The Upper Clutha A&P Society is celebrating a successful step forward in sustainability, with the 2026 Wānaka A&P Show delivering measurable reductions in waste while welcoming record crowds.
Following investment from the event, plus targeted support from Queenstown Lakes District Council and funding from Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Trust, a series of practical initiatives were introduced to reduce the Show’s environmental footprint – and the results speak for themselves.
Despite attracting a record number of attendees, the Show exceeded its waste diversion goals by achieving a 63% diversion rate from landfill, up from 58% in 2025 and surpassing the 60% target set for this year.
A key contributor to this success was the introduction of a purpose-built dishwashing station, enabling exhibitors and food vendors to transition away from single-use items in favour of reusable crockery and cutlery.
Importantly, the benefits of this investment extend well beyond the Show itself. The dishwashing facility has been designed as a shared community asset and is now available year-round for use by other events and organisations across the Upper Clutha.
In addition, continued investment in Park and Ride services and traffic management helped reduce congestion, improve safety, and minimise vehicle emissions on one of the region’s busiest event weekends.
Event manager Maria Ottley said the results highlight the power of collaboration across the community.
“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved this year. To reduce landfill waste while hosting a record number of attendees shows what’s possible when everyone gets behind a common goal.
A huge thanks to our partners at Wastebusters, who played a vital role in helping us deliver clear waste education signage, engaging educational trade stands, and a successful composting programme for food and manure waste.
Together, we were able to divert significant organic material from landfill through a dedicated collection and composting system. It’s a fantastic outcome not just for the Show, but for the wider region.”
The Society says the focus now is on building on this momentum, with further opportunities to reduce waste and improve environmental performance already being explored for future Shows.
The Wānaka A&P Show remains one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and community events, and its continued evolution reflects a commitment to protecting the region it calls home – for future generations to enjoy.
Community groups and event organisers are now invited to submit requests to use the Show’s dishwashing facilities, located within the Wānaka A&P Show Pavilion, free of charge. This initiative is designed to support low-waste events across the Upper Clutha, helping more organisations reduce single-use items and adopt practical, sustainable solutions. Email eventmanager@wanakaap.co.nz to learn more.