November 19, 2025
After a near miss last year and a swift rebuild under new leadership, the Canterbury Show is back in full stride for 2025, and it is wearing a Royal crown.
For the first time since 2010, the Canterbury A&P Association will host the Royal Agricultural and Pastoral Show of New Zealand, reclaiming its place as the South Island’s largest agricultural showcase.
The event will run from November 13 to 15 at Canterbury Agricultural Park, with more than 400 trade sites, world-class livestock competitions, and one of the South Island’s biggest gathering of food trucks.
Chairperson Sir David Carter says the return of Royal status marks a major milestone for the Association and for the rural community.
“It’s the pinnacle of the showing calendar,” he says. “Exhibitors chase that Royal Show status because winning here carries national significance.”
That prestige has already driven entries sky-high. Dairy numbers are just under 400 and more than 700 sheep entries are confirmed, a clear sign that enthusiasm is back.
The A&P Association has also taken back full control of the event after last year’s show was run externally to save it from cancellation.
“We’ve regained momentum, and this year’s team is absolutely committed,” Carter says. “Everyone on the board is volunteering their time because they are passionate about ensuring the show survives for another 160 years.”
One big change is the shift to a Thursday-to-Saturday format, giving families two public-holiday opportunities and making weather less of a risk. “Exhibitors questioned the change at first, but it has worked really well,” Carter says.
Visitors can expect a true celebration of rural life.
Alongside the traditional equestrian, shearing, and woodchopping events, a new wool marquee will highlight the fibre’s revival with up to 30 exhibitors.
“There is a resurgence of interest in wool, and we want to showcase that,” Carter says. A farmer’s breakfast featuring the Prime Minister is already a sell-out, and the members’ cocktail party on Friday evening promises a lively social scene.
The Show’s return to its agricultural roots is something Carter feels strongly about. “It’s about bringing town and country together,” he says. “Last year we saw a constant stream of young families through the city farmyard. For many urban kids it is their only chance to get close to farm animals, and that is really what the Show is about.”
Financially, the outlook is positive. Support from the City Council and the Canterbury A&P Trust has stabilised the event, and Carter says the goal is to be self-sustaining from next year onward.
Trade sites are tracking strongly and ticket prices have been kept family-friendly, at $22 for adults and $10 for children.
Parking issues that once plagued the Show have been solved, and organisers are confident that fine weather will bring crowds through the gates.
“Christchurch’s economy is performing well and agriculture is driving that success,” Carter says. “The Show celebrates that link between rural strength and urban prosperity.”
As for the future, Carter is already thinking beyond 2025.
“We are planning for 2026 and beyond to make sure the Show stays strong,” he says. “It is part of Canterbury’s heritage and it deserves to be part of its future.”
After a near miss last year and a swift rebuild under new leadership, the Canterbury Show is back in full stride for 2025, and it is wearing a Royal crown.
For the first time since 2010, the Canterbury A&P Association will host the Royal Agricultural and Pastoral Show of New Zealand, reclaiming its place as the South Island’s largest agricultural showcase.
The event will run from November 13 to 15 at Canterbury Agricultural Park, with more than 400 trade sites, world-class livestock competitions, and one of the South Island’s biggest gathering of food trucks.
Chairperson Sir David Carter says the return of Royal status marks a major milestone for the Association and for the rural community.
“It’s the pinnacle of the showing calendar,” he says. “Exhibitors chase that Royal Show status because winning here carries national significance.”
That prestige has already driven entries sky-high. Dairy numbers are just under 400 and more than 700 sheep entries are confirmed, a clear sign that enthusiasm is back.
The A&P Association has also taken back full control of the event after last year’s show was run externally to save it from cancellation.
“We’ve regained momentum, and this year’s team is absolutely committed,” Carter says. “Everyone on the board is volunteering their time because they are passionate about ensuring the show survives for another 160 years.”
One big change is the shift to a Thursday-to-Saturday format, giving families two public-holiday opportunities and making weather less of a risk. “Exhibitors questioned the change at first, but it has worked really well,” Carter says.
Visitors can expect a true celebration of rural life.
Alongside the traditional equestrian, shearing, and woodchopping events, a new wool marquee will highlight the fibre’s revival with up to 30 exhibitors.
“There is a resurgence of interest in wool, and we want to showcase that,” Carter says. A farmer’s breakfast featuring the Prime Minister is already a sell-out, and the members’ cocktail party on Friday evening promises a lively social scene.
The Show’s return to its agricultural roots is something Carter feels strongly about. “It’s about bringing town and country together,” he says. “Last year we saw a constant stream of young families through the city farmyard. For many urban kids it is their only chance to get close to farm animals, and that is really what the Show is about.”
Financially, the outlook is positive. Support from the City Council and the Canterbury A&P Trust has stabilised the event, and Carter says the goal is to be self-sustaining from next year onward.
Trade sites are tracking strongly and ticket prices have been kept family-friendly, at $22 for adults and $10 for children.
Parking issues that once plagued the Show have been solved, and organisers are confident that fine weather will bring crowds through the gates.
“Christchurch’s economy is performing well and agriculture is driving that success,” Carter says. “The Show celebrates that link between rural strength and urban prosperity.”
As for the future, Carter is already thinking beyond 2025.
“We are planning for 2026 and beyond to make sure the Show stays strong,” he says. “It is part of Canterbury’s heritage and it deserves to be part of its future.”
