A Christchurch City Councillor says their lifeline to the A&P Association isn't a grant.

The board canned this year's A&P Show, saying it would be unwise under its current finances and business model.

The association's now breaking the 100-year lease on its Wigram Road site, with the council paying about a million dollars a hectare to buy the remaining 95 years.

Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald told Mike Hosking the council is putting money into a capital protected fund.

He says the association won't have to come back for handouts due to the interest, adding it's a win-win as council can also use the land.

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