In the footsteps of Taihape's Gumboot Day, a New Zealand team is off to the World Gumboot Throwing Championships in Italy.
New Zealand has been asked to compete in the event at Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region of Italy next month.
The Kiwis join teams from Estonia, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Germany, Poland, Belgium and France in the contest.
New Zealand Boot Throwing Association president Elizabeth Mortland, of Taihape, said New Zealand was the only team in the southern hemisphere.
"Which put Taihape as a player on the international scene of boot throwing," she said.
The New Zealand team members are Mairead Fox from Dunedin and Brent Newark from Auckland. Technical adviser is Taihape man Colin Baird, who is already on holiday in Europe and will be diverting from his itinerary to be at the contest.
The Otago Daily Times reported that Mairead's training had been a few drinks with chums. But just weeks before the International Champs on September 12 and 13, Mairead said gumboot throwing was getting more serious and she was looking on YouTube for tips and even hoped to get a coach.
The 24-year-old Dunedin nurse said she didn't really know her "full potential".
The Taihape community think Ms Mortland should be there too, and fundraising is under way.
Community Board representative Michelle Fannin said everyone was very keen for Ms Mortland to go.