Boyd Ottrey’s contribution to the Wānaka A&P Show is the latest chapter in a lifetime of farming, community involvement and volunteering.
After leaving Southland Boys’ High School in 1958, Boyd began work at Southland Frozen Meats’ Makarewa plant, at a time when the works processed around 15,000 sheep a day. He later joined Wright Stephenson & Co., spending two years in Christchurch followed by two years in Invercargill.
In 1966, Boyd moved to Roxburgh and began farming in his own right. It was there he met Nan, and the couple married in 1967. Boyd spent the next 33 years farming predominantly sheep – mostly Perendales – along with a small number of cattle.
During his years in Roxburgh, Boyd became deeply involved in his local community. He served as President of the local Rotary Club and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his dedication and service. He was also President of the West Otago Cricket Association, coached school rugby and was involved with the Teviot Valley Show.
After moving to Wānaka in 2000, it wasn’t long before Boyd found another way to contribute, joining the Wānaka A&P Show Sheep Committee.
In 2013, he took over as Chair of the committee – a position he continues to hold today. Boyd shares the merino responsibilities with Robbie Gibson, and together they oversee a well-run and highly experienced section, supported by a loyal committee whose members return year after year.
Boyd’s longstanding commitment was recognised at the 2026 Wānaka A&P Show when president Mike Elliot awarded him the President’s Cup in recognition of his continued involvement and dedication to the Sheep Section.
More than 25 years after first becoming involved with the Wānaka A&P Show, Boyd remains an important part of the team – one of the many dedicated volunteers whose knowledge, commitment and willingness to pitch in have helped shape the Show over the years.