This year’s A&P Show in Richmond gave us something special: two days of connecting, laughing, listening, and sharing the mahi we care about most. Our stand had a simple purpose: to meet our community where they are, offer some good kai, and spark conversations about the health of our freshwater and marine environments. And judging by the steady stream of people, the curiosity, and the laughter drifting from our tent, it worked!
Why We Were There
We turned up with one goal in mind: engagement! We wanted locals to know who we are, what we offer, and how we support environmental education and enhancement across the region’s many catchments.
Our secret weapon? Manaaki through kai.
Scott put huge effort into creating a healthy, tasty menu with gluten free options, with or without bread, simple but delicious. The low price meant everyone could grab a plate, and while they waited for their kai, the conversations naturally began:
“Do you have a stream near your place?”
“Ever wondered what’s happening with your stormwater?”
“Curious about riparian planting or water quality monitoring?”
Those small chats opened the door to bigger kōrero about freshwater health, īnanga spawning habitat, riparian margins, and how anyone from kids, landowners, or whole communities, can get involved in restoration.
And yes, we were also fundraising. Sharing the educational opportunities we provide, like learning to measure water quality, growing plants for riparian edges, trapping to help īnanga thrive, which helped people understand why support matters.
What We Hoped Visitors Would Take Away
Most of all, we wanted people to walk away with:
- An appreciation for our dedication to environmental and community wellbeing
- A sense that they can contribute—no matter their background, property size, or age
- Practical tips for protecting and enhancing our freshwater and marine environments
And judging by the conversations, the smiles, and the return visits, they did.
A Snapshot of the Atmosphere
From our spot at the stand, the A&P Show felt relaxed, fun, and full of good energy. Rural families mingled with urban whānau out for a day of sun and snacks. Shearing gangs, woodchopping champs, MPs, and grandparents all wandered past our tent. And everyone seemed comfortable asking questions about our mahi.
And of course, no A&P show is complete without its quirky moments…
Moments That Captured the Spirit of the Day
There wasn’t just one standout moment:
- A young lad getting a free choc fish, a DoC bag, and a survival blanket; his mum, who already knew our mahi through TDC, happily donating afterwards.
- A runaway sheep leaping over a startled kid…classic A&P chaos.
- The never-ending soundtrack of kids leaning on tractor horns. (All. Day. Long.)
- Rachel Boyack’s dog christening our banner….prompting every other dog to try and do the same. A true communal effort.
The People We Met
We had rich kōrero with:
- Golden Bay landowners keen on water quality monitoring and linking with Mohua initiatives
- Our Brook Catchment group Claudia and Kirsten, who popped by for a catch-up (and whose mum returned the next day to buy more soap!)
- Whānau sharing stories about recent flooding, some light, some heavy, all heartfelt
- Parents eager to get their kids into more environmental education!
- The Waimea Men’s Shed, who generously offered to build us 25 traps for our īnanga spawning sites!
The mix reminded us that engagement comes in many forms, from science to soap to trapping to stories.
What Visitors Were Curious About
Regular talking points were:
- Īnanga and whitebait
- Longfin eels
- Snorkelling in our waterways
- Local flood impacts and resilience
People wanted to understand what’s happening, what’s changing, and how they can help.
Was It a Success?
Financially? Maybe not hugely.
But in terms of marketing, connection, and community trust-building? Absolutely.
We offered kai, kōrero, humour, and approachability. We listened. We shared knowledge. And we left many people with new understanding, and possibly new motivations, to care for the waterways around them.
How We Felt at the End of the Day
Tired, absolutely.
But proud, especially of Scott’s preparation and the teamwork that kept our stand welcoming and alive.
We walked away knowing:
- We gave our best
- We reached people who might not otherwise find us
- We uplifted whānau during a tough time for many
- And the seeds we planted, literal and metaphorical, will continue to grow
We’re excited to see the positive ripples in the months ahead!