Canterbury looks ahead to 2010

The Canterbury A&P Association has released their Annual Report announcing results for the financial year ending 31 December 2009. The results were positive despite the impact of bad weather affecting Show attendance. A modest surplus of $35,013 was recorded on a revenue base of $2.1million, down 3.8% on previous year (prior year - $84,005 surplus, $2.2million revenue base).

“Considering Show ticket sales were down $151,000 on prior year, the surplus recorded is considered noteworthy and reflects serious efforts to curb costs while simultaneously delivering even greater fun and enjoyment to those attending the Show. The Show maintained its status as the largest agricultural and pastoral event in the country and a flag-ship event of New Zealand Cup and Show Week. Even the vagaries of climate could not dent the Association’s ability to produce a leading agricultural event”, commented Canterbury A&P Association Board Chair Doug Marsh.

The 2009 Show was the 147th hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association. It attracted 609 trade exhibitors, 7584 livestock and feature competition entries and just under 90,000 visitors over the three days.

Directors’ outlook for 2010 is cautious uncertainty. The Association will continue to be vigilant in monitoring, understanding and mitigating risk arising from the Southern Motorway construction.

“There are risks that the motorway poses for the Show and Directors’ and Management’s priority protecting the event and access to Canterbury Agricultural Park is absolute. The process is consultative and the Board has been impressed by the professionalism of contractor personnel and efforts of parties to engage and communicate effectively”, added Marsh.

The Annual General Meeting of the Canterbury A&P Association will be held Wednesday 24 March 2010, commencing at 3pm at the Canterbury Horticultural Centre, Christchurch. All members of the Association are invited to attend.

The Canterbury A&P Association Annual Report is available on request.

ENDS

© Scoop Media