RAS Mission Statement

"To promote, motivate and support all members by assisting them to achieve their aims and objectives."

The Royal Agricultural Society, which was established in 1924 and is one of the few organisations in New Zealand with a “Royal” charter, acts as an umbrella organisation for 97 A&P Associations and over 65 breed and kindred societies throughout New Zealand.

The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand (RAS) promotes the development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, stock-raising and forestry resources in New Zealand. Historically, it is an organisation that has paved the way for initiative and forward thinking in the rural sector, playing an active part in the formation of laws relating to agriculture.

The RAS of NZ is a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, which offers benefits to life members attending overseas Royal Shows.

While the RAS was instigated at a time in New Zealand history when farming and related activities were considered to be the dominant way of life, it is an organisation that is still very relevant today. Including being an umbrella organization for the A&P Shows and Breed Societies the RAS is  represented by the United Breed Society and the Horse Stewards Council, and continues to promote and encourage excellence in the rural community. This is achieved through a number of competitions run throughout the year for which the RAS is the convenor.

Honorary Life Member and Past President Hugh Treadwell has written a comprehensive history on the RAS from 1923-2003 and this is detailed in the book Show Biz..  To order a copy of Show Biz ($50 includes P & P) or for more details please contact Hugh on tregarth@clear.net.nz

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Royal New ZealandShow

The Royal Agricultural Society of NZ (RAS) is proud to own the Royal New Zealand Show and believes this 'flagship event' portrays the very best of agriculture within NZ.

Canterbury A&P Association very successfully hosted the Royal New Zealand Show from 2007-2009 inclusive. In addition to this Canterbury A&P Association tendered for, and were awarded, the rights to host the Royal New Zealand Show from 2010-2012 however in a surprising move immediately prior to Christmas 2009, Canterbury A&P chose to withdraw from the rights to host the Royal New Zealand Show.

The 2010 Royal New Zealand Show's future is on hold pending an RAS Executive meeting to be held in February 2010.

Royal Events
Ashburton A & P Show

Mackenzie Highland Show