Bridging Worlds at the Wānaka A&P Show: Inside the Agri Exchange Tent
Each March, the Wānaka A&P Show transforms the lakefront into a vibrant celebration of rural life, innovation, community spirit, and the deep connections that sustain regional New Zealand. This year on Friday 13th & Saturday 14th of March, the Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange returns as one of the Show’s most future‑focused spaces—a buzzing hub where farmers, innovators, leaders and curious visitors gather to explore practical ideas shaping the future of farming and land stewardship.
Over two packed days, the Agri Exchange tent hosts targeted events designed to spark dialogue, showcase solutions, and encourage collaboration across the rural sector. From leadership gatherings to hands‑on innovation showcases, the tent is a standout fixture for anyone passionate about sustainable agriculture, thriving communities, and resilient land.
Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange Event Schedule
Day 1 | Friday 13 March
Gallaway Cook Allan Leaders Breakfast | 7.30am – 9.00am
Private Event
An invitation-only breakfast bringing together rural leaders, ahead of the Show opening. This event provides a focused space for conversation around leadership, innovation, and the key issues shaping the rural sector.
CountryWide CONNECT Show Launch | 11am-11.30am
Join Sarah Perriam-Lampp and Andy Thompson as they officially launch their new rural show, CountryWide CONNECT. This event is for farmers and rural professionals to celebrate the evolution of CountryWide magazine under Sarah’s ownership into a digital daily show and more!
Farmers Focus hosted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand | 3.00pm – 4.00pm
All welcome, registration required.
Hosted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, this event delivers practical insight, sector updates, and informed discussion relevant to farmers and rural professionals navigating change and future planning.
AGMARDT Innovators Drinks | 4.30pm – 6:00pm
Private Event
An informal end-of-day networking event sponsored by AGMARDT designed to continue conversations sparked throughout the day. Innovators Drinks brings together Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange Exhibitors from the current year and previous years along with invited guests encouraging connection across research, innovation, and leadership within the rural sector.
Day 2 | Saturday 14 March
Catalyst Performance Agronomy Rural Professionals Breakfast | 8:30am – 10:00am
Open to all rural professionals, registration required.
A high-energy breakfast featuring a structured speed networking format that creates purposeful connections in a short time. This session offers an exciting opportunity for rural professionals to meet the innovators, and leaders based within the Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange, hear directly about new ideas and initiatives, and build valuable relationships and ideally opportunities.
Bridging the Urban Gap | 2.00pm – 4.00pm
All Welcome
The closing event of the Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange, focusing on strengthening understanding and connection between urban and rural. With a spotlight on the wool and water sectors, this session brings together speaker presentations and networking to explore shared challenges, opportunities, and the role of collaboration in supporting resilient rural communities.
Among the programme, “Bridging the Urban Gap” is where the Agri Exchange’s purpose comes to life in the most community‑minded way: by creating a shared space for producers, residents, families, and visitors to listen, ask questions, and discover what we all want for our local environment.
Opening with a focused conversation on value, stewardship, and innovation in the wool sector, followed by a community‑centred discussion led by WAI Wānaka, it’s a session that moves from insight to action—together.
WAI Wānaka’s mahi stretches across both urban and rural spaces, reminding us that catchments don’t recognise suburb boundaries or farm fences. When we understand the whole water story, we make better decisions—at home, on farm, at school, and in council chambers.
Across both days of the Wānaka A&P Show, the Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. Here, visitors can explore emerging tech like soil carbon tools, pasture‑performance platforms, effluent innovation, satellite‑enabled programmes, and more. Exhibitors from across the country share research, agri‑tech, education, and next‑generation solutions that support more resilient farming and stronger communities.
Whether you arrive as a farmer, a professional, a family, or a visitor simply curious about the future of rural New Zealand, the tent offers a place to learn, connect, and imagine what’s possible.