Behind every golf swing, raffle ticket, and BBQ burger at the recent Worm Burners tournament at the Taumaruanui Golf Club was a bigger purpose - to help families when they need it most.

What began as an idea to replicate the old ‘stockies cockies days’ once held at the Ohura Golf Club has grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the local rural calendar and last month was the event’s fourth annual fundraising day, drawing in the biggest numbers yet.

Raising more than $35,000 for Ronald McDonald House and Christmas gifts for children in Starship Hospital, the day once again proved that when a community comes together for a good cause, remarkable things can happen.

For co-organiser Jeff Hall (along with his wife Amy), it was not only record-breaking, but the perfect reward after months of planning. 

“The weather was outstanding and we had the largest number of entries so far. Golfers and non-golfers teamed together, which led to some very interesting shots and a lot of laughter and the whole day had a great energy to it.”

From prizes for the longest drive, to closest to the pin, and of course the ever-popular gambling hole, Jeff said the extra activities kept things lively, but the real heart of the event lay in its informality.

“It’s just a good old fun day out. It gives people a chance to connect in a relaxed way. And many of our sponsors also come and play, which means they get to mix with patrons differently than they would in their day jobs.”

Fellow organiser Aaron Dodunski agreed that this year’s tournament surpassed all expectations.

“Saturday’s event was the best yet. We had to close entries a couple of days before the event because the course couldn’t handle any more people. That’s a good problem to have.

“At the gambling hole you put some money down and if you land on the green, you get your money back and inside the circles you can double or even triple your money depending on how close you get. Plenty of people achieved this but not a single dollar was paid out as people chose to leave the money in the pot as a donation to the cause. This sums up the spirit of the event really well.”

With local businesses and individuals giving generously, there were more than $10,000 worth of raffle prizes, over 50 hole sponsorships, and countless donations of food, meat, and gear. Jeff is also quick to acknowledge the Taumarunui Golf Club, who have backed Worm Burners from the beginning. 

“They’ve been so supportive. The committee took a gamble on us not really knowing how successful it would be, but it has paid off. Their secretary Julie is always fabulous, and the whole team put in a huge amount of work. 

“Then you’ve got the volunteers who sell raffles, man the barbecues, and run the gambling hole, plus a friend who helps with the graphic design work free of charge. The list goes on. We simply couldn’t do it without all those people.”

For the club, it has been a joy to see the event evolve. Club captain and MC for the day, Paul McConnell, said hosting Worm Burners was an easy decision. 

“As far as we were concerned, it was a no brainer. We provide the facility, and it’s a win-win. It’s a fundraiser for them, and you never know, we might get some members out of it too.

“From our side, it has also been amazing to see the mix of people it brings in - shepherds, shearers, farmers, truckies, golfers. Everyone has a laugh and no one takes it too seriously.”

Known for his lively role as MC, Paul draws on his background as an auctioneer to make sure everyone has a good time when it comes to the ‘formalities’ of the evening. And witnessing the generosity of others is another highlight for him.

“You see people throwing in way more than they have to for the auctions, or someone will put $50 in the pot for a steak sandwich that should only cost a few dollars. 

“Having a representative from Ronald McDonald house was also moving. It can be hard to keep everyone’s attention after a long day, but you could have heard a pin drop when she was speaking. The cause really hit home, and it made the amount raised even more special.”

Sponsorship has always been central to the success of Worm Burners, and platinum sponsor PGG Wrightson has supported the tournament from the beginning. 

“It’s fortunate that PGW is so diverse! Our PGG Wrightson local store manager Jess McNaught is amazing. She really goes above and beyond and donates items for the auction and raffle - as well as encouraging company reps to participate in the day,” says Amy. 

“We also had Stephen Wheeler, PGG Livestock, and Tara Marshall, PGW Wool, sponsor holes.” 

Tara says the decision to get involved was an easy one.

“In rural communities, everyone pitches in. It brings people together and creates a shared sense of purpose, so it was just something I was happy to be a part of. 

“Ronald McDonald House helps families in their toughest moments so I’m very proud of the huge amount raised this year, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.”

Jeff said one of the best parts of the day is seeing people step off farm and enjoy themselves. 

“People haven’t been shy about saying how much they enjoy it and how they’ll be back next year. We’ve even had friends from Hawke’s Bay travel down to play. Two of them were split into different teams at the last minute and were worried about not knowing anyone. That anxiety disappeared as soon as someone offered them a drink and a laugh.

“One of them got home from the 19th hole four hours later than expected. That’s what this day is about - connection, banter, and fun.”

And that sense of pride was echoed by Aaron, who said seeing the event grow so quickly has been humbling. 

“The support we get is incredible. Sponsors contribute because they believe in the causes we’ve chosen and players enjoy it because it’s relaxed, fun, and everyone goes home with something - we always have more prizes than players.

“And at the same time, we’re raising serious money for charities that have helped people in our own community. It’s a thrill to know we’re doing something that makes a difference.”

For organisers, choosing the right charities has always been important. And it was Jeff who saw Ronald McDonald House on the news touching on the number of families requiring their services, leading to them being chosen as this year’s recipients of the funds raised. 

In previous years Worm Burners has supported the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, I Am Hope, and the Rural Support Trust. Aaron explained that these causes were chosen because they had a direct connection to people in the community. 

“Being a remote community, these are essential services that people rely on. Ronald McDonald House was one of the organisations we had always wanted to support, and it was special to finally do that this year.”

The tally tells its own story. The first year raised $11,000, the second $16,000, the third $24,000, and this year over $35,000. Each total has built on the last, reflecting the growing reputation of the event and the generosity of those involved. 

The Worm Burners tournament may be over for another year, but conversations are already underway about what the fifth instalment might bring. And as momentum shows no sign of slowing, organisers are confident that the spirit of generosity and connection will carry on.

“We simply can't thank everyone enough. Without the golf course committee, sponsors, helpers and participants it simply wouldn't be possible.

“It’s nice to raise money, but just as satisfying is the fact that everyone has a great day, gets a prize, and gets to enjoy the beautiful Taumarunui Golf Club. All the funds then going to an incredible cause is certainly the icing on the cake,” says Jeff.

“People have already said they’ll be back next year - and that’s the best feedback we could hope for.”