Georgie Woods wins RAS Rural Ambassador competition
Waimakariri Irrigation Limited’s (WIL’s) environmental advisor Georgie Woods has won the 2026 Royal Agricultural Society’s Rural Ambassador competition and is excited to represent the next generation of agricultural leaders in this sought after role.
The competition started in 1998 with the aim of identifying future leaders and helping them to step up to more senior roles within the A and P Show movement.
Georgie, who lives in Rangiora, will represent the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) at A and P shows throughout the year and will join the RAS executive as a co-opted member for a year.
WIL’s environmental advisor Georgie Woods was selected as the 2026 Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Rural Ambassador at the annual conference held in late June.
“I was nominated by the Northern A and P Show Committee for the Central District competition which involved an interview and from there I was selected to go through to the national competition. After an interview with the national judging panel, I delivered a speech at the recent annual conference in front of around 60 people along with the other three finalists from the Northern, Mid-Northern and Southern districts.
“I focused my speech on what I can bring to the RAS in terms of practical examples of the things that I have helped to introduce to the Rangiora A and P Show. I think it is important to encourage the younger generation to be part of the A and P movement so we can keep the shows and the organisation strong for the future.”
WIL CEO Brent Walton says the irrigation cooperative is extremely proud of Georgie’s achievement and her efforts to inspire younger members of the agricultural community to get involved in their local A and P shows.
“It’s a massive achievement and we are incredibly fortunate to have Georgie as part of our organisation. She is on the path to becoming a future leader in New Zealand’s agricultural industry.”
Growing up, Georgie spent most weekends helping her dad on the family’s leasehold sheep and beef farm near Mount Grey in the Hurunui District. Descending from a long line of farmers, it was natural for her to combine her love for the land with her creative skills and this led to her participation in the local A and P show with annual entries in the Home and Craft section.
Three years ago, Georgie joined the committee for Northern A and P Association which helps to run the Rangiora A and P Show. She assists with the farmyard while also applying her creative lens to marketing the annual event and attracting a more diverse range of people to the Show by introducing new competitions.
“I enjoy getting involved with photography, posters and coming up with ideas for new competitions that will attract different types of people to attend the Show. Last year we had a motorised furniture race which was a real hit, so we are bringing that one back this year.
“I also have a tradition of entering the decorated cake category each year which has been growing in terms of entries as I have encouraged my friends to enter over recent years.”
A firm believer in taking small steps towards a larger goal, Georgie is passionate about bringing people together to celebrate rural excellence, showcasing the career opportunities in agriculture and keeping the A and P Shows running in the future.
“Agriculture isn’t just about land. It is about building a community and connecting rural and urban people while also maintaining New Zealand’s identity as a strong agricultural nation.
“Life is busy, but it is so important to take the time to give back to your local community as you receive opportunities to learn and grow while doing something positive to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
