The Poverty Bay A&P Show returns to the Gisborne Showgrounds, 16–17 October

What it is

The Poverty Bay A&P Spring Show returns to the Gisborne Showgrounds on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October 2026. One of Tairāwhiti's longest-running and most-loved community events, it is a traditional agricultural and pastoral (A&P) show — a rural community festival, not a conference or trade convention — that has brought town and country together every year since 1875. (Note: this corrects the single listed date of 14 October; the organiser confirms a two-day show on 16–17 October.)

Who runs it

The show is organised by the Poverty Bay Agricultural & Pastoral Association, established in 1875 and one of the oldest surviving organisations in the Gisborne district. The Association first formed near Makaraka and moved through several sites before settling permanently at Showgrounds Park in 1930, following a land donation by the Show's first patron, Henry J. Tucker. The Association remains custodian of both the grounds and the annual show, backed by generations of volunteers, exhibitors and competitors.

Who it's for

The show is a broad public, family-focused community event drawing more than 30,000 visitors across the two days. It centres on the rural sector — livestock competitions, equestrian showing, dressage, carriage driving, show jumping, speed shearing, wool handling, wood chopping, fencing and dog trials — alongside cooking, dancing and debating competitions. Family attractions include the Farmyard, the Grand Parade, main-arena entertainment, amusement rides, live music and food vendors, with more than 200 trade exhibitors across the grounds.

Venue and logistics context

The event is held at the Gisborne Showgrounds / Showgrounds Park, 20 Main Road, Makaraka — a roughly 40-hectare site just minutes from central Gisborne. The grounds host the indoor Farmers Air Event Centre plus extensive livestock, equestrian and outdoor areas, and include an on-site motor camp with powered and non-powered sites for motorhomes and caravans. The Association operates the venue year-round for weddings, equestrian competitions, trade shows and community functions, and the show is supported by Gisborne District Council.

Why it matters

Having marked its 150th show in 2025 with a record turnout, the 2026 event continues more than 150 years of unbroken tradition. It is the signature annual gathering for Tairāwhiti's primary-industry community and one of the most established A&P shows in New Zealand — a large regional event that concentrates rural New Zealand's calendar and visitor movement into a single spring weekend.