Over 300 entries, a New Zealand record, have been received for the third running of the charity sheep dog trials at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Aratiatia, Taupō, June 25-28.
The trials double as a fundraiser in support of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
Having raised $20,000 at the inaugural Bayleys Sheep Dog Trials in 2023, and $30,000 last year, organisers hope to top that, in support of the new state-of-the-art helicopter.
The new Greenlea chopper goes further, faster, and is stronger, so will save more lives, but inevitably costs more to run with its 12 crew members (pilots, critical care flight paramedics, and air crew officers) providing 24/7 coverage.
As crew member Mark Bond (Bondy) notes of the new helicopter: “I don’t have to have my knees round my neck anymore.”
The success of the event over the last two years has attracted more sponsorship, increased prize money, and top dogs coming from throughout the country, as well as enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of indoor competition, and some new to the sport. The winner of the Open class will receive $1500, the highest prize money on offer in New Zealand.
Last year’s winner, Murray Child, from Whangarei, a winner of seven national titles and leader of four successful Trans-Tasman teams, will be this year’s judge. After his win last year, he said: “This event is special. It is an outstanding event for a great cause.”
He will have four very long days of judging this year.
Tutukau Trust will again provide the 900 ewe hoggets required, with Trust manager Paddy Cornelius happy to support the fundraiser. The sheep are transported free of charge by Midland Rural Transport, having been worked in the Tutukau yards by a team of women in the week prior to the trials. They are run through the huge indoor hall in small mobs to get them used to the strange surroundings.
Taupo businesses continue to get behind the event, with Huka Honda donating a $3000 child’s motor bike to be raffled. Kylie and Glen Clarke, of Huka Honda, who have been supporting community events in Taupo for 25 years, live on the flight path of the helicopter, so hear it all hours of the day and night.
As they say: “It has to be funded. It is the life blood of our farmers, who support us all year round, so it’s our way of giving back to the community.”
The auction of donated goods at midday on Friday, June 27 is again well supported by both local and national businesses, with the star attraction five well-bred sheep dog pups, two huntaways and three heading dogs.
Last year’s top priced pup went to the South Island via a phone bidder.
The Bayleys Shield, for regional team competition, will be run in conjunction with the event. King Country, the holders, have been challenged by Waikato, adding spice to the competition.
Young and inexperienced trialists are also encouraged, with the Maiden competition a well-supported feature.
The top 20 dogs will run off for final judging on Saturday afternoon with last year’s final involving there four women triallists.
Overall around a third of the total competitors are women.
New this year is a safe entertainment space for children, under cover, with activities organized by the Greenlea staff. There will be trade stands and food stalls, also under cover, and while entry is free, a gold coin donation would help swell the funds raised for this essential life-saving service.
And the dogs haven’t been forgotten with all finalists receiving a large bag of Black Hawk dog food.
