It’s a dog’s life in Hunterville
Hunterville is going to the dogs again, with the hope that they’re not the only ones making noise.
The annual Hunterville Huntaway Festival will fill the Rangitı¯kei town with the bark of its namesake pooches, but getting people talking will be central to the event on October 27.
A world record attempt at getting the most dogs barking simultaneously will form the launch of the Will to Live campaign.
Its aim is to counter rural isolation and reduce rural suicide rates, by encouraging people to speak up and connect with those around them, festival co-ordinator Christine Whinn said.
The ‘‘bark up’’, as it’s known, is expected to involve 130 to 140 huntaway dogs.
The Shepherds’ Shemozzle obstacle race is the festival’s main attraction, beginning at 3pm. Competitors complete the course with their huntaway dog by their side.
The Shemozzle was established in 1998 and was inspired by the Cardrona Shepherds’ run in the South Island. It is the only event of its kind in the North Island.
Contestants wheel their dog in a wheelbarrow, carry bulls’ testicles in their mouths and go down a mudslide, all while wearing a saturated sack and trying to get their dogs to the finish line.
There are also children’s and teens’ races that do not require a dog.
The children’s race starts at 12.55pm, and the teens’ race at 2pm. Registration is full for both races, capped at 200 entrants.
Other races include the station challenge and the teen ag challenge.
There will be plenty of entertainment throughout the day, including a huntaway dog trial, a shearing challenge, motocross displays and a mechanical bull, magic shows and face painting. Local band Cherry Bomb will be playing from 7pm.