known as the Easter Show since 1953
The Canterbury A&P Associaiton was rebranded as the New Zealand Agricultural Show in 2018
Clutha District Libraries
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Changing nature of A&P shows over the decades
The changing nature of A&P shows over the decades is summarised by Jock Phillips:
At first, shows were purely competitions featuring farm animals and crops, designed to demonstrate excellence and promote good breeding. Later they included other competitions and attractions, such as:
- shearing, wood chopping and horse riding
- displays of farm machinery
- domestic crafts
- sideshows
- entertainments in the show ring.
Source: Jock Phillips, 'Shows and field days - A & P societies and shows', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/shows-and-field-days/page-1
A&P shows have evolved over the decades from initially displaying animals and crops
Image: Sketch plan Otago's A&P Show showing types of exhibits and location in 1888
National Library of New Zealand
A&P Shows also included trade exhibits
1904: Sheep pens and trade exhibits at an A&P Show
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
A range of competitions & attractions began to be featured
1927: The Wairarapa A&P Society's Jubilee Show at Carterton
Auckland Libraries
The shows attracted crowds of people
1934: Events & activities of the Dannevirke A&P Association's silver jubilee show held at Hawke's Bay
Auckland Libraries
The following is a selection of images available on DigitalNZ:
Farm animals
1893: Sketch drawings of prize-winning animals exhibited at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
"In the 19th century, the main animals shown were horses, cattle and sheep, with a few competitive classes for dogs. At first poultry were included, but the smelly coops were unpleasant, so they became less common. Competitions for pigs were brought in later... Stud breeders used shows to advertise their animals – the prizes increased their sales. Shows helped promote sheep farmers’ transition from merinos to the new long-woolled breeds such as border Leicesters. The A & P associations also helped breeders to compile stud books."
Stock were carefully prepared for their appearance in the show. The report of the 1898 Gore show described the work: ‘[H]orses are shampooed; fowls have their legs bathed in warm water and their crops laden with all the delicacies the wit of man can devise and the appetite of the bird desire; bulls’ heads are carefully shaven and shorn; cows’ flanks are gently burnished with the softest of towels; the coats of the sheep are lubricated with choice brands of hair oil …’
Source: Jock Phillips, 'Shows and field days - Showing animals, produce and machinery', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/shows-and-field-days/page-2
Stud breeders used the shows to advertise their animals & the prizes enhanced their sales
1893: Animals exhibited at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
1896: Poultry stand at an A&P Show
Poultry stand, A & P Show, 1896.
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
1899: A prize-winning dog at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Mr Wm Newell's first prize cross-bred working collie
Auckland Libraries
1903: Champion Border Leicester ram (long-woolled breed of sheep) at the Oamaru Agricultural Show
Little Bros.' champion border Leicester ram
Auckland Libraries
1930: Animals displayed at the Royal Show held at the Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
The Governor General attends the royal show held at Tomoana, near Hastings, Hawke's Bay last week
Auckland Libraries
1934: Winners of the Royal Agricultural Society show in Auckland for purebred live stock
Success of agricultural students at the recent Royal Show Auckland: Challenge Shield won by the Feilding High School
Auckland Libraries
1935: Children with their pet calves at the Egmont A&P Association Show at Hawera
Children with their calves
Auckland Libraries
1935: A milking competition at the Katikati show in the Bay of Plenty
Milking competition causes interest at Katikati show, Bay of Plenty
Auckland Libraries
1960: Beef cattle competition at the Franklin A&P Show, Pukekohe.
Beef cattle competition, Pukekohe, 1960
Auckland Libraries
1960: Jersey cattle competition at the Franklin A&P Show, Pukekohe
Jersey cattle competition, Pukekohe, 1960
Auckland Libraries
![Image: "Judging [A&P] Show Lamb Carcasses"](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Fdtq0471jmmy9v.cloudfront.net%2Fiiif%2F2%2Fcurtis-production2-cache%252F1%252F6%252F7%252F32e911-219f-40f9-9939-6ea315694cfd%252Fresize_master_b553f9a1dcc1275d6d95b6fa6a5ed903.jpg%2Ffull%2F%21880%2C1024%2F0%2Fdefault.jpg%3Fsig%3Dd529ebf51079751131af25020399d9b8131f164c%26ver%3D1655558430&resize=368%253E "\"Judging [A&P] Show Lamb Carcasses\"")
1960: Judging lamb carcasses at the A&P Show held in Palmerston North
"Judging [A&P] Show Lamb Carcasses"
Palmerston North City Library
1961: Competitors & judges at jointed carcass competition at the Wellington & Hutt Valley A&P Show
A & P show 1961; jointed carcasses for competition, with competitors and judges.
Upper Hutt City Library
1966: Horowhenua Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial (AP & I) Show
Champion Berkshire Bore
Palmerston North City Library
1993: Anna with “Highbrow” at Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society Royal Show
Donkeys
Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank
2007: Two women looking at a pair of alpacas at the Horowhenua A&P Show in Levin
Photograph of two women at Horowhenua A & P Show, Levin
Alexander Turnbull Library
Crops, vegetables, and fruit
1899: Vegetables on display at the Omaha Show
Auckland Libraries
The A&P shows held exhibits of and competitions for crops (eg grass seed, wheat, oats and hops), vegetables and fruit.
1899: Palmerston & Waihemo County A&P Association's prize exhibit of vegetables, fruit, preserves, etc. at Dunedin
Dunedin Winter Show, June 1899, Palmerston and Waihemo County A. and P. Association's prize exhibit
Auckland Libraries
c1903-1905: Waimate County's produce display at A&P Show
Waimate County's produce display at an Agricultural and Pastoral show
Waimate Museum and Archives
1905: Robertson Bros exhibit of farm & garden seeds at the Auckland A&P Show
Robertson Bros fine exhibit of farm and garden seeds
Auckland Libraries
1907: Root & seed exhibits at Malvern A&P Association's Annual Winter Show at Sheffield
The root and seed exhibits
Christchurch City Libraries
1907: Agricultural produce exhibit which won first prize at the Auckland A&P's first Winter Show
AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S FIRST WINTER SHOW: THE OHINEMURI COURT WHICH SECURED FIRST PRIZE AT THE SHOW, MAY 23, 1907
Auckland Libraries
1907: Department of Agriculture's display at the Auckland A&P Association's Winter Show
General view of the Department of Agriculture's display
Auckland Libraries
1907: Messrs Arthur Yates and Co.'s exhibit at the Auckland A&P Association's Winter Show
MESSRS. ARTHUR YATES AND CO.'S EXHIBIT AT THE AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S FIRST WINTER SHOW
Auckland Libraries
1915: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.'s Westfield Fertilisers exhibit at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Kempthorne, Prosser and Company's fine exhibit at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
Domestic produce & homecraft competitions
1977: A judge of the Country Women's Institute food competition tastes raspberry jam at the Manawatū A&P Show
Alexander Turnbull Library
Competitions for vegetables led to competitions organised by Ladies' Committees with produce from domestic gardens or kitchens - jams, chutneys and other preserves. There were also competitions for various classes of cooking – from breads and scones to cakes and biscuits. Homecraft displays and competitions included weaving, knitting, crochet, needlework, and floral arrangements.
1899: Lady judges inspecting a table of baking at the Wade Agricultural Show
The Wade Show: Lady Judges
Auckland Libraries
1903: Loaves of bread and other exhibits at the Waipu Agricultural Show
Waipu Agricultural Show: an interior view, showing some of the exhibits
Auckland Libraries
1908: Display of baking and preserves
Cakes and preserves at an A & P show
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1918: A display of floral arrangements & garden produce at the Masterton A&P Show
Produce and floral exhibition at Masterton Show : digital image
Wairarapa Archive
1921: Rissington Country Women's Institute handcraft stall, including spinning & weaving, Hawke's Bay A&P Show
Rissington Country Women's Institute handcraft stall, Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Show
MTG Hawke's Bay
1936: Left photo: A display of handcrafts from the Women's Institute at the Otago A&P Society's Winter Show in Dunedin
Annual winter show of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society in Dunedin
Auckland Libraries
Sheep shearing competitions
1902: Sheep shearing competition at the Hawke's Bay Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
Sheep-shearing contests initially used hand-shears and then shearing machines were introduced. A shearing championship held at the Masterton A&P Show in 1958 invited competitors locally and around the country to compete. This event led to the Golden Shears competition being held in Masterton from 1961.
In 1958, the sheep-shearing competition was held at Masterton which led to the Golden Shears competition held since 1961
First Golden Shears contest, 1961 : digital image
Wairarapa Archive
1960: Sheep shearing competition at the Franklin A&P Show
Sheep shearing competition, Pukekohe, 1960
Auckland Libraries
c2000/2002: Sheep shearing competition at the Horowhenua AP & I show
Horowhenua A P& I Show, 2002
Kete Horowhenua
Woodchopping
1902: Woodchopping competition at the Waikato Show
Auckland Libraries
1964: Pictorial Parade includes film footage of the Tokoroa A&P Show's woodchopping & other events
Pictorial Parade No. 159 (1964)
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
2007: Woodchopping at the Christchurch A&P Show
Wood Chopping
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Wood sawing
2007: Wood sawing competition at the Christchurch A&P Show
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Displays of farm machinery
1894: Farming machinery exhibits at the Canterbury A&P Show
Auckland Libraries
1897: View of machinery at the Invercargill Show
View of machinery etc. at the Invercargill Show
Auckland Libraries
1902: John Burns and Company's exhibit at Alexandra Park showgrounds at the Auckland A&P Show
John Burns and Company's exhibit at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
1917: Showing the furrows created by the plough attached to the back of a tractor demonstrated at the Auckland A&P Show
Sampson sieve-grip tractor, displayed by Messrs T and S Morrin at the Auckland Show
Auckland Libraries
Trade exhibits
1894: Soap exhibit at the Christchurch A&P Show
Auckland Libraries
1901: Hancock and Co.'s exhibit of Bismark Lager Beer at the Auckland A&P Show, Alexandra Park
Exhibits at the Auckland Agricultural Show, Alexandra Park, November 15 and 16, 1901
Auckland Libraries
1902: Cadbury's cocoa exhibit at the Whanganui A&P Show
Cadbury's cocoa at Wanganui show
Auckland Libraries
1903: Mr De Baugh's exhibit of a steaming apparatus for general use at the Auckland A&P Show at Alexandra Park
Mr. De Baugh's exhibit of a steaming apparatus for general use
Auckland Libraries
1903: Ranger Motor and Cycle Company at the Canterbury A&P Show
Ranger Motor and Cycle Company
Christchurch City Libraries
1905: The Philadelphia Sewing Machine Company's exhibit at the Auckland A&P Show
The Philadelphia Sewing Machine Company's exhibit
Auckland Libraries
1906: D.S.C. Furniture Manufacturers exhibit at the Auckland Show
The D.S.C. exhibit, which attracted much attention
Auckland Libraries
1906: D. Hay and Sons' exhibit of roses at the Auckland Agricultural Show
D. Hay and Sons' splendid exhibit of roses at the Auckland Agricultural Show
Auckland Libraries
1907: The Kaiapoi Woollen Mills' exhibit at the Auckland A&P's first Winter Show
THE KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MILLS' EXHIBIT AT THE AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S FIRST WINTER SHOW
Auckland Libraries
1907: Exhibits at the Auckland A&P Association's Winter Show
MESSRS. A. S. PATERSON AND CO.'S AND MESSRS. HARDIE BROS.' EXHIBITS AT THE AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S FIRST WINTER SHOW
Auckland Libraries
1907: Messrs Smth and Caughey's furniture exhibit at the Auckland A&P Association's Winter Show
MESSRS. SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S FINE EXHIBIT AT THE AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S FIRST WINTER SHOW, MAY 22, 1907
Auckland Libraries
1907: An exhibition of curios at the Auckland A&P Association's Winter Show
Among the curios
Auckland Libraries
1907: Art at the Manawatū Agricultural Association's show at Palmerston North
The Manawatu Agricultural Association's show at Palmerston North
Auckland Libraries
1907: Educational exhibit at the Auckland A&P Association's Winter Show
Interesting educational exhibit
Auckland Libraries
1910: Display of kerosene lamps which were used for domestic lighting
Kerosene lamps, A&P show, 1910
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1914: The 'Daisy' Windmills exhibit at the Auckland A&P Show
An interesting exhibit at the Dominion Show, recently held at Auckland
Auckland Libraries
1917: Quirk's Air Gas Ltd display of ovens & lighting at the Manawatū A&P Show in Palmerston North
Quirk's safety air gas for lighting country houses
Auckland Libraries
1964: NZ Cheddar display at the Auckland Easter Show
NZ Cheddar display at the New Zealand Easter Show, 1964
Auckland Libraries
c1990: Hume Industries (NZ) Ltd display at the Canterbury A&P Show
Hume Industries (NZ) Ltd - Hume Pipe Co: 1990 Canterbury A&P Show - display
The Fletcher Trust
Horses and horse riding
No date: Horses being paraded at the A&P Show held at the Claudelands Showgrounds in Hamilton
Hamilton City Libraries
Horse jumping competitions were introduced from the 1890s, initially over one fence and then over several obstacles. The prize-winning horses would be paraded around the show-ring. After the New Zealand Horse Society (now Equestrian Sports New Zealand) was founded in 1950, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) guidelines were adopted. The growing popularity of pony clubs after the 1950s led to an increase in dressage and jumping competitions at the A&P shows.
Events included men & women who initially wore skirts side saddle. (See DNZ story: Lady riders at horse jumping shows)
Lady riders at horse jumping shows
DigitalNZ
c1936: Judging a driver, horse & trap at the Canterbury A&P Show, Christchurch
Horse and Trap at the Canterbury A & P Show, Christchurch, New Zealand
Canterbury Photography Museum
c1936: Children with horses at the Canterbury A&P Show, Christchurch
Children with ponies at the Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral, A&P Show, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Canterbury Photography Museum
Competitions
1924: Annual ploughing match of the Ellesmere A&P Association
Christchurch City Libraries
A&P shows included a variety of competitions for children and adults. Some children's competitions also had an educational focus, such as essay-writing. Contests were also held for spectator entertainment - steer riding, tug-of-war, etc. The winners usually received a ribbon for first, second, third and highly commended; and sometimes a cash prize sponsored by businesses.
1906: Winner of essay written on the Auckland A&P show, which was sponsored by the show's organisers
Mona McKay, competition winner, 1906
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
c1930: Chariot racing at the Palmerston North A&P Showgrounds
Chariot Races
Palmerston North City Library
1932: Children's competitions at the Egmont A&P Show at Hawera, Taranaki
Children's events a prominent feature at the Egmont agricultural and pastoral show at Hawera, Taranaki, last week
Auckland Libraries
1933: Onlookers cheering on tug-of-war participants at the Albany show.
Tug-of-war
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1935: Entries in the class for school ponies carrying two children at the Egmont A&P Association Show at Hawera
Entries in the class for school ponies carrying two children
Auckland Libraries
1936: Steer-riding competition at the Waimarino A&P Association annual show at Raetihi
Steer-riding thrills at the Waimarino Agricultural and Pastoral Association annual show at Raetihi
Auckland Libraries
1936: Children & their pet lambs at the Malvern A&P Association's annual show, Canterbury
Children and their pet lambs at the Malvern Agricultural and Pastoral Association's annual show, Canterbury
Auckland Libraries
1937: Baby show at the Motueka A&P Show
Motueka A & P Show, large group, 1937
Nelson Provincial Museum
1937: Cow-milking competition at the Whangarei A&P Society's winter show
The acting-Prime Minister judges an amusing winter show event: cow-milking contest in Whangarei
Auckland Libraries
1940: Chariot racing at the Palmerston North A&P Showgrounds
Chariot Racing at the A&P Showgrounds
Palmerston North City Library
1956: A boy whose shoulders are draped with prize ribbons at the Wairarapa A&P Show, Carterton
A boy whose shoulders are draped with prize ribbons, at the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Show, Carterton
Alexander Turnbull Library
1962: Winstone's metal shovelling competition at the Auckland Easter Show
Winstone's Metal Shovelling Competition, Easter Show, Auckland: 1962 competitor shovelling metal
The Fletcher Trust
1966: Entrants in the Beauty Contest at the Te Puke A&P Show
Te Puke Page. A & P Show entrants in the Beauty Contest
Tauranga City Libraries
1969: Winner of Pastoral Queen competition beng presented with a sash at Te Puke A&P SHow
Te Puke Agriculture & Pastoral Show queen Lex Tait presented with sash
Tauranga City Libraries
1983: A first prize ribbon given at the Egmont A&P Association Centennial Show (2d place was blue & 3rd was yellow)
Ribbon, Prize
Puke Ariki
1993: Finalist in the best dressed woman competition at the Canterbury A&P Show
Nikki Jones, best dressed finalist
Christchurch City Libraries
2007: Tractor pulling at the Christchurch A&P Show
Tractor Pulling
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Sideshows & entertainment
1903: Children playing games of three shies (throws) a penny at the Auckland A&P Show
Auckland Libraries
In 1897, Manawatū introduced a steam-driven merry-go-round (Image: 1906: Manawatū A&P show at Palmerston North)
Watching the merry-go-round
Auckland Libraries
1924: Fortune tellers in front of a tent at the Masterton Show held at the Solway Showgrounds
Fortune tellers at Masterton Show
Wairarapa Archive
c1930s: Riding the dodgems at the Hawke's Bay A&P Show at the Tomoana Showgrounds
A & P Show, Tomoana Showgrounds
MTG Hawke's Bay
Summer 1959/60: Merry- go-round at the Carterton A&P show
Carterton A&P Show
Alexander Turnbull Library
1964: Children riding a carousel at an A&P show (location unknown)
Children riding on a carousel, 1964
Auckland Libraries
1966: Escapologist at the Wellington & Hutt Valley A&P Show, Trentham Park
Escapologist at A & P show, Trentham Park 6; lowered from crane.
Upper Hutt City Library
1972: Chair-o-plane ride during People’s Day at the New Zealand Royal Show at the Addington Showgrounds
People on the chair-o-plane
Christchurch City Libraries
No date: Shooting galleries with prizes
Shows and field days
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
2011: Children play in inflatable balls at the Canterbury A&P Show
BeckerFraserPhotos November 2011 photograph 048
UC QuakeStudies
Entertainments in the show ring
1902: Parade of prize-winning calves at the Wairarapa Show
Auckland Libraries
At the end of the 19th century the Grand Parade was introduced with an oval show-ring and a spectator's grandstand. Prize-winning horses and cattle were paraded around the ring, as well as agricultural machinery, often led by brass bands and pipe bands.
1905: The parade at the Woodville A&P Society's Show
WOODVILLE A. AND P. SOCIETY'S SHOW: A VIEW OF THE PARDADE
Auckland Libraries
1910: Crowd watching horses parade at A&P Show in Whanganui
Crowd watching horses parade at an A & P show, Wanganui
Alexander Turnbull Library
1924: A car, decorated as a gondola, at the Stratford A&P Association's annual show
Something new in floral decorations for motor-cars: the 'gondola' that was awarded two first prizes at the Stratford Agricultural and Pastoral Asso...
Auckland Libraries
1932: The parade for the ninth Royal Show which was held by the Manawatū and West Coast A&P Association
Children with decorated bicycles in Royal Show procession
Palmerston North City Library
1937: View from grandstand of parading horses at the Nelson A&P Show
Nelson A&P Show, 1937
Nelson Provincial Museum
1938: Grand parade featuring cattle & horses at the Stratford Agricultural and Pastoral Society
Grand parade at the Stratford Agricultural and Pastoral Society, featuring cattle and horses
Auckland Libraries
1938: The Grand Parade at Banks Peninsula A&P Association at Little River
The grand parade at the annual Banks Peninsula Agricultural and Pastoral Association show at Little River
Auckland Libraries
1950: Aerial photograph of crowds & show ring at A&P Show at Epsom, Auckland
A & P Show, Epsom, Auckland
Alexander Turnbull Library
1950s: Spectators watching a parade march past, led by a Highland band, followed by horses & riders at Wellsford Show
Wellsford Show.
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1965: Parade at the A&P Show, Palmerston North
A&P Show, Palmerston North
Palmerston North City Library
1966: Te Puke A&P Show District Highland Pipe Band leads the Grand Parade
Te Puke A & P Show District Highland Pipe Band leads the Grand Parade
Tauranga City Libraries
c1970: Grand Parade at Wellington and Hutt Valley A&Pl Association Inc Show at Trentham Memorial Park
A & P show; grand parade.
Upper Hutt City Library
1973: Dogs & horses on parade at the A&P Show at Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
Showday at Tomoana Showgrounds, farm animal parade
MTG Hawke's Bay
1973: Champion bulls on parade at the A&P Show at Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
Showday at Tomoana Showgrounds, champion bulls on parade
MTG Hawke's Bay
1973: Gymnasts performing in front of an audience at the A&P Show, Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
Showday at Tomoana Showgrounds, gymnasts
MTG Hawke's Bay
1993: Donkeys in Grand Parade at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society Royal Show
Donkeys
Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank
And the people came - social & family atmosphere
1896: People at an A&P Show
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
1904: Picnic at A&P Show (Families would turn up in their horse gigs or cars & bring a picnic.)
Picnic, A & P Show, 1904.
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
1910: Crowd at Manawatū & West Coast A&P Show at Palmerston North
Crowds at the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show
Palmerston North City Library
1908: Large crowd in the side show area of the A&P Show at Richmond
Agricultural & Pastoral Show
Nelson Provincial Museum
1933: Nearly 14,000 people, including Governor General Lord Bledisloe, visited the Otago A&P Show
The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Annual Summer show in Dunedin: thousands of visitors at Tahuna park on people's day
Auckland Libraries
1934: Ladies dressed up for the occasion at the A&P ShowNelson A&P Show
Nelson A & P Show
Nelson Provincial Museum
1958: Manawatū and West Coast A&P Show
"A Crowd Early in the Day" A&P Show
Palmerston North City Library
1962: Crowd in grandstand watching the Winstone's metal shovelling competition at the Auckland Easter Show
Winstone's Metal Shovelling Competition, Easter Show, Auckland: 1962 crowd in grandstand
The Fletcher Trust
1967: Beauty pageant audience at Wellington & Hutt Valley A&P Show
Beauty pageant audience, A & P show, 1967
Upper Hutt City Library
1969: Families attend 'Jack Carter's IGA Family Fun Show' at the Auckland Easter Show
'Jack Carter's IGA Family Fun Show', Easter Show, Auckland
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
2011: Crowds at the Canterbury A&P Show
BeckerFraserPhotos November 2011 photograph 047
UC QuakeStudies
In 2018, the Canterbury A&P Show was renamed the New Zealand Agriculture Show & attracts over 100,000 visitors
Geoff Bone on the New Zealand Agricultural Show and how to create meaningful events.
National Library of New Zealand
Field Day events held since 1951
South Island:
In addition to A&P organisations holding shows in their own district, the field day event first emerged in the 1950s to display new farming machinery and technology. The South Island Agricultural Field Day (SIAFD) was founded by the Christchurch District Young Farmers Club in 1951. Nowadays, the event is run by the SAIFD Committee in conjunction with Lincoln University on its research farm. Since 1982, a second field day event has also been held in the South Island - the Southern Field Days organised by the Eastern Southland Young Farmers Club is held at Waimumu, near Gore.
In 1951, the South Island Agricultural Field Day was founded & is currently held at Lincoln Univ's research farm
Radio New Zealand
North Island:
A national agricultural event is held annually at Mystery Creek near Hamilton. In 1968, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation, was founded to advance the agricultural and primary sector industries. The first National Agriculture Fieldays was held at Hamilton's Te Rapa Racecourse in 1969 with around 80 exhibitors. It relocated to Mystery Creek on the outskirts of Hamilton in 1971. In 1990, the World Ag Expo was incorporated into Fieldays. Nowadays, the event features over 1000 exhibitors over four days and attracts over 100,000 visitors from around New Zealand and overseas. Fieldays is usually held in mid-June, except during 2022, when it was postponed until November due to COVID.
In 1968, New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation, was formed & holds its event near Hamilton
The first event was held in 1969 at the Te Rapa Racecourse; then relocated to Mystery Creek in 1971
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Fielday's aim is to advance agricultural & primary sector industries.
Spectators & exhibits at the Mystery Creek Field Day, Hamilton June 1982
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Nowadays, Fieldays features over 1000 exhibitors over 4 days & attracts over 100,000 visitors from around NZ & overseas
In 1990, the World Ag Expo was incorporated into Fieldays.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Find out more:
- 'Agricultural and Pastoral Associations', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand: URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/agricultural-societies
- The Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Association: https://www.bayofislandsshow.co.nz/
- Fieldays: https://www.fieldays.co.nz/
- Jock Phillips, 'Shows and field days - A & P societies and shows', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/shows-and-field-days/page-1
- South Island Agricultural Field Days, URL: https://www.siafd.co.nz/
- Southern Field Days, URL: https://www.southernfielddays.co.nz/
- 'The Royal Agricultural Society', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/agricultural-societies/page-3
- Willie Smith and Steven Kelly, 'Farmer and grower organisations - Agricultural and Pastoral associations', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/farmer-and-grower-organisations/page-1
Book (2010): "Agricultural heritage: Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association Inc, 1843-2010" by Hugh Stringleman
Agricultural heritage : Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association Inc, 1843-2010
Howick Historical Village
RNZ (17 Dec 2016): Stephen Robinson discusses his new book "Show tme: the A&P Show for all New Zealanders" (16:28 min)
Stephen Robinson - The A&P Show
Radio New Zealand
RNZ (10 May 2018): "The history of trade fairs and A & P shows in NZ" with Grant Morris (12:11 min)
The History of trade fairs and A & P shows in NZ
Radio New Zealand
This DigitalNZ Story was compiled in January 2024