Best of Canterbury innovation on display at NZ Cup & Show Week

18 September 2018

The humble Canterbury mudfish might seem a bit out of place amidst the glitz and glamour of New Zealand Cup and Show Week.

Yet the mudfish, or rather the innovative solar technology that’s powering its survival throughout some of Christchurch and Canterbury’s river systems, will be on display at one of the Week’s stand out events.

Christchurch agricultural electronics company Frizzell is gearing up to showcase its solar pump systems to the world at the New Zealand Agricultural Show (formerly the Canterbury A&P Show) this November.

Frizzell will join a raft of other exhibitors in showcasing the best and brightest of New Zealand’s agricultural future at the iconic 3-day event, including innovative solutions to alleviate environmental issues.

Much of the Canterbury mudfish habitat is on private land and is severely impacted by agriculture. They are found in still or very slow flowing, meandering streams with deep pools and associated wetlands, spring fed streams, stock-water races, and drains.

For one enclave of endangered Canterbury mudfish, the future was looking particularly bleak before a collaboration involving Environment Canterbury (ECan), the Department of Conservation (DOC) and landowners stepped in with an innovative solution.

That solution is an electric “fish-fence” that mixes water and electricity to provide a safe haven for the mudfish. And it’s Frizzell’s solar energy systems that are powering the “fence”.

“We also provided the large solar pump system used by ECAN to enhance a steam at Broadacres on the Selwyn River, again to support mudfish and native species populations,” says Frizzell Chief Executive, Alastair Frizzell.

New Zealand Agricultural Show (The Show) Director Geoff Bone says Canterbury is a world-renowned food-growing region and hub for agribusiness research and agritech innovations, many of which will be showcased as this years’ Show.

Running from 14-16 November, the New Zealand Agricultural Show is one of the oldest events within the week-long extravaganza of New Zealand Cup and Show Week. “Showcasing all that is great about rural life, The Show promises a spectacular mix of entertainment and stand out agricultural innovation,” Bone says.

ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy says the eagerly anticipated annual event is a celebration of all things racing, fashion, family fun, agricultural innovation and the best of our region’s food and beverage offerings.

“New Zealand Cup and Show Week is the stand out week of Christchurch’s Spring calendar and we encourage the whole community to get involved, check out the various events and enjoy the experience,” she says.

Tickets are now on sale for the various exciting New Zealand Cup and Show Week events, running from 10-17 November and hosted by the New Zealand Agricultural Show, Riccarton Park and Addington Raceway. Check out www.nzcsw.co.nz for more details.

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