Harry Peacock and Edge compete at last year’s dog trials. Photo: Jan Sutherland - Takethemoment.co.nz

Taupō is getting set to host one of the biggest sheep dog trial events ever seen in New Zealand with a record-breaking 300-plus entries.

Now in its third year the Bayleys Sheep Dog Trials are a fundraiser for Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, which provides life-saving services to the central North Island.

It is being held at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, near Taupō, on June 25-28.

Having raised $20,000 at the inaugural trials in 2023, and $30,000 last year, the aim is to be bigger and better this year.

Greenlea Rescue has recently purchased a bigger and better, state-of-the-art helicopter, which is bigger, faster and goes further, but also costs more to run.

Crew member Mark Bond (Bondy) says the new helicopter has its advantages.

“I don’t have to have my knees round my neck anymore.”

The previous helicopter is now based in Gisborne, being an upgrade for that area.

Greenlea Rescue has 12 crew members, comprising pilots, critical care flight paramedics, and air crew officers, providing 24/7 coverage.

Success breeds success, and this has resulted in sponsorship providing increased prize money. Top dogs are coming from throughout the country, and enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of indoor competition, and some who are new to the sport.

The winner of the Open class will receive $1500, which is the highest prize money on offer in New Zealand.

Preparing for this month’s Bayleys Sheep Dog Trials, from left; Yvonne Westerman (Bayleys), Glen and Kylie Clarke (Huka Honda), and Dave Schaw, organiser.

Last year’s winner, Murray Child, from Whangarei, a winner of seven national titles and leader of four successful Trans-Tasman teams, will be this year’s judge.

“This event is special. It is an outstanding event for a great cause.”

He is going to have four long days of judging this year.

Tuturau Trust will again provide the 900 ewe hoggets required for the trials, with Trust manager Paddy Cornelius happy to support the fundraiser.

The sheep are transported for free by Midland Rural Transport, having been worked in the Tuturau yards by a team of women in the week prior to the trials.

They are run through the huge indoor hall in small mobs to familiarise them with the strange surroundings before the start of the event.

Taupō businesses are also in behind the event, with Huka Honda donating a $3000 child’s motor bike to be raffled for the cause.

Kylie and Glen Clarke, of Huka Honda, have been supporting community events in Taupō for 25 years and live on the flight path of the helicopter, so hear it all hours of the day and night.

“It has to be funded. It is the life blood of our farmers, who support us all year round, so it’s our way of giving back to the community.”

The auction of donated goods at midday on Friday June 27 is also well supported by both local and national businesses, with the star attraction being five well-bred sheep dog pups, two huntaways and three heading dogs.

Last year’s top priced pup went to the South Island via a phone bidder. Some excellent bargains were had in all walks of outdoor life.

The Bayleys Shield, for regional team competition, will be run in conjunction with the event.

King Country, the holders, have been challenged by Waikato, so this adds spice to the competition.

Young and inexperienced trialists are also encouraged, with the Maiden competition a feature and well supported.

The top 20 dogs will run off for final judging on Saturday afternoon.

Last year there were four women in the final, with about one-third of the total competitors being women. All finalists receive a large bag of Black Hawk dog food.

New this year is a safe entertainment space for children, under cover, with activities organised by the Greenlea staff.

There will be trade stands and food stalls, also under cover, and while entry is free, a gold coin donation is appreciated to help swell the funds raised for the life-saving service.