Rural Excellence – “Getting it out there”

Bringing communities together to share rural excellence & knowledge.

A&P Show

For visitors, competitors, trade sites and everything else you need to know when ‘the country comes to town’.

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Farm Intern Programme

An on-farm training and work programme for young people wanting a land-based career.

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Scholarships

Financial help for Northlanders furthering their education and leadership in the rural sector.

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Welcome

Whangarei Agricultural & Pastoral Society’s purpose is Rural Excellence – getting the message out there and bringing communities together to share rural excellence and knowledge.  We showcase the importance of agriculture; recognize excellence in the rural community; engage and enable people to participate and endeavour to influence community and the next generation.  Well known for our annual A&P Show at Barge Showgrounds each December, we do other things too to help us achieve our purpose:

 

Events

We host and help organise many rural events, including the annual A&P Show.

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Education

We offer internships and scholarships to help young people into the rural sector.

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Services

We manage property throughout Northland, including the Masonic Villages and WDC pensioner housing.

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Barge Showgrounds

The Events Centre at Barge Showgrounds is available for hire. The venue is perfect for weddings, corporate events, conferences and more. To book, or find out more:

Visit Barge Showgrounds website

News

Horse Measuring 2026/27

We are pleased to announce that Horse Measuring is back at Barge Showgrounds for another year.

The dates for the 2026/27 season are as follows:

Sunday 16th August- 10-12pm

Saturday 12th September- 10-12pm 

Saturday 19th September- 10-12pm 

Saturday 3rd October- 10-12pm 

Sunday 4th October- 10-12pm 

Thursday 22nd October- 5.30-7pm (after daylight savings starts)

There will be one date in January TBC.

To keep up to date go to the Whangarei Horse Measuring facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/290772498039178/

Please note that Barge Showgrounds is a public area used by the community for walking dogs, children playing, athletics and equestrian events. 

First Time?

If the measure is for a new certificate, please get there at least 15-20 minutes before the schedule measuring appointment as there is paperwork to be filled in BEFORE the measure can take place.

Before going to the measure, PLEASE ensure that your horse is prepared correctly: feet trimmed/shod, mane trimmed at wither, presented in a bridle, relaxed, clean etc.

If needed, bring a friend or a bucket of food.

Usually measuring can fit two horses into a 5-minute slot.

If you think that you may need a bit more time due to being a borderline height or your horse needs time to settle, when booking your appointment please say you want a FULL 5 minutes.

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Volunteering at the Show

Whangarei A&P Society is proud to support many community groups, and we are grateful to also receive support by so many community groups who volunteer and help at the Show each year.

If you would like to volunteer individually or with your community group, get in touch today:

events@wap.org.nz or complete the Yes! I want to help Expression of Interest Form

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Contact Us

Ph: +64 9 438 3109
Email: info@wap.org.nz

 

Office Address:

127 Bank Street
Whangarei
New Zealand

Postal Address:

PO Box 3
Whangarei
New Zealand

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