Thousands of people flocked to Porangahau Beach yesterday to watch a series of polo games which featured international players and a New Zealand rugby great.
Porongahau Beach Polo organiser Richard Kibblewhite said more than 2000 people gathered on the beach for yesterday's event, with some spectators coming from as far afield as Barabados.
Argentinian Ambassador Fernando Escalona was there with his family, and would stay in the region for the next few days.
"The weather was perfect all day and the polo was just fantastic. The local and international players put on an excellent and entertaining afternoon."
The event drew players from the local Wanstead and Hawke's Bay polo clubs as well as Australia, the United Kingdom and Mongolia.
Also in the corral was former All Black captain David Kirk MBE, who had made the trip from his Sydney home.
Mr Kirk "put in a stirling effort and stayed upright on his horse" during his game, but his team was beaten by Porangahau Beach Polo Committee chairman Hamish McLean's side.
Mr Kirk often visits Hawke's Bay and his wife Brigit is originally from Porangahau.