Staff gone, contractors still awaiting payment
Former Canterbury A&P association workers say they fear for the show’s future against a backdrop of staff exits and debts to contractors.
At least seven employees have left in the past 12 months, including the entire former events team, accounts manager and operations staff.
The show’s general manager Tracy Ahern resigned in December and is due to finish on April 5. It’s understood Ahern was originally to finish last month, but was asked to delay her exit.
The Press reported on Monday the association has asked the Christchurch City Council for financial support, as questions hang over the show’s financial position following the impact of last year’s economic downturn.
However, Stewart Mitchell, chair of the Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association board, said planning for the 2024 show was well under way and dismissed a widely-circulated report raising concerns about the last two shows as mostly inaccurate.
Four people who worked on last year’s A&P Show, held November 15-17, have since spoken to The Press about their experiences.
They described the show workplace as chaotic, with staff expected to adapt to last-minute changes – such as deciding three weeks before the event to charge for car parking, which prompted complaints.
“I’m embarrassed to be associated with the show,” one said.
They suggested bold action, including replacing departed staff, was needed to secure the show’s future. Some mooted one option could be making the show competition-only.
Mitchell confirmed some contractors from last year’s show were owed money and final payments would be made in early April.
He repeated an earlier statement that the association welcomed feedback and wanted each show to be better than the last.
One former worker told The Press members of the Canterbury A&P general committee – which is separate from the board – were caring towards former workers, and were working hard to keep the show going.
Some 110,000 people attended the 2023 show, about 40% more than the 65,000 attendees in 2022.
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