Contestants have their mullets blown in the breeze at the 2022 Crowded House contest. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Prizes, fun and mullets galore - the competition for the best mullet in Taranaki kicks off on Saturday afternoon in New Plymouth.
Local bar and cafe Crowded House is hosting the event where the top prize winner, the Grand Champion of All Mullets, will walk away with $250 in cash.
Murray "Muzz" McDowell has been rocking a mullet for 30 years and is set down to judge Taranaki's best mullets.
Murray "Muzz" McDowell has run for mayor, but lost by a hair. Photo: Supplied / Muzz McDowell
He started the competition last year as part of his campaign for local mayor.
McDowell said he will be looking for personality when he is deciding the winners.
"Length's not everything, it's more to do with the style.
"Basically, you can get a good idea on a visual and you know when something looks like a winner."
Around 60 people have registered but McDowell expects some "old schoolers" to turn up in the afternoon to enter.
As for whether mullets have a special place in the hearts of the people of Taranaki, McDowell said the love for the mullet is shared worldwide.
"You only have to go to a rugby game and cast your eye around. The mullet look and competitions for it are everywhere at the moment".
Mullet fashion knew no limits at the 2022 Crowded House Great Taranaki Mullet Comp. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
The competition starts at 2pm Saturday for the under-18 categories and 4pm for the adults.
McDowell's advice to entrants is simple: "have no fear, shake your hair and put a smile on your dial".
But it doesn't come without a warning.
"If you think you're the best, there will always be one mullet better," said McDowell.
You're never too young to mullet, at the 2022 Great Taranaki Mullet comp. Photo: Supplied / Facebook