A Practical Step Toward Less Waste: Upper Clutha Agricultural & Pastoral Society
11 Jun 2026
The Upper Clutha Agricultural & Pastoral Society has made a big impact in their waste reduction goals. One of the most consistent barriers to sustainable events at the A&P Show in central Wānaka had been the lack of adequate washing facilities, leaving event organisers with few options for reusable serve ware, particularly on major event scale. Aware of this gap, they set about addressing it.
A grant of $4,590 supported the installation of a permanent pass-through dishwashing facility. Designed with external roller door access, the station allows reusable cups, crockery, and serving ware to be cleaned efficiently during events of any size. Importantly, it's available year-round, free of charge, to any community group or event organiser in the Upper Clutha - not just the A&P Show.
The results from its first outing were encouraging. At the 2026 Wānaka A&P Show, despite a record crowd, the event lifted its landfill diversion rate from 65% to 72%, enough diverted waste to fill a full-sized rugby field. The dishwashing facility contributed directly to that result, allowing show hospitality and bar outlets to switch from single-use to reusable serve ware.
Wastebusters also played a key role, providing waste education signage, trade stands, and a composting programme for food and manure waste.
Event manager Maria Ottley noted "We're incredibly proud of what's been achieved this year. To reduce landfill waste while hosting a record number of attendees shows what's possible when everyone gets behind a common goal."
With around 40,000 people attending the show each year, and the facility now open to other groups and organisations, the ongoing impact has real potential. The Upper Clutha A&P Society is already exploring further improvements ahead of future events.
A practical investment with a clear purpose, with early results suggesting it's already doing its job.