Big day at Clash of the Colleges
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
Due to overwhelming demand, the popular Amazing Race-style competition has expanded to two rounds to accommodate a record 240 students.
Established by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, the event motivates, supports, and empowers young people to pursue careers in the Food and Fibre sector.
We’re excited to welcome students and their families to the 2025 Clash of the Colleges,” said Event general manager Daniel O’Regan.
“It’s a unique opportunity for teens to improve their practical skills, have fun, and network with industry professionals all in one high-energy day.”
The Clash will be held on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds.
Ben Stock, President of the Ashburton A&P Show, said the event aligns perfectly with this year's A&P Show theme of cultivating communities. “Volunteers from the Ag and Hort sectors come together to test students’ knowledge, and in return, the students see the incredible career opportunities available to them.”
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Teams of four will race against the clock to complete 16 hands-on modules within 90 minutes. The challenges, run by industry experts, Growing Future Farmers, and local Young Farmer Clubs, include: ATV safety, wheel changing, irrigation setup, break fencing, first response, drenching, wool ID, handpiece skills, plant identification, seeds and feeds, riparian planting, and traditional rural sports like gumboot throwing and sulky & hobby horse racing.
Adding to the excitement, the event will be emceed by Tangaroa Walker of Farm 4 Life, a leading agri-edutainment creator with over 340,000 followers.
With fewer than 20 spaces remaining, schools are encouraged to register. Participating schools include Ashburton College, Beaconsfield School, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Craighead Diocesan School, Darfield High School, Mt Hutt College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Timaru Boys’ High School, Waimate High School, and Waitaki Girls’ High School.
