Dogs on trial

Every man and his dog will be at Duder Park next week for Papakura Sheep Dog Trial Club's anniversary, writes Andrea Jutson.
When most people think of sheep dogs they picture them somewhere other than in Auckland. However, Papakura Sheep Dog Trial Club has as proud a history as any southern high country club and, next week, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The club was formed in downtown Papakura in 1957, when the town was better known for its sheep than its people.
``In those days farming was everything out here,'' says club secretary John Karl. ``Auckland was miles away.''
Although John joined in the 1970s, he still calls himself a new boy. Like most other members, he comes from good farming stock and runs his own sheep and cattle farm, although there are some exceptions. President Lance Philburn, appropriately, owned a dog food business, and relative newcomer Ian Gray was once a school headmaster.
There are now a dozen members in the trial club, which has survived through passion and good management. Even in the rural deep south, good clubs have fallen by the wayside while this urban club has stayed on.
John says the only reason people leave the club is when they move away. Patron Lyn Evans has stuck it out for the whole 50 years. Members come from as far afield as Pokeno and Waiheke Island to their home ground at Duder Regional Park in John's own neighbourhood of Clevedon.
``Our club will survive because, being at Duder, we've got a concrete-solid foundation,'' John says.
The art of trialling involves getting sheep between two points via various obstacles, and it requires a strong relationship between man and dog. A good triallist will know how to think like a sheep and counteract the flock's movements before they happen, and a good dog does the same, acting instantly on its master's command. Sometimes, a mere quarter of a point can separate competitors.
There are no women in the Papakura club, but almost every man and his dog - and a woman or two from other clubs - will flock to Clevedon on April 12 and 13 for the club's anniversary. Between 80 and 100 triallists are expected.
John proudly calls his club a ``cog in the big wheel'', part of the great tradition of New Zealand sheep dog trialling.
Triallists from the club travel the country to show off their dogs and their skills, and others, in turn, compete in Clevedon regularly. One dedicated man, Gary Brennan came to Clevedon from Feilding for decades.
Next week's trials come with a reward. Manukau City Council is a sponsor, and there will be cash prizes plus trophies. A history of the club is also available, written by club archivist Ian Gray.
Papakura Sheep Dog Trial Club anniversary, Duder Regional Park, April 12-13, 10am-5pm. Audience members welcome - the event is free. Contact: John Karl, ph 292 8663.