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2026 President's Report
Sarah Butterick-Kent
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A warm welcome to you all.
Preparations for our 149th show are well underway, and a heartfelt thank you must go to all our committee members and volunteers. The countless hours you give behind the scenes, both leading up to the show and during the event itself is greatly appreciated. Our show simply could not run without your commitment, generosity and sacrifice.
Our theme for this year's show, "Where Legacy Grows," reflects the heart of our Association. It celebrates the many multi-generational families whose names have become synonymous with the Ashburton A&P Show, while also recognising the newer members who are beginning to create their own legacy.
As we begin building momentum towards our 150th Ashburton A&P Show, this year's theme is a fitting way to celebrate our rich history while looking ahead to the future. It reminds us that every generation plays a part in ensuring our Association continues to grow and thrive.
This year has seen the completion of our automated underground irrigation system in the new horse arena. This is a significant investment in our facilities and will benefit competitors and the wider Association for many years to come. A huge thank you to everyone who attended the stone-picking working bees after the irrigation was installed. It was a lot of hard work, but the results are impressive and a real testament to what can be achieved when our members and volunteers work together.
Now that the irrigation project has been completed, we are casting our attention towards other projects around the Showgrounds that benefit the many user groups who rely on the grounds. As an Association, we are committed to continuing improvements that enhance the experience for competitors, exhibitors, spectators, and community groups alike.
It has been wonderful to welcome several new members onto our General Committee. Their enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and willingness to contribute have brought renewed energy to the Association, and I look forward to seeing that continue to grow.
I am proud to be part of an Association with such a strong history and an exciting future. Together, we are building on the legacy of those who came before us while creating opportunities for the generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you all at this year's show.
Regards, Sarah
Preparations for our 149th show are well underway, and a heartfelt thank you must go to all our committee members and volunteers. The countless hours you give behind the scenes, both leading up to the show and during the event itself is greatly appreciated. Our show simply could not run without your commitment, generosity and sacrifice.
Our theme for this year's show, "Where Legacy Grows," reflects the heart of our Association. It celebrates the many multi-generational families whose names have become synonymous with the Ashburton A&P Show, while also recognising the newer members who are beginning to create their own legacy.
As we begin building momentum towards our 150th Ashburton A&P Show, this year's theme is a fitting way to celebrate our rich history while looking ahead to the future. It reminds us that every generation plays a part in ensuring our Association continues to grow and thrive.
This year has seen the completion of our automated underground irrigation system in the new horse arena. This is a significant investment in our facilities and will benefit competitors and the wider Association for many years to come. A huge thank you to everyone who attended the stone-picking working bees after the irrigation was installed. It was a lot of hard work, but the results are impressive and a real testament to what can be achieved when our members and volunteers work together.
Now that the irrigation project has been completed, we are casting our attention towards other projects around the Showgrounds that benefit the many user groups who rely on the grounds. As an Association, we are committed to continuing improvements that enhance the experience for competitors, exhibitors, spectators, and community groups alike.
It has been wonderful to welcome several new members onto our General Committee. Their enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and willingness to contribute have brought renewed energy to the Association, and I look forward to seeing that continue to grow.
I am proud to be part of an Association with such a strong history and an exciting future. Together, we are building on the legacy of those who came before us while creating opportunities for the generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you all at this year's show.
Regards, Sarah
2025 President's Report |
Ben Stock
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Things are starting to get busy with the Ashburton Show only two months away.
Our theme this year is “Cultivating Communities”. Primarily an acknowledgement of our A&P’s role in bringing town and country together, and a reminder to us all of that good old-fashioned community spirit, working together to get stuck into projects that benefit us all.
You will see this theme come to life through fresh, vibrant ideas at our show. We continue to grow on the previous year’s entertainment, and you will certainly enjoy what we have lined up for you this year. We can’t wait to share it with you on 31st October and 1st November.
Our committee is feeling is positive and ambitious about what lies ahead. We have new members bringing energy and ideas that are being received with enthusiasm. There has been some healthy jostling for positions; some have moved aside, while others have stepped up. It seems there’s never a dull moment.
Our 150th celebrations are just around the corner, and it’s an exciting environment to be a part of - so if this sounds like you, then get in touch, we’re on the lookout for people with energy and great ideas.
We are making fantastic headway on Showground projects, thanks to your support through calf and lamb donations, fence and firewood purchases, and of course, your generous sponsorship. Your contributions are humbling, and we sincerely thank you for the support you give us. Without you, the A&P Shows we all grew up with couldn’t continue. They remain a vital part of our community, and we’re excited to be giving it our best.
Let’s hope the sun shines bright for our show days, perhaps even a timely rain the week before, so both farmers and town folk are out and about in good spirits. There’s lots for you to see and experience this year, and we can’t wait to share it with you. See you there!
Warm regards, Ben
Our theme this year is “Cultivating Communities”. Primarily an acknowledgement of our A&P’s role in bringing town and country together, and a reminder to us all of that good old-fashioned community spirit, working together to get stuck into projects that benefit us all.
You will see this theme come to life through fresh, vibrant ideas at our show. We continue to grow on the previous year’s entertainment, and you will certainly enjoy what we have lined up for you this year. We can’t wait to share it with you on 31st October and 1st November.
Our committee is feeling is positive and ambitious about what lies ahead. We have new members bringing energy and ideas that are being received with enthusiasm. There has been some healthy jostling for positions; some have moved aside, while others have stepped up. It seems there’s never a dull moment.
Our 150th celebrations are just around the corner, and it’s an exciting environment to be a part of - so if this sounds like you, then get in touch, we’re on the lookout for people with energy and great ideas.
We are making fantastic headway on Showground projects, thanks to your support through calf and lamb donations, fence and firewood purchases, and of course, your generous sponsorship. Your contributions are humbling, and we sincerely thank you for the support you give us. Without you, the A&P Shows we all grew up with couldn’t continue. They remain a vital part of our community, and we’re excited to be giving it our best.
Let’s hope the sun shines bright for our show days, perhaps even a timely rain the week before, so both farmers and town folk are out and about in good spirits. There’s lots for you to see and experience this year, and we can’t wait to share it with you. See you there!
Warm regards, Ben
