NZ Rural Games to bring together sporting legends and fundraise for cyclone relief
When the New Zealand Rural Games returns to Palmerston North next week, it will showcase the country’s rural sporting heritage and a variety of unique and fun competitions.
Visitors can watch and take part in a range of events at Te Marae o Hine-The Square, from the famous Sheepdog Trials, Highland Games and Wellington Boot Tossing to more unusual events such as speed shears and cow dung tossing competitions.
Certainly highlights include the return of Australian Luke “Blue Mountains” Reynolds – a behemoth of a man – who will face the Kiwis in the Southern Hemisphere Highlander Championship for the first time since 2020 due to Covid-19.
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Fourteen people from across the North Island, including one woman, will compete in the inaugural Golden Loader Woods Championships, while the 2022 World Timbersports Championships will see Jack Jordan from Taumarunui.
Three world record clippers, Sacha Bond, Megan Whitehead and Jack Fagan, will compete in the New Zealand Speed Clipper Championship. Another typical rural skill will be demonstrated by four-time NZ Golden Pliers winner Tony Bouskill from Napier, who will take on other leading fencers, including his father, in the rapid fencing championship.
Male and female provincial tree climbing champions will compete in the New Zealand Tree Climbing Speed Championships.
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Sheepdog Trials is another event for people to see.
The champions of the North and South Islands take part in the New Zealand Wellington Boot Throwing Championship
Other competitions include Manawatū’s Best Mullet and Dressing Like a Farmer.
The chainsaw sculpture competition has turned into a demonstration and auction as most of the participants were affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
“The [games] celebrates our country’s rural heritage and showcases some of our oldest sports along with some quirky ones like egg roulette and cow patty tossing,” said event founder Steve Hollander.
“This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the country and beyond.”
Laureus World Sports Awards nominee and double Paralympian Cameron Leslie, former All Black captain Ian Kirkpatrick and international cricketer Adam Milne will try their hand at egg tossing and catching.
Held annually in Palmerston North, Mayor Grant Smith says the games are a must for anyone who loves sports, outdoor activities and all things rural.
“Rural New Zealand has been hit hard in recent weeks and it’s important that we support rural sports groups and communities through events like this.”
The New Zealand Rural Games Trust works hard to ensure its events are free to the public.
The Trust provides several scholarships for rural youth entering college and supports charities such as Rehoming Standard Bred Horses and Working Dogs and Gumboot Friday.
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There is likely to be fierce competition in wood sports.
Chairwoman Margaret Kouvelis said those charities would be at the Games this year and there would be a big push to raise funds for Cyclone Gabrielle relief.
“Our neighbors are struggling right now. The scale of the disaster is unprecedented.
“In light of this, for the first time, we will be raising funds to support those who need to rebuild their lives, farms, orchards, vineyards and businesses.”
Digital welcome signs will display a QR code to raise funds for rural communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The NZ Rural Sports Awards will feature an auction at Awapuni Racecourse on Friday night and Thursday’s Rural Challenge Charity Golf Day will donate 80% of the funds raised to the charity.
Another part of the games is Friday’s Agri Futures event for secondary school students from the lower and mid-central areas of the North Island who are interested in careers in food and fiber.
Palmerston North City Council provides free overflow parking on the railway site and Horizons Regional Council provides free buses in Palmerston North, Ashhurst and Feilding on Saturdays and Sundays.
Visit ruralgames.co.nz for more information on the event, including the schedule, map and accommodation options.