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Find out more about Palmerston North and Manawatu how to get to the Games.
About
The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games is New Zealand’s premier celebration of rural sports.
A great family weekend of traditional sports, entertainment and heaps of opportunities to have a go.
The Square, Palmerston North
Our 2022 event has been cancelled
We’ll be back in March 2023!
‘Sports that built the nation. Ngā tākaro whakatipu i tō tātou whenua.
At the heart of the Games are a series of traditional sports attracting top competitors from throughout Aotearoa. You can expect to see several national and world champions battling for the prestigious New Zealand Rural Games titles.
We’ll also be hosting the STIHL Timbersports Championship, Sheep Dog Trials and the Southern Hemisphere Highlander Champion.
Kids ‘n Country features a host of fun events, including including tree climbing, digger driving and haybale races, to keep under 12s active and entertained.
As well as the competitive element, the Games will feature a fun-packed festival programme with delicious local food offerings and heaps of fun Fonterra Have a Go events like gumboot throwing and cowpat tossing!
The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games is a fantastic family event, so see you in Palmerston North in March!
The Games are managed by the non-profit NZ Rural Games Trust established in 2014 – CC50438 . The Board Chair is Margaret Kouvelis and the Board is made up of Athol Stephens, Richard Lange, James Stewart, Ben Allomes, Steve Hollander and Brendan Bourke.
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A great family weekend of traditional sports, entertainment and heaps of opportunities to have a go.
