Sustainability - Wānaka A&P Show

Protecting our place, and learning as we go.

Running an event of this size in a setting like Wānaka comes with a responsibility — not just to celebrate rural, but to help protect the land, lake, and community that make it possible. Sustainability at the Show is an ongoing effort, with lessons learned every year.

It’s not always easy, but every step forward helps — reducing waste, protecting our environment, and looking after the place that supports all of us. The land, the lake, the community — they give so much, and it’s our job to respect and care for them in return. It’s a commitment we take seriously, year after year, as we learn, adapt, and keep improving.

Show to Snow

Through our Show to Snow initiative – developed alongside Wānaka Wastebusters and Cardrona Alpine Resort – food scraps and livestock manure collected across the Showgrounds were diverted from landfill and composted through Cardrona’s Plant a Seed programme.

Pre-staged food waste units, sealed Bokashi bins, and strong uptake from food vendors and hospitality areas helped make collections smooth and efficient.

In 2025, more than 6,300 kilograms of organic material was recovered and turned into compost to support native planting projects. It’s a small shift with a lasting impact on the landscapes that make Wānaka so special.

Collective Effort

We encourage showgoers to bring their own reusable cups, drink bottles, and bags — and to rethink how they travel to the Show. More and more people are choosing to arrive by bike, use the park and ride, and make small choices that help lessen the impact across the two-days.

We’re proud to work alongside Love Wānaka and Lake Wānaka Tourism, organisations dedicated to protecting the region and supporting better everyday habits. Their support helps remind us that even simple actions — like refilling a bottle or biking to the grounds — can make a difference.

Sustainability isn’t something happening just behind the scenes. It’s something that happens because of every choice made, big or small, by everyone who comes through the gates.

Bins, Signage, and Education

Clear signage, simple systems, and strong support behind the scenes made recycling at the Show easier and more effective.

Across the Showgrounds, more than 350 bins were fitted with standardised lids and colour-coded signage to help people sort recycling, compost, and landfill waste correctly. Behind the scenes, the team from Wastebusters worked continuously to maintain the system, remove contamination, and keep recycling streams clean and usable.

Thanks to their dedication – and to everyone who took the time to use the bins correctly – recycling quality improved significantly compared to previous years. It’s a reminder that good systems, clear information, and a great team behind the scenes make it easier for everyone to do their bit.

Food Vendors

Our food vendors continue to play an important role in reducing waste across the Show.

Rather than major changes, the focus has been on simple steps — minimising packaging where possible, cutting back on unnecessary extras, and making it easier for visitors to enjoy their food without generating as much waste. Some vendors have also trialled compostable options, but for many, the biggest shift has been finding ways to serve food more simply.

These small reductions have made a real difference, easing pressure on waste systems and supporting the wider efforts to keep the Show cleaner and more sustainable. It’s an ongoing journey, and we’re proud to work with businesses that are willing to rethink the little things that add up across the weekend.

Why We Keep Going

Sustainability at the Show is a long-term commitment, not a short-term fix.

Every year we learn, adjust, and build on the last — finding better ways to reduce waste, protect the environment, and support the community that makes the Show possible.

There’s still plenty more to do, but every small improvement strengthens the future of the Wānaka A&P Show and the region we’re proud to call home.

Sustainability at the Show