Focus on revitalising agricultural shows
‘‘It just comes natural that if something needs doing you put your hand up and you get involved.’’
That’s Geoff Smith’s outlook in life, and it’s a philosophy that has led him to his new appointment as president of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand (RASNZ).
He has been heavily involved in the Franklin community since moving here in 1989.
Smith’s community involvement is varied. He is also the general manager of Franklin Family Support Services, a role which he says has given him a new respect for the people who provide social services.
‘‘Being able to work with a well-established organisation that serves people in the community is something of a privilege,’’ he said.
The RASNZ was established in 1924 by royal charter, and it oversees the 97 A&P associations and 65 breed and kindred societies in New Zealand.
‘‘My focus is very strongly on two things. One is encouraging youth into agriculture and to show, and the other is to strengthen the shows by working collaboratively. In a lot of very rural communities the rural show is still the big event of their community calendar, it’s the place that everybody goes to connect.’’
Smith acknowledges that the society faces some struggles to keep agricultural shows relevant in a world where there are so many entertainment choices, but he says the industry will always be the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and it’s important to keep people engaged.
He said the shows were the ‘‘shop-front windows’’ of agriculture, and they played an important role in keeping agriculture accessible to urban areas.
‘‘There are still children in New Zealand who believe milk comes from a plastic bottle that you get at the supermarket,’’ he said.
Smith said involving and educating youth was particularly important. The society has a youth division and several initiatives including the equestrian youth squad, who will be competing in showing in an inaugural competition in the United Kingdom at the end of July.
There is also the opportunity to be the Rural Ambassador – the title is contested at shows across the country and the winner will go on to represent New Zealand at the Australasian competition.