Asked whether he felt he was popular in rural and regional New Zealand, he said "absolutely".
"I get out of Wellington most weeks and we are out and about across regional New Zealand.
"It’s not about me, it is actually about New Zealand, it is about making sure that after coming through a tough time, we are setting up our country for success.
"I think rural New Zealand is starting to move places and it’s actually been really good to see the progress in our dairy industry if you look at the outlook for our red meat, if you look at the outlook for horticulture, so we are seeing some really good signs after three years of a recession."
Upper Clutha A&P Society chairman Keith Cooper said the annual show reeled in about $22 million to the local economy.
"We don’t want to crow too much. We’re the largest A&P show and most successful in the country now. We’ll continue to develop it and I think that’s probably key.
"And yes, we do make a bit of money, but we’re actually spending more on what we offer this year."
The society put $80,000 towards Wānaka charities, he said.
The show had grown and attracted more commercial prestige, but agriculture was still at the heart of of New Zealand’s largest A&P show.
"We are trying to encourage more cattle back to the show and of course we have the equestrian and goats, so if anything, we’re trying to get more animals back."
This year, for the first time, Wānaka hosted the Supreme Merino competition, which was formerly held in Canterbury.
The merino competition was an important part of the show for many farmers, and judges placed importance on wool, purity and posture.
Judge Andrew Calvert boiled it down to a few features he was always on the lookout for.
"Wool needs to have a good handle."
Wool needed to have a certain softness, and the microns needed to go together, he said.
Mr Calvert, having judged shows all over the world, said the Wānaka show was one of the best he had been to.
"It’s a marvellous show ... It’s got a bit of character to it. The shows are pretty important to communities."
The show was also popular for local children, especially those who entered the home industry awards.
olivia.caldwell@alliedpress.co.nz and rawan.saadi@alliedpress.co.nz
