Polocross tournament: A New Zealand first in Turangi

26 October 2012

A New Zealand first in Turangi

A four-day international Polocrosse tournament, the first event of this kind in New Zealand, will happen over Easter 2013 in Turangi.

Hosted by Tuwharetoa Polocrosse, the traditional powhiri and overnight stay at Hirangi marae adds a unique and authentic cultural element to this fast-paced equestrian event. The traditional Maori experience is the first that visiting team members and their support crews are unlikely to have ever experienced.

Teams from Zambia, Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand will travel to the central North Island town for the four-day tournament, and there’s much excitement from the organisers.

“The tournament will be great competition for the teams and a wonderful spectator event. As well as the formal games, we’re planning displays of mounted games by the international riders and a range of equestrian demonstrations,” says Tania Te Akau.

“The teams, supporters and horses are in town for more than a week,” says Tania. “They play a total of eight games with the New Zealand Development Junior teams playing in between each of the main games. “

“It’s a beautiful time of year in Turangi, the autumn colours are stunning and we hope to include the ‘Colours Festival’ with the Polocrosse tournament,” she says.

Taupō District Council Events Manager Nick Reader says the international Polocrosse tournament reflects the increasing diversity of events taking place in the Taupō region.

“The international nature of the event increases the profile and taking place at Easter gives visitors yet another good reason to take a holiday here,” he says.

For more information visit www.polocrossenz.co.nz

Tournament games are from 28-31 March 2012. Tournament is run by New Zealand Polocrosse Inc. Powhiri is 24 March at Hirangi Marae, Turangi.

Polocrosse developed in Australia before WWII. Players use one horse only and the sport caters for all ages and levels of ability.

It’s a fast-paced sport played with a soft foam filled rubber ball, a racquet traditionally made of cane with a cane or plastic head and a special rope net used to pass and catch the ball.

Polocrosse is most common in the North Island but clubs range from Kaikohe to Ashhurst.

ENDS

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