A bike ride gave cyclists a different perspective of the only Republic in New Zealand.
Seventy cyclists completed a 90km bike ride around Whangamomona and Matau in the first Dirty Detours event held over Labour weekend.
Event organiser Liam Friary says the event showcased a forgotten region of New Zealand.
"By putting on the event we've given the region a voice and helped to put it on the map."
Liam says the bike ride was a great way to show the cyclists the scenery of Whangamomona.
"When you're on a bicycle you can go slow and take in your surroundings."
The cyclists connected with the locals by having lunch with them and taking part in the shear a sheep, eat a pie and drink a beer competition.
Liam says the event was a great way to connect the community and cyclists.
"It showed how different people live in different communities."
The event also helped a local school.
"A local Matau family provided some food for the cyclists. We asked the participants to bring cash and they could purchase anything for $1 each. All the money was donated to Huiakama School and $400 was raised in total," he says.
Liam says the event had the aim to give cyclists an experience of Whangamomona and bring more people to the region.
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"Whangamomona helps to reflect on the past which allows you to move forward. It allows you to immerse yourself in what's forgotten and have a digital detox which is great."
Liam says he hopes Dirty Detours becomes a yearly event.
"I hope the number of participants grows. In three years I would like 150 participants to take part in the event. It's a unique experience."
The cyclists left with a souvenir of their travels, with each participant receiving a Republic of Whangamomona passport.