Public excluded from show this year

• Published date: 23 April 2024
• Publication title: Ensign, The

In a statement released last week, Canterbury A&P Association board chairman Stewart Mitchell said it was a ‘‘very disappointing’’ decision but, after several challenging years, it gave an opportunity to completely rethink the show’s strategic direction

Livestock judging and competitions would still be held.

More than 100,000 people usually attend the three-day event in November. Prior to the announcement, The Press had been reporting on the future of the show being unclear, amid the departure of some staff — including general manager Tracy Ahern this month — and financial uncertainty.

The most recent annual report, for the year ending March 31, 2023, showed income of $3.02million was the highest in the show’s then 159-year history. A $81,075 deficit was down from a $686,148 deficit the previous year.

Last week, Mr Mitchell said the association’s ongoing business model was under review. After two Covid-19 years and last year’s financial loss, the association’s financial reserves were limited and...