Kiwi Olympian Jacko Gill breaks stone throwing record at Highland Games in Waipu

Former heavyweight competitor and now judge Pat Hellier watches his record get smashed by Olympian Jacko Gill, in the 22-pound (9.97kg) stone throw. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Kiwi Olympian Jacko Gill threw his weight around at his first Waipu Highland Games and smashed the New Zealand Highland stone throw record set a decade ago.

The 22-year-old shot-put star won five of eight events and was declared the overall winner in the heavyweight competition.

The Aucklander was the drawcard at the event at Caledonian Park that attracted a good crowd, including international tourists, on a slightly overcast but pleasant day yesterday.

People lined central Waipu for the Grand March, which started at 9am, followed by piping and drumming competitions at the 146th Highland games.

But most eyes were on the heavyweight competition that featured the stone and hammer throw, weight for distance, weight over bar, wheat sheaf and caber toss.

Gill, a shot putter at Rio Olympics, threw the 22-pound (nearly 10kg) stone 15.6m to break the old record of 13.7m set by previous Highland Heavyweight Competition 13-time winner Pat Hellier, who is now a judge.

Gill also came first in the 16-, 22- and 28-pound hammer throw and the 56-pound weight for distance events.

The Olympian was excited to test his skills against experienced competitors and reckoned the caber toss would be his toughest challenge.

"These events are a lot different and harder than shotput but I think they are more relaxed and fun. It's really important for these events to continue in years to come and if I can help promote it, I will," he said.

Doctor Jan Walsh, who arrived from England five weeks ago on a three-month stint with the Northland District Health Board in Whangarei, said the Waipu Games were the best "Christmassy thing" she has seen in New Zealand so far.

"You feel at home ...

"Everyone's so friendly. It's a great place."

Retired school teacher Joe Pinfold travelled from Rotorua with wife, Colleen, to watch their first Waipu Games.

"We made time available this holiday for the games here instead of chasing folks. I played the drums for 25 years so I'll be watching that and the dancing."

Mr Pinfold said his links with Northland dated back to 1961 when he was appointed principal of Towai School which had two teachers, including himself, and 73 children.

Planning consultant Blair Telford and his wife, Sharleen, from North Shore were also at their first Waipu Games and planned to return.

"You don't go to a lot of places and see the Scottish continue their heritage and culture but in this place they do which is great," he said.