Far North families enjoy the hunt together

The top specimens at the weigh-in of the Taipa Tavern Pig Hunt.

Pigs, possums and eels were on the run in the Far North last weekend with over 80 keen hunting enthusiasts of all ages and abilities targeting the species on the hills and creeks around the district at the annual Taipa Tavern Pig Hunt.

This year's event began at 1am on Friday, wound up on Saturday afternoon, and attracted 32 entries in the adult section and 49 juniors aged 12 and under.

Nyssa Carter won the lucky draw of a set of 4x4 tyres at the annual Taipa Tavern Pig Hunt on Saturday.

Spokeswoman Frances 'Fruitcake' Clarke said inclement conditions over the weekend failed to detract from participants' enjoyment overall (although it was well known the local pig-hunter likes their weather on the rough side).

Highlights included the youngsters really going to town in the best dressed possum competition, the hangi - organised by the Eastern JMB rugby as a fundraiser - which "went down a treat", and having the prizegiving over and done with by 7pm which allowed all the kids to get home out of the cold.

"Was a lot of fun," Fruitcake said. "Kids stuck it out in the ugly weather so they could bring in something for the weigh in. I love hearing people saying how much they enjoy spending time with the kids outside to get their catch."

She said organisers were considering deleting the eel section in the future but already had some other new ideas which will be introduced next year.

There was a minor blemish with the sound system malfunctioning during the prizegiving which meant there had to be a lot of yelling over the ruckus in the tavern and everyone was thanked for their patience.

Also special thanks went to all the entrants, along with the sponsors and volunteer workers. Results were as follows.

OPEN.

Heaviest boar: Alistair Biggs 57kg, 1, Taylor Wyatt-Logan 52kg, 2, Harley Crewther 51.5kg, 3. Other pigs weighed in were, Mike Brockbank 46.5kg, Alan Heighway 44.5kg, Jamie Desmond 47.5kg (thus winning the average weight prize) Eric Connolly 43.5kg, Rex Little 39.5kg, Kaipa Brown 43kg. Also, best looking boar: Trus Maitland, best tusks: Alistair Biggs.

JUNIOR.

Heaviest eel: JJ Adams 6.31kg, 1, Tyson Duvall 5.86kg, 2, Rata Smith 5.52kg, 3; possum (24): Kendall Wyatt-Logan 3.146kg, 1, Leah Hogg 3.145kg, 2, Angeline Litten 3.175, 3; and best dressed possum: K Wyatt-Logan.
The major lucky draw spot prize for a set of 4x4 tyres was won by Nyssa Carter.

Kaeo Hunt

The Kaeo Pig Hunt is being held at the Kaeo RFC (Waikoura Domain) this year from August 17, 18 and 19.

The event officially starts at midnight on the evening of Thursday, August 17, and winds up with final weigh-in from noon to 3pm on Saturday, August 19.

As per normal, there will be prizes for the best and average weight specimens in pig, snapper and kingfish in the adult section, and for kingfish, snapper and eel in the junior division.

The proceeds from the fish auction will go to Kaeo Primary School. For more information, contact Ross Guy (027) 293-2948.