POVERTY BAY A&P ASSOCIATION

Established before the Borough of Gisborne or the Cook County Council, the Poverty Bay Agricultural & Pastoral Association (PBA&PA) is undoubtedly one of the oldest organisations surviving in our district today. This is due in no small part to the voluntary input of its founders and subsequent committees involved since its establishment (not far from its present home) in a field behind Steggall’s Hotel near Bell Road Makaraka in 1875.

After moving from there, the Association moved to Waerenga-a-hika, then to Patutahi and then to the Makaraka Racecourse. It finally moved to the Park Racecourse in 1930 when the Show’s first patron Henry J. Tucker generously donated over thirty-six acres of his land to the Association. This enabled the Show to move to its present one hundred acre site now so widely recognised as Showgrounds Park. These grounds are home to one of the foremost and progressive of the 97 A&P associations and also 65 breed societies affiliated to the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of New Zealand.

From the historic but functional livestock facilities built over 80 years ago and still in use today, to the opening of the popular and tranquil Motor Camp in the ‘50’s, to the spacious and versatile Event Centre built following the millennium Show, the Association is proud to operate one of the most picturesque Showgrounds in the country, where many of these facilities are available for hire throughout the year.

Membership of the Association is amongst the highest in New Zealand and is still on the rise. We have over 900 families currently subscribing for the opportunity to experience, support and participate in one of the most enjoyable social and entertaining events of the year – the annual A&P Spring Show. Members also receive a multitude of other benefits, including that we are the only A&P Show in New Zealand that provides reserved ringside parking for its members. 
 

Our Mission:

• to pursue excellence in every activity and event undertaken

• to promote the land and marine-based industries of Poverty Bay with a focus on education

• to bring town and country together and deliver value to our members

• to respect and celebrate our heritage and tradition.

• To promote the development of the agricultural, pastoral, forestry, horticultural, viticultural, agri-business and stock‑raising resources of New Zealand. - a primary objective of the Royal Agricultural Society

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President:  Simon Bousfield

Vice President:  Patrick Sherriff

General Manager:  Erica McNeil