Another claim to fame
Kawakawa already has its world-famous Friedensreich Hundertwasserdesigned toilets and its railway running through the middle of the town, but now it has a third claim to fame — the best moustache in the land, owned by 27-year-old Birinder Singh.
Birinder returned home after being scrutinised by professional barbers at the NZ Beard and Moustache competition, part of the Meatstock Festival in Auckland, with a trophy, a medal, moustache grooming products and a cash prize.
Originally from the Indian state of Punjab, he was there thanks to a Facebook message two weeks earlier from a friend in Auckland, who told him he had what it would take to compete in the event.
“Win or lose never crosses my mind in anything I do.
“I decided to take part as I wanted someone from my community to compete because we often lag behind when it comes to participation in public events,” he said.
“We from Punjab consider the turban, beard and moustache the essence of our culture and tradition.
“Normally I don’t wear a turban, but I went to this competition wearing one because I can’t forget my history,” he said.
He had prepared his moustache and beard with a mixture of oil, shampoo, conditioner, balm and wax, and obviously did a good job.
“Some participants had a longer beard than me but my moustache was the longest, although you didn’t necessarily have to have the longest moustache to win. You get judged on its length, how you maintain it, and its diet,” he said.