He said it will future proof the show.
“The whole point of this was to ensure sustainability long term. What we didn’t want and don’t want is for the association to come back next year for another bailout, ” he added.
“It’s most important that the organisation of the show improves a lot, to make sure that the show can continue for another 50 or 100 years,” said Karl Dean, president of Federated Farmers North Canterbury.
But some locals are already losing interest.
“It’s too much [money] for a family day out, it really is. It’s like your groceries for the week to go there,” one person told Newshub.
“It’s pretty expensive,” another said.
MacDonald said some fresh thinking is needed to “ensure they deliver a show for people”.
The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association hasn’t responded to Newshub’s requests for an interview.
And there is no indication this funding means this year’s show will go on.