New Zealand's largest A & P show opens in Christchurch on Wednesday, but it won't carry the Royal Agricultural Show banner.
The Canterbury A & P Association, which had secured the rights to stage the Royal Show until 2012, decided last year not to complete the contract.
It says the decision has not affected its overall competition entries, with more than 600 trade exhibitors this year.
But it means there will not be a show carrying the title this year.
Royal Agricultural Society president Bruce Orr says it is probably the first year since World War II that New Zealand has not had a Royal Show.
Waikato is in line to host the event next year. Mr Orr says the society's executives and district representatives are meeting in Christchurch next week to discuss what will happen after that.
The decision will rest with the 93 A&P associations, 67 breed societies and 800 life members, he says.
