An opportunity to help drive the Wānaka A&P Show has opened for community-minded locals with a passion for agriculture.

The Upper Clutha A&P Society is seeking talented individuals to become members of its board and help steer the direction of the renowned Wānaka Show as it enters its 86th year in 2023. 

The society is one of the region’s longest serving and most important non-profit organisations, working in conjunction with the Wānaka A&P Show management team to produce an event that attracts more than 40,000 people each year.

The society is keen to find new members to join the board to inject fresh ideas into future shows, as existing board positions undergo rotation, Wānaka A&P Show event manager Jane Stalker said.

“The board is looking for driven individuals with innovative ideas who can work alongside their team of dedicated locals to help deliver some of the best shows yet,” she said.

Jane Stalker PHOTO: Wānaka App

“There are many wonderfully experienced and talented people in the Upper Clutha, and members of the board are excited to see what they can bring to the table.”

The successful candidates will have experience in a governance role, a strong interest in the progression of the Wānaka A&P Show, excellent non-profit business acumen and an understanding of the processes of a high-performing board, as well as creative ideas for future shows. 

Two positions are available by way of rotation.

Elected candidates will serve an office term of three years in a volunteer position with the potential to be reappointed for subsequent terms. Members are required to attend a total of 11 meetings per year – held on the first Monday of each month – and contribute to the strategic direction of the Wānaka A&P Show, supporting the show’s event management team.

“We encourage anyone with the relevant outlined experience who wants to give back to the community in a rewarding and tangible way, to express their interest in this rare and exciting opportunity,” Jane said. 

“We’re calling for nominations now, so we can steer the Wānaka A&P Show in the right direction and implement fresh ideas into next year’s event on March 10 and 11.”

Applications are now open (contact [email protected]) and close August 10. Upper Clutha A&P Society members will then be asked to vote for candidates from August 15. Successful candidates will be announced at the society’s AGM on September 7, 2022.