Te Awamutu rural women race for Comedy Cup honours

Women dress to impress: From left, Colleen Cullen, Kim Colman and Diana Dunn.

Rural women had the chance to horse around a recent race day event - The 2017 Comedy Cup.

It was hosted by the Te Rahu branch of Rural Women New Zealand and attended by more than 30 women from regional branches.

The event was held at the Mangapiko Hall, which was decorated with racing newspaper, horseshoes, trophies and sashes.

The group enjoyed morning tea and games such as The Te Rahu Maiden Handicap Quiz, The Shoe & Steak horse shoe throw, Tearaway Cup - making a horse from craft materials, and Horse - an equine version of Beetle.

A fashion parade was judged in two categories, elegant and humorous, followed by the judging of hats, fascinators and decorated horseshoes.

The day concluded with a prize-giving of polyanthus plants wrapped in racing news newspaper. The overall prize for the Comedy Cup was awarded to a combo team from Mangapiko, Paterangi and Te Rore branches.

A profit of almost $200 was made.

Te Rahu Rural Women president Sue Graham says the event was a success.

"The races really are a great day out and the organising team did a tremendous job with wonderful member participation from across the branches," she said.

Rural Women New Zealand was established in 1925 by women who wanted better social and economic conditions for rural people.

It connects with the rural community through social events, fundraising and as an authoritative voice on rural health services, education, rural environment and social issues.

The organisation supports and nurtures talent and encourages members to grow their skills and progress into leadership roles in their communities.