INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand (RAS) was established in 1924 to promote the development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, stock-raising and forestry resources in New Zealand.  It is one of the few organisations in New Zealand with a 'Royal' charter.

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, especially in the early part of last century.

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.  The RAS is an umbrella organisation for 106 Agricultural & Pastoral Associations, 63 affiliated Breed & Kindred Societies, 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 conducted throughout the year, for which the RAS is the convenor.

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

AFFILIATED BREED AND KINDRED SOCIETIES

Many of the stud breeders' associations and kindred organisations throughout New Zealand are affiliated to the Royal Agricultural Society. Through this membership, they form the United Breed Society.   A representative from each affiliated organisation can be appointed as a delegate to represent that organisation on the United Breed Society Council.

UBS MEMBERSHIP

THE UNITED BREED SOCIETY COUNCIL

The United Breed Society Council acts on behalf of stud breeders' and kindred organisations on matters that affect their business.  The UBS is committed to the representation of its membership through promotion or assistance with work or activities that are regarded as being beneficial to primary production and/or the improvement of livestock.

The UBS Council meets annually to discuss matters related to the collective interests of the stud breeders and kindred associations throughout New Zealand.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

The role of the United Breed Society (UBS) is an important one to the rural sector.   The UBS acts as a representative body for all of the affiliated breed societies on a number of important national committees and organisations.   As an example, the UBS has a representative of the MAF Agricultural Security Consultative Committee (a forum for animal industry representatives and MAF to discuss issues related to New Zealand's biosecurity).   The UBS representative is the only one speaking on behalf of breed societies.   Another example is the Equine Health Authority (a group specifically concerned with ensuring that equine diseases are not imported into New Zealand).   Again, our affiliated breed societies are represented on that committee by their membership to the UBS, through the Royal Agricultural Society.

Affiliation to the Royal Agricultural Society also allows members of the affiliated organisations to have input into schedules, judges and classes at Royal Shows, and to compete for Royal Show medals.  One representative from each affiliated organisation is also able to represent that organisation and vote at the annual general meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society.

---