Records broken and record crowds for the Hilux Rural Games

12 March 2018

Records broken and record crowds for the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games

More than 30,000 people participated in Hilux New Zealand Rural Games activities in Palmerston North over the weekend.

New Zealand Rural Games Trust Chair Margaret Kouvelis says the weekend weather was nothing short of spectacular after a cool start on Friday.

“It was so fantastic to see people of all ages trying out different things from tree climbing to digger driving to gumboot throwing. We are proud that our events are free. This is only possible for the generosity of our sponsors,” says Mrs Kouvelis.

“Friday was fabulous for Feilding as thousands attended the Property Brokers Running of the Wools and that evening the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards were held in front of a sell-out crowd.”

During the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games two World Records were broken.

On Sunday evening Ricki Paewai and Kris Richards knocked out a new world record in Egg Catch and Throw with a massive 85.96m throw and catch. The duo took the previous world record off fellow New Zealanders Robbie Hollander and Nick Hornstein which was set in Swanton England in 2017.

Taranaki arborist Nicky Ward-Allen broke the world record for the foot lock at 19:55 seconds - the previous world record 20.17 seconds was gained in 2015 in Tampa Florida by Jamielee Kempton. The Eltham resident has previously held the world record for the fastest footlock in 2010. Back then the competition was based on a height of 12metres, and Ward-Allen completed it in 13.26seconds in Chicago, USA.

Hilux New Zealand Rural Games founder Steve says the fourth annual Hilux New Zealand Rural Games was the best yet.

“Our Trust Board is focused on achieving two major aims – celebrating rural sports that helped build our nation and bring country and city kids together to help close the rural-urban divide,” says Mr Hollander.

“Every year this event grows from strength to strength. We’re now the largest event between Mystery Creek and Wellington. We’re aware the weekend brought large numbers of people to Palmerston North for the weekend with many local hotels were full and the Plaza shopping mall having its biggest weekend since the New Year,” says Mr Hollander

I want to publicly thank Toyota, Fonterra, Husqvarna, C B Norwood and Property Brokers for their unflinching support. All our sponsors and volunteers have contributed to a massive weekend of entertainment, and we have delivered an event that drew families in from across the country.”

It was fabulous to see so many sporting and media starts in town for the event – it was a real chance for young people to see their heroes and get in and have a go themselves. I also want to thank the people of Palmerston North and Manawatu for their hospitality – everyone had a smile on their faces! Thank you.”

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