Palmerston North is gearing up for an action-packed weekend as the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games kicks off on Friday, 8 March 2024
The three-day event, from 8 to 10 March, will bring together rural sports athletes from across the nation and some from beyond.
From the iconic Sheepdog Trials and Highland Games to unconventional contests such as egg roulette and cowpat throwing, attendees can expect a wide array of activities catering to all interests.
“The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games celebrates our nation’s rich rural traditions while embracing the quirky and unconventional,” says Steve Hollander, the inspiration behind the events.
“This year, we’re proud to offer an expanded lineup of activities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.”
Reigning champions will defend their titles in major championship clashes, including the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® championships to the Forest Industry Contractors Association Golden Loader title.
The event will also see new activities, such as axe throwing, chainsaw sculpture, and the traditional Māori team game Kī-o-rahi, along with Rural Fire’s slip and slide.
Thanks to the support of Horizons Regional Council, free buses will be available on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, Palmerston North Lions Clubs will offer gold-coin parking in Railway Land Reserve, with proceeds benefiting Palmerston North Hospital’s renal unit.
Attendees can also enjoy complimentary haircuts for men and boys, courtesy of STIHL’s ‘Sharpest Cuts’. Both STIHL and Cocky will also have stores selling merchandise and tools. A relaxation zone and disability parking booking system have been implemented to enhance the experience for all.
With renowned MCs, including Rowena Duncum, Erin Speedy, Craig ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins and Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson, along with exciting prizes and a line-up of events for all ages, the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games promises a fun-filled experience for the whole family.
The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games livestream will run on Rural Games social media channels across the weekend.
The TV3 1-hr Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games programme presented by TV3 Sports Reporter Tia McDougall, Farm4Life’s Tangaroa Walker, and the legendary Mark Leishman will run at 5pm on Saturday, 30 March and at 9:30am on Saturday, 6 April.
Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards
More than 430 people from the world of rural sports and the food and fibre sector will gather for the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards at Awapuni Racing Centre in Palmerston North.
Guest presenters include Olympic swimmer Louis Clareburt, Olympic rower and swimmer, Joseph Sullivan, Paralympic swimmer Cameron Leslie MNZM, All Blacks manager and mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka ONZM, Paralympian javelin thrower Holly Robinson MNZM, associate minister for agriculture Andrew Hoggard, and shearing world record holder Sacha Bond.
Agri Futures Clash of the Colleges and Food and Fibre Career Pathways
Sixty teams of students from secondary schools from the Wairarapa to New Plymouth, Taupo and Hastings will compete in 15 modules that will test their farm and forestry skills, alongside rural sports.
Alongside that, 10 food and fibre training organisations will provide career advice to those considering a job in the food and fibre sector.
MacDougall Rural Challenge Charity Golf
Thirty teams will take part in a 4-ball Ambrose team event at Manawatu Golf Course on Thursday, 7 March, raising funds for Manawatū Rangitīkei Rural Family Support Trust.
Event dates: 8 to 10 March
For more information, visit ruralgames.co.nz.