THREE generation of the Pari family will hunt in the competition in May. Beau Pari, Keahrey Manson, Brian Strange (front, holding deer) and Sandy Pari. PHOTO: DONNA PARI
PIOPIO Cosmopolitan Club will host a new hunting competition in May.
Best animal caller, mystery weight boar and biggest pig tusks: these are just some of the challenges up for grabs in the competition, which runs from May 11 to 13.
“It’s an absolutely magnificent thing for Piopio,” said organiser Barry Stott.
“We’re excited. .. maybe we’re going to get a whole lot of people come into the town to spend money.”
Another goal “very important to us” was to make it fun for the kids, he said, and there were a number of kids’ categories.
There had been enquiries from keen hunters as far away as Kaikoura and the Coromandel, and 14 had signed up so far.
Barry said the council was supportive with licensing and there had been an extremely positive response from the many local businesses that stepped up to sponsor the event. They had put up spot prizes including $1000 cash and a barbecue.
“You couldn’t imagine it being any better,” he said.
The event has been organised in support of the Piopio Fire Brigade, St John and youth group.
Cosi club bar manager Karen Lloyd is also excited.
“It’s a new thing for the club, a great way to bring the community together,” said Karen.
“We’re implementing lots of new ideas, and we’ve got a great team on board.”
Another supporter is Piopio’s Donna Pari.
She said her whole family was keen to participate, and her kids and dad were especially keen to get a stag. She said hunting was a great way to get out of the house and out into the community.
“It’s just family time,” Donna said. “And when you’re hunting, you’re back in touch with nature.”
Organiser Barry started hunting at age nine, going out with his older brother in Tokoroa.
He said the appeal of hunting was being out in nature.
“It’s about just being in the bush, being with people that understand and like the same sort of thing, being able to walk around, smelling the bush and listening to the dogs. It’s a hell of a buzz,” he said.
The highlight of his hunting career was “getting the biggest pig head that I’ve ever had in my life, just prior to getting married.” That was out at Puketiti station.
The cosmopolitan club is collecting cash donations for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Locals can leave money at the club.
The club is donating $1000.
