Monthly Muster – May at the Wānaka A&P

A new season is already taking shape, the website’s had a refresh, crop awards are just days away, and trade applications open soon.

The 2025 Wānaka A&P Show may be behind us, but there’s no slowing down. As the grounds return to their winter rhythm, our team is already looking ahead to the 89th Show in 2026. With planning underway, a fresh new website live, and the Crop Competition Awards just around the corner, there’s plenty going on behind the gates.

A fresh new look

Last year, we introduced a refreshed brand for the Society and Show, one that honours our history while looking toward the future. Now, we’ve taken the next step with a brand-new website.

Designed to be clean, simple, and easy to navigate, the new site makes it easier than ever to find what you need, whether that’s entering a competition, applying for a trade site, checking dates, or planning your day at the Show. It’s a more streamlined experience for visitors and participants alike.

It’s just the beginning, we’ll continue to build and evolve the site as the season progresses.

Crop Competition Awards

Last Friday evening, farmers gather to celebrate one of the key events in our rural calendar: the Wānaka A&P Crop Competition, proudly organised by the Rotary Club of Wānaka.

Held annually, the competition recognises the skill, consistency, and care it takes to grow quality winter feed — the kind that keeps stock healthy through the colder months. Proceeds from the event support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust and our local Luggate, Hāwea, and Wānaka fire brigades, services that are essential in our rural region.

This year marked the first time the Wānaka A&P Foundation supported the competition, and it felt like a natural fit. Like Rotary, the Foundation is community-led and focused on backing practical skills, good land stewardship, and local strength. The Crop Competition directly reflects our strategic priority of celebrating rural success –  shining a light on the people, practices, and values that keep this region thriving.

Created in 2023 by the Upper Clutha A&P Society, the Foundation reinvests in our community year-round. We allocate 50% of our annual investment earnings — around $40,000 this year — to fund capability development and rural well-being across the region. Applications for the 2025 funding round open on 1 July, offering support to individuals and groups working to strengthen our rural community.

This year’s competition saw around 33 farms take part, with entries judged on yield and crop performance. Despite a dry season, results were strong — especially where irrigation was available.

Supreme Winner – Lachie McLeod
Queensbury Pasture – Fodder Beet, 41.42 t/ha

Category Winners
Fodder Beet – Lachie McLeod, Queensbury Pasture
Swedes – Nathan Austin, Lindis Crossing
Kale – Ross Chittock, West Wānaka
Turnips – Nick Burdon, Mt Burke
Mixed Species – Jack Mansfield, Lake Hāwea Station

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who contributed to another strong year for this much-respected event.

Planning the 89th Wānaka A&P Show

A successful Show isn’t built in a few weeks, it’s shaped over months of preparation, ideas, and careful improvements. After the 2025 Show, we’ve dived into debriefs with fresh energy. What worked well? What can we do better? What would make the experience more seamless for exhibitors, competitors, volunteers, and Show-goers?

Those questions are already shaping what the 89th Wānaka A&P Show — set for 13 & 14 March 2026 — will look like.

One of the first big milestones? Trade applications open mid-June, and we’re already seeing early interest. If you’re looking to showcase your business at the 2026 Show, now’s the time to start preparing, sign up to our trade mailing list.

Farewell and Best Wishes to Penny

After three Shows, we are bidding farewell to our wonderful Penny, who is stepping down from her role as Communications & Sponsorship Manager to pursue further study in Business Management.

Penny joined the team ahead of the 2023 Show and has been instrumental in strengthening our communications, building partnerships, and bringing fresh ideas to the way we tell our story. Her commitment, energy, and steady hand behind the scenes have made her a truly valued member of our team.

We thank Penny for all she has contributed and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter. She will be greatly missed!

As we settle into the season ahead, it’s clear there’s plenty to look forward to, and plenty already in motion. From celebrating crop success to laying the groundwork for 2026, May has been all about momentum. As we settle into the season ahead, it’s clear there’s plenty to look forward to – and plenty already in motion.

Thanks for being part of our community, and for helping shape the season ahead. We’ll be back next month with more updates as planning ramps up, trade applications go live, and new announcements come to the fore.