It's The Margins That Matter
OPINION: It appears to be difficult for people who haven’t tried to run a business to understand the difference between assets and cash.
The event, set to be held from the 11-13 November 2026, will be known as the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show.
Garry Diack, chief executive of Ravensdown, says the farmer-owned co-operative is proud to support the farmer-first direction of the event.
"For generations, the Canterbury A&P Show has celebrated the best of New Zealand farming. As the new naming rights partner, Ravensdown is proud to help ensure that tradition continues for future generations," Diack says.
He says that as a co-operative with deep roots in Canterbury, the sponsorship deal "feels like a natural fit".
"The Show is where farmers, growers, rural businesses and the wider community come together to share ideas, celebrate success and look to the future," Diack says.
"The Show has always been an important way for us to connect with our shareholders. Showing up matters, and this partnership is another way we can back the people and events that help keep rural Canterbury strong," he adds.
The partnership follows the Show's return to its original Wednesday–Friday format, driven by feedback from farmers and rural exhibitors and aimed at strengthening its agricultural focus.
Canterbury A&P Association Chairman Sir David Carter says the naming rights deal reflects strong rural backing for the Show's renewed direction.
"This partnership signals a shared view that the Show is built by the farming community for the whole community," Carter says.
"A genuine, working rural event that gives its visitors from town and country a rare and authentic window into rural New Zealand life. Rural Canterbury has been inviting urban audiences to share in the Canterbury Show for more than 160 years, and we are excited Ravensdown is supporting that," he says.
“So having Ravensdown backing us, as we strengthen that focus, gives us real confidence that we can keep building a Show that hits the mark for farmers and the wider rural sector," he adds.
The 163rd Show will be held from 11-13 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park, welcoming farmers, growers, the rural community, as well as the wider community.
Ravensdown will have a strong on-site presence and a team of people ready to host shareholders at their award-winning site.
