Competitions and Events

Competitions & Events

2026 Rural Ambassador Award

Finalists for the 2026 Award are from Northern, Mid-Northern, Central and Southern districts.
All finalists delivered their speech at the Annual conference last weekend, topic being:  What inspired your application to the RAS Rural Ambassador Programme, and how do you add value to the RAS both now and in the future?

CONGRATULATIONS to all finalists
Northern: Deana Barfoote
Mid-Northern District:  Joanna Fowlie
Central District:  Georgina Woods
Southern District:  Elizabeth Graham.

SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Georgina Woods, 2026 Rural Ambassador winner.

Photo – Geoff Smith (Judge and RAS Past President), Sophie Kirk (2025 RA Winner and Executive Member), Georgina Woods (2026 RA Winner), Elizabeth Graham (Southern District), Deana Barfoote (Northern District), Joanna Fowlie (Mid-Northern District), and Paul Vanner (Executive Member).

• Applications will open for the 2027 Rural Ambassador Award on 1 February, with entries closing on 31 March 2027.

NZ Royal Golden Fleece Exhibition

The 2026 Golden Fleece Exhibition was held Saturday 18 April 2026, hosted by Central Otago A&P Association at WS Hickey Wool Store, Omakau.

• GF CATALOGUE 2026 – Final

THANK YOU to our Sponsors supporting this Exhibition to ensure its success.

Congratulations to all placegetters and to our 2026 Supreme Winners.

• Fine Wool Fleece:  Armidale Merino Stud, Maniototo
• Strong Wool Fleece:  P & P Dodd, Oamaru
• Black & Coloured Fleece: D & M Maxwell,  Alexandra

 

• Wool Judging Criteria Booklet – New

NZ RAS Interbreed Beef Judge’s Seminar

North Island Seminar – to be held in November 2026 – more details to follow.

South Island Seminar – to be held in August 2026 – more details to follow.

 

NZ Horse of the Year Show

See Equestrian Section of our website – Horse of the Year page – for further information

NZ RAS Young Judges/Parader’s Competition

There was no National Competition for 2024.2025 show season, but please contact your District Council as they may be running a regional one for 2025.2026.

Competitions Supported by the RAS

2020/21 President’s Shield (in acknowledgement of the support given by RAS Past President Geoff Smith) – TBA

NZ Ewe Hogget Competition, administered by NZ Sheepbreeders’ Association