The team which delivers the Wānaka A&P Show every year has expanded so it can continue to deliver one of the country’s largest pastoral and agricultural events.

The show’s governing body - the Upper Clutha A&P Society - voted in three new board members and reintroduced the president role on October 11.

Upper Clutha A&P Society president Martin Paterson said he hopes to maintain the Wānaka A&P Show’s existing high standards.

“I see the success of the president role as working in collaboration with – and complementary to – the show team and the board,” he said.

Martin has been involved with the Wānaka A&P Show for the past 10 years, specifically within the Wool Section, which he became the chief steward of seven years ago.

The Upper Clutha A&P Society board’s new members (Keith Cooper, Craig Smith and Prue Kane) will join Martin and the existing board members (Dell Taylor and Mike Scurr) in expanding the range of skills and capabilities within the team.

Formerly the chief executive officer at Silver Fern Farms, Kieth comes from an executive career within the agri-business sector; Craig (currently the director at Devold NZ) has board experience, previously as the Campaign for Wool NZ chair and as a global board member for the National Council of NZ Wool Interests; and Prue brings extensive board experience, working closely with trustees, advisory groups and steering committees in her current role as programmes manager for Wai Wānaka.

Wānaka A&P Show event manager Jane Stalker says the board and management teams will prepare a robust five-year strategy and business plan in the coming months.

“The 2024 show will allow us to lay the groundwork for encouraging new partnerships and long-term alliances in line with our strategic plan,” she said. 

“The strategic direction will be enhanced by the addition of three new staff members specialising in trade, sponsorship and online communications.

“We are excited to have three remarkable women join the team – Maria Ottley (trade and sponsorship manager), Anne McLeod (financial manager) and Penny Bell (digital communications and event coordinator).”

The Wānaka A&P Show is one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and pastoral events, attracting more than 40,000 people each year. Next year’s Wānaka A&P Show will be held March 8-9 at the Wānaka Showgrounds. 

PHOTO: Supplied