The 2022 Wānaka A&P Show, which was set to be held on March 11-12, has been cancelled due to the red traffic light setting. 

The local show is one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and pastoral events, attracting around 45,000 people each year and injectinging close to $30M into the local economy. 

Last week organisers signalled they were trying to find a way forward but today (Tuesday February 8) it was confirmed the event could not go ahead. 

“We are devastated that we have to cancel,” Upper Clutha A&P Society chair Mike Scurr said.

“We have tried to delay our decision for as long as possible before time constraints prevented our show community – the management team, sponsors, competitors, trade exhibitors, members, contractors, entertainment providers and volunteers – from successfully setting up and attending the show.”

The not-for-profit Upper Clutha A&P Society has organised the Wānaka A&P Show since its inception in 1934. 

The annual show includes traditional features such as equestrian and livestock events, home industry displays, wool classing, wood chopping, shearing and 500-plus trade stalls from around the country.

Until now, the only time the show was ever cancelled was between 1939-1945, during World War II.

Wānaka A&P Show event manager Jane Stalker said she was “humbled” by the support from people in the community in the last couple of weeks.

“Every year we get told that the show is a great community event, which provides opportunities for people to network, catch up with old friends and gain an immense sense of pride in seeing their hard work on show – whether that’s in homemade crafts, home-grown produce or livestock,” she said.

“We are saddened that we’re unable to provide this opportunity to enable social wellbeing and economic stimulus.”

PHOTO: Supplied