The Country
  • The Country home
  • Latest news
  • Audio & podcasts
  • Opinion
  • Dairy farming
  • Sheep & beef farming
  • Rural business
  • Rural technology
  • Rural life
  • Listen on iHeart radio

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • Coast & Country News
  • Opinion
  • Dairy farming
  • Sheep & beef farming
  • Horticulture
  • Animal health
  • Rural business
  • Rural technology
  • Rural life

Media

  • Podcasts
  • Video

Weather

  • Kaitaia
  • Whāngarei
  • Dargaville
  • Auckland
  • Thames
  • Tauranga
  • Hamilton
  • Whakatāne
  • Rotorua
  • Tokoroa
  • Te Kuiti
  • Taumurunui
  • Taupō
  • Gisborne
  • New Plymouth
  • Napier
  • Hastings
  • Dannevirke
  • Whanganui
  • Palmerston North
  • Levin
  • Paraparaumu
  • Masterton
  • Wellington
  • Motueka
  • Nelson
  • Blenheim
  • Westport
  • Reefton
  • Kaikōura
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Christchurch
  • Ashburton
  • Timaru
  • Wānaka
  • Oamaru
  • Queenstown
  • Dunedin
  • Gore
  • Invercargill

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Premium
Home / The Country

If it weren't for their gumboots where would they be? Taihape turns 125

Lucy Drake
By Lucy Drake
Whanganui Chronicle·
13 Sep, 2019 05:00 PM6 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  Sign in here

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌

Subscriber benefit

The ability to gift paywall-free articles is a subscriber only benefit. See more offers by clicking the button below.

Already a subscriber?  Sign in here
Save

    Share this article

    Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.

The gumboot capital of the world, Taihape, is celebrating turning 125 with a three-day events-packed weekend. Photo / Supplied
The gumboot capital of the world, Taihape, is celebrating turning 125 with a three-day events-packed weekend. Photo / Supplied

The gumboot capital of the world, Taihape, is celebrating turning 125 with a three-day events-packed weekend. Photo / Supplied

As you slope down one of the many hills State Highway 1 has on offer you come to a town that is celebrating its 125th this Saturday.

Where the rural backdrop meets the hum of tourists passing by, sits the small town of Taihape.

First crowned the gumboot capital of the world in 1985 by entertainer John Clarke, the town became a location for his Fred Dagg comedy persona.

An idea the community grasped and ran with, turning it into an iconic rural theme throughout their town.

Traditions began such as the annual Gumboot Day that occurs every Tuesday after Easter.

Keep up to date with the day's biggest stories

Sign up to our daily curated newsletter for the day's top stories straight to your inbox.
Please email me competitions, offers and other updates. You can stop these at any time.
By signing up for this newsletter, you agree to NZME’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

In celebration of all things gumboots, there is a gumboot throwing contest with the aim to break the world record for the longest gumboot throw.

And the theme continues as the famous gumboot statue made out of scrap corrugated galvanised sheets that greets motorists as they enter Taihape southbound was created in 2000 as a millennial project by artist Jeff Thompson.

There is even a gumboot throwing lane for motorists wanting to have a break and stretch their legs.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Jan Byford, who has lived in Taihape for the past 25 years and is on the Taihape Community Development Trust, said when she first arrived she felt Taihape had so much to offer due to its location three hours from the capital city.

"It was a tired little town ready to burst into life and gave opportunities that council and community groups could take to make a difference and that's what's happened," she said.

Discover more

A fresh look for Bushy Park Tarapuruhi

15 Sep 05:00 PM

Complex topics for discussion at farmers' roadshow at Mangaweka

16 Sep 05:00 PM
Agribusiness

Comment: Turakina and Whangaehu backbone of the farming community

17 Sep 05:00 PM

Byford said the gumboot theme gave Taihape some foundation and has gone from strength to strength.

"The main street just had a makeover with the gardens, plants that are locally grown, kept this uniqueness about it and while we've lost a few businesses we're about to gain a few - like any small town they wax and wane."

She said while the activities and stopovers for passing traffic are growing there was a very big rural influence as well.

Taihape supports some of the biggest sheep and beef stations in the central North Island including Erewhon, Ngamatea and Timahanga stations.

Alongside many popular eateries such as the Brown Sugar Cafe and Soul Cafe, there are also businesses such motorcycle shops and Farmlands that are well supported.

Ngamatea station is one of many stations that the Taihape community have continued to support over the years. Photo / Supplied
Ngamatea station is one of many stations that the Taihape community have continued to support over the years. Photo / Supplied

Byford said with a great farming industry established, farmers and their families are dependant on having a small town that is developed.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

"By having the work opportunities for some of the wives that is really important in a small community for the rural women, also a town for shopping where they don't have to travel so far and providing activities for young children."

Mayor of the Rangitikei, Andy Watson, said alongside farming Taihape had a history of supporting the railways and forestry.

Watson said the Rangitikei District Council had invested a lot of money to keep the local swimming pools up and running and is putting a new civic centre at Memorial Park.

He said many projects in Taihape that had succeeded had come down to volunteers' efforts.

Byford said the balance between urban and rural life is pretty good in Taihape as each supports the other due to being a lot more isolated with no large towns close by.

"We have to be more self-reliant and I think that's one of our strengths," Byford said.

The railway industry alongside forestry and farming have been supported heavily by the small town of Taihape over the years. Photo / Supplied
The railway industry alongside forestry and farming have been supported heavily by the small town of Taihape over the years. Photo / Supplied

It is one of only a few small towns in New Zealand to still have a running movie theatre, despite it closing for nearly two years in the early 1990s.

Senior students from the old Taihape College reopened the theatre as part of the Taihape Youth Enterprise Scheme between 1992 and 1994.

A petition from the wider community and a separate petition from Taihape College opposed the proposed demolition of the theatre and were able to raise funds to help retain the theatre.

"You've got to work hard to make things happen, it doesn't just happen on its own. Having people with energy is important, young people say they want to get involved and they see an opportunity and we need those fresh eyes" Byford said.

Byford said due to their isolation they are not in competition with any other town which means they are able to get the latest movies and use Majestic Theatre as a function space.

"While one thing might become a negative you can make a positive out of it and I think the innovation of rural people, nothing beats us actually."

And it is becoming more than just a bypass town, Byford believes.

Places like Tarata Fishaway Lodge and River Valley Adventure Lodge that offer an escape and experience in country life are drawing city dwellers to the region, making it a destination town.

The 125th committee with support from the Taihape Community Development Trust has organised a long weekend filled with events for all ages.

Convener Gill Duncan said anyone was welcome to come and get involved from the wider communities.

"It's a feel-good thing for spring because winters up here can be pretty tough so it's nice to have something to look forward to."

Rangitikei MP Ian McKelvie and his wife Sue opened the weekend on Friday night with a bubbles and banter evening at Majestic Theatre where attendees watched historic footage of Taihape on the big screen over a complimentary glass of champagne.

On Saturday there is a baby animal fair at Taihape museum from 11am where children are invited to bring their animals along and take part in the look-alike your animal dress-up competition.

Down at Outback Rd, resident Sharyn Robson has organised for an outback market with 25 stalls from local businesses, a miniature train coming from Whanganui and a bouncy castle.

The Taihape community is gearing up to celebrate 125 years with a fun-filled weekend packed with events for all ages. Photo / Supplied
The Taihape community is gearing up to celebrate 125 years with a fun-filled weekend packed with events for all ages. Photo / Supplied

The New Zealand Boot Throwing Association will be running a boot throwing competition with lots of prizes to be won, Duncan said.

A quilt and flower display will run from 10am to 3pm at St Margaret's Church and a vintage high tea finishes off the afternoon at the Taihape town hall.

Attendees are invited to dress up in the old-fashioned style of yesteryear and Mayor Andy Watson will cut a celebration cake.

Duncan said during the middle of the day they will hold a street parade with all the children and their animals with the pipe band leading them down to the vintage high tea.

Pinstripes and Petticoats then finish off the evening at the Musicians Club, featuring local band Fossil Rock and an eight-piece band Kawhia Musos from Kawhia.

On Sunday the events continue with an 18-hole round of golf at Taihape Golf Club, a church service at St David's Presbyterian Church and a tree planting to finish off the weekend.

"The whole weekend there's something for everyone and that was a real important part of the way we saw Taihape, as our new people are equally as important as the ones who have lived here for a long time, and I think we've got the balance right," Byford said.

Subscriber benefit

The ability to gift paywall-free articles is a subscriber only benefit. See more offers by clicking the button below.

Already a subscriber?  Sign in here
Save

    Share this article

    Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.

Latest from The Country

The Country

'We love you Jocko': Hundreds pay tribute to Stewart Island hunting accident victim

The Country

City to Farm - how leftovers are giving back to the land

The Country

The Country: Tasman farmer on flooding aftermath


Sponsored

Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Recommended for you

Murder victim's eerie message played in court
New Zealand

Murder victim's eerie message played in court

'An execution': Mongrel Mob member gunned down as he sat with partner and kids in car
New Zealand

'An execution': Mongrel Mob member gunned down as he sat with partner and kids in car

'You're a piece of s***': Gallen verbally attacks SBW at presser
Boxing

'You're a piece of s***': Gallen verbally attacks SBW at presser

Black Sox secure silver after hard-fought final against Venezuela
Sport

Black Sox secure silver after hard-fought final against Venezuela

'Can't get image out of our heads': Worker run over by own truck – witness
New Zealand

'Can't get image out of our heads': Worker run over by own truck – witness

Baywide rugby: Whaka look to break 19-year drought
Rotorua Daily Post

Baywide rugby: Whaka look to break 19-year drought



Latest from The Country

'We love you Jocko': Hundreds pay tribute to Stewart Island hunting accident victim
The Country

'We love you Jocko': Hundreds pay tribute to Stewart Island hunting accident victim

Jock Davies was remembered for his infectious humour, caring nature and great strength.

14 Jul 04:21 AM
City to Farm - how leftovers are giving back to the land
The Country

City to Farm - how leftovers are giving back to the land

14 Jul 03:16 AM
The Country: Tasman farmer on flooding aftermath
The Country

The Country: Tasman farmer on flooding aftermath

14 Jul 02:16 AM


Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky
Sponsored

Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky

06 Jul 09:47 PM

NZ Herald
  • About NZ Herald
  • Meet the journalists
  • Newsletters
  • Classifieds
  • Help & support
  • Contact us
  • House rules
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Competition terms & conditions
  • Our use of AI
Subscriber Services
  • NZ Herald e-editions
  • Daily puzzles & quizzes
  • Manage your digital subscription
  • Manage your print subscription
  • Subscribe to the NZ Herald newspaper
  • Subscribe to Herald Premium
  • Gift a subscription
  • Subscriber FAQs
  • Subscription terms & conditions
  • Promotions and subscriber benefits
NZME Network
  • The New Zealand Herald
  • The Northland Age
  • The Northern Advocate
  • Waikato Herald
  • Bay of Plenty Times
  • Rotorua Daily Post
  • Hawke's Bay Today
  • Whanganui Chronicle
  • Viva
  • NZ Listener
  • Newstalk ZB
  • BusinessDesk
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • iHeart Radio
  • Restaurant Hub
NZME
  • About NZME
  • NZME careers
  • Advertise with NZME
  • Digital self-service advertising
  • Book your classified ad
  • Photo sales
  • NZME Events
  • © Copyright 2025 NZME Publishing Limited
TOP
search by queryly Advanced Search