New Zealand farmers have a long history of finding practical ways to solve problems. Now the Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange is looking for the next generation of ideas helping farming and rural communities adapt and thrive.
Applications are open for exhibitors at the 2027 Agri Exchange, held as part of the 90th Wānaka A&P Show on 12–13 March 2027. The Agri Exchange is seeking future-focused initiatives that are tangible, relevant today and offer practical benefits for farming and rural communities. Applications should align with at least one of three focus areas: Technology and innovation, Future skills and capability, or Leadership and communities.
Preference will be given to initiatives already being tested, adopted or demonstrated in practice.
Now entering its third year, the Agri Exchange brings farmers, innovators, rural professionals, educators and sector leaders together to share ideas, challenge thinking and help turn promising solutions into practical action.
New for 2027 – Education & Careers Hub
The Agri Exchange will expand in 2027, with the exhibition space doubling in size and the introduction of an Education & Careers Hub, being developed with Growing Future Farmers.
The new hub will bring young people, parents, educators, employers and industry organisations together to explore pathways into farming and the skills needed for the sector’s future.
Designed as an interactive space, the hub will connect visitors with education and training providers, on-farm programmes and career opportunities. A proposed speaker series will explore real journeys into farming and how technology, changing industry needs and new skills are shaping the future workforce.
The initiative recognises that the future of farming depends not only on innovation and technology, but also on developing the people and capabilities needed to put them to work.
Mandy Bell, chair, Agri Exchange governance panel, says the focus is on connecting good ideas with the people who can make use of them.
“We’re looking for innovators who are developing something that could genuinely make a difference. It’s about bringing innovations that are ready to utilise on farm and putting them in front of the people who can put them to work.
And with the new Education & Careers Hub, we’re also looking at the people who will drive the future of farming. Innovation and developing our future workforce go hand in hand.”
Applications open
Exhibitor applications are open to New Zealand-based individuals and organisations whose work aligns with at least one of three focus areas: Technology and innovation, Future skills and capability, or Leadership and communities.
Selection will focus on future relevance, demonstrated progress and practical adoption, learning value, uniqueness and the ability to engage with visitors.
Successful applicants will have dedicated exhibition space across both days of the Show, with opportunities to demonstrate their work, exchange knowledge and connect directly with farmers, rural professionals and industry leaders.
Exhibition space is provided at no cost, with exhibitors responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
Applications close 20 November 2026.
For further information and exhibitor applications, click here.
About the Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange
The Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange is a forward-looking space within the Wānaka A&P Show, bringing together people, ideas and practical solutions to support the future of farming and rural communities.
Through innovation, leadership, education and collaboration, it provides opportunities to share knowledge, build connections and support the adoption of new
approaches across the rural sector.
Gallaway Cook Allan is the Principal Partner of the Agri Exchange.
Connected Futures: People, Technology and Opportunity
Media enquiries and interviews
Rachelle Blatch
Coordinator, Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange
agriexchange@wanakashow.co.nz
027 299 8533
Gallaway Cook Allan Agri Exchange Governance Panel – Available for interviews
Mandy Bell – Criffel Station
027 443 4250
mandy@criffelstation.com
Bridget Irving – Gallaway Cook Allan
027 361 6326
Bridget.Irving@gallawaycookallan.co.nz
Education & Careers Hub
Adam Sharman – Growing Future Farmers
021 796 812
adam.sharman@growingfuturefarmers.co.nz