NEWS RELEASE

Thursday 26 MAY 2005

Championship Time for Sheep Dogs

The Long Head, The Short Head, The Zig-Zag and The Straight will be occupying many in rural New Zealand over the coming weeks, as the country counts down to the TUX 2005 North Island and the National Championship Sheep Dog Trials.

Sheep dogs have been competing since early this year at over 150 trials held by the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association (NZSDTA) at 13 regional centres.

Dogs that gain six points or more are eligible to enter the TUX North Island Championship Trials, which will be held at Meringa Station, Taumarunui, from Monday 30th May.

The top seven from each of the four events, The Long Head, The Short Head and Yard, The Zig-Zag Huntaway and The Straight Huntaway, will then go on to compete for the New Zealand Championship titles at the TUX New Zealand Championship trials 2005.

The New Zealand Championships will be held at Meringa Station, Taumarunui immediately following the North Island Championships.

NZSDTA President Selwyn Dorward says the competition from the club trials leading up to the National Championships has been very good, with many putting in extra work to prepare their sheep, and attracting greater numbers of competitors as a result.

Long time sponsor TUX clocks up 36 years this year – making it one of the longest running sponsorships in New Zealand.

TUX invites you or your representative to cover the TUX North Island and New Zealand Sheep Dog Championship Trials 2005:

Venue: Meringa Station, Taumaranui (Need more details on the location of the venue.)

Date: Daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday 30th May – Saturday 4rd June (Best day for media- Friday 3rd June)

If you or any representatives from your organisation would like to attend, please register your interest by contacting Sam Fulcher on (021) 1036156 or by E-mail sam.fulcher@adworksogilvy.co.nz. Photo opportunities can also be co-ordinated on your behalf.

There will be an opportunity to interview the New Zealand national team going to Ireland to compete in the World Sheep Dog Trials (July 7-10) on Friday 3 June. Please contact Sam Fulcher on 0211036156 or by E-mail sam.fulcher@adworksogilvy.co.nz if you would like to book a time for an interview.

The New Zealand Team:

Bernard Arends with either Macca or Slate (Dannevirke)
Eion Herbert with Chief (Whangarei)
Barney Strong with Smoke (Turangi)
Selwyn Dorward (Team Manager) with Sailor (Hastings)

For more information, please visit www.sheepdogtrials.co.nz

-Ends-