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It’s the ‘Gumboot Capital of the World’, and proudly lives up to that reputation. The famous giant corrugated and number eight wire gumboot by sculptor Jeff Thomson in Taihape, is a nod to the fictional character Fred Dagg, portrayed by satirist John Clarke; representing the stereotypical farmer.
Each year, since 1985, the town has celebrated Gumboot Day. The popular Gumboot Toss sees hundreds of contestants throw men’s size eight gumboots as far as they can, in hopes of setting a world record. The town also hosts the local area’s A&P agriculture show during the last weekend of January.
In an agricultural and horticultural region, Taihape is centrally located in the North Island, in the Rangitikei region - near Ohakune and Waiouru. Whanganui is under an hour and a half away.
The largest event in this month’s calendar will be the centenary of the Memorial Park Grandstand on 9 November. To celebrate 100 years of the heritage building, there’ll be a full day of activities including food stalls, fun run, highland dancers and bagpipes. Constructed in 1924, it was designed by architect Oscar Jorgenson and paid for by local farmers.
A Taihape local resident speaks to Culture 101 about what the region has to offer.
Taihape Memorial Park Grandstand Photo: Supplied