There were no six-figure prizes on offer and the horses didn't get any closer than a TV screen, but Huti Kete got dressed up for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday anyway.
The Kauri Arms takeaways worker, just through the wall from where the Kaitaia tavern's TAB machine was doing a roaring trade, designed her own kitchen-themed hat, using bits and pieces she got from The Warehouse and other accessories she flogged from her moko's kitchen play things.
It would be fair to say that the result was unique, but all that creativity didn't do much for Huti's luck. She and Ruki Te Awa, the only other punter who dressed for the occasion (choosing a more formal look), both backed also ran Maluckyday, albeit for different reasons.
Huti was attracted by its name, Ruki saying she chose it because it was ridden by a Kiwi.
