Around 180 shepherds accompanied by 460 dogs ready to compete in one of rural calendar’s most time honoured and well-loved events.

At least 180 competitors will bring some 460 working dogs to the central North Island in early May for this year’s edition of one of the most time honoured and well-loved events on the rural calendar.

Firmly established for more than 70 years, the 2025 North Island Dog Trials take place at Moawhango, Taihape from 5 to 9 May.

Approximately 250 canine competitors are set to test their skills in the huntaway category, while around 210 heading dogs will pit their wits against mobs of unpredictable sheep.
Spokesperson for the event Bruce Parkinson says the competition will be keen.

“We have shepherds from Gore in the south to Kaikohe in the north bringing their dogs to take part. As usual, the sheep will have an important say, and the weather might also have some influence, so the top performers will certainly have to work hard to come through,” says Bruce.

Although the basics of the event remain timeless, this year competitors will have the benefit of some technological innovation, with a digital scoreboard in use for the first time, providing competitors and spectators with updated rolling results as the trials proceed.

Richard and Lucy Batley have again made Rimrock Hills, their Taihape farm, available for the competition, where the championships have been held several times in the past. As a North Island contest, the trials will lead into the national event, which this year will double with the South Island Dog Trials, in Hanmer Springs later in May.

Long term dog trials supporter Perina Pro Plan continues the longest established patronage in New Zealand sport, a sponsorship association for the event that goes back more than 70 years.

Check out NZ Sheep Dogs NZ, for more information. 
 

Let's talk Livestock! Contact your local rep to explore opportunities tailored to your farming goals.