Founded in 1886, the Manawatu and West Coast A&P show has played a major role in the life and the growth of the region and made important contributions to New Zealand agriculture. 

Some 133 years on, the show is still around with its proud history, but in need of some fresh blood to help!  Several committee members are moving on for various reasons and there are plenty of gaps to be filled.  A new succession plan needs to be established. Show involvement is not restricted to people from an agricultural background; the urban audience is just as important for the event.

When the association was founded, Palmerston North was a small and isolated town, set amid a region where native forests still covered much of the land and where agricultural activities were in their infancy.  The decision to hold the first show in 1886 was a bold and courageous move, but the founders of the Association were men of vision, who had faith in the agricultural potential of the region and who strove to improve the quality of livestock and pastoral production.

The first show was held on 19 November 1886 on a 9.5 acre site in Cuba Street in Palmerston North that was allocated to the Association by the Crown.  The land was only roughly cleared and partly fenced.  More than 2000 people attended, arriving by train, on horse-back or carriage, or by foot.

Present day shows are held at Manfield in Feilding as it is an ideal venue with excellent facilities to cater for all aspects of the show.  Rural and urban audiences enjoy the variety of ‘hands-on’ with the animals, competitions, side shows and stalls – there is something for everybody.  The show is also a highlight on the equestrian calendar.

It will be great to see the show continue for many years to come.