Poverty Bay sheepdog trials season to start at Ngātapa

Ngātapa kicks off the sheepdog trials season in the district on February 14-15. Colin Bayliss and Bella are pictured in action last season.

The Poverty Bay sheepdog trials centre starts its club season at Ngātapa on February 14-15.

It traditionally attracts a good line-up of entries, with triallists keen to get their dogs in action on a local stage.

The Ngātapa trials will be followed by competitions in Matawai on February 21-22, Ōpōtiki on March 2, Ruakituri on March 7-8, and the Poverty Bay Centre Championships at Whatatutu on March 14-15.

Other trials follow at Tolaga Bay, Whāngārā, Waipaoa and Waingake into early April.

Triallists will be chasing qualifying points for the North and South Island champs and the nationals.

The North Island titles are in the Whanganui district from May 5, and the South Island and New Zealand championships are at Lochiel Station, Hanmer Springs, the week starting May 25.

Poverty Bay centre president Allen Irwin said it should be an exciting trials season locally.

“You always get a lot of new young dogs and handlers come out to compete. Then you’ve got all the experienced competitors who will be out to qualify for the major competitions.

“It’s going to be an interesting season.”