Negotiating a place for Agricultural and Pastoral Shows in Canterbury, New Zealand

A&P Shows bring together farming and non-farming communities across the urban-rural continuum. Prior research demonstrates that visitors experience a range of activities that promote a sense of trust in agriculture, which suggests they are important places for negotiating a social licence to farm. Based on our analysis of five A&P showgrounds in the Canterbury region, our research indicates that the places where A&P Shows are held are also subject to negotiation. This is evident in changes in their location over time, different ownership structures and relationships with local councils, and infrastructure to enable multiple uses by the local community.