Eventing Auckland

Eventing Auckland began life in 1983 under the then mantle of Auckland Horse Trials Group. The creation of a collection of committed riders, the rationale for being was that for the sake of the sport it needed to grow away from a reliance on pony club courses as the main venue for competitions.

Their first ‘big’ event was the American Express Invitation, held on a course in Pukekohe that featured 12 international riders. Among them were Captain Mark Phillips and Mark Todd.

The original venue then hosted its first 3 Day event and remained the course of choice until, with the encouragement of Manukau City and given the growth that was occurring, the event moved to Puhinui.

With the ambition to become the Badminton of the South Pacific, the infrastructure and sponsorship support for the event grew considerably. In its ‘heyday’ Puhinui was a major equestrian event that attracted its fair share of top local and international riders. Its popularity also coincided with the success New Zealand riders - such as Mark Todd, Blyth Tait, Andrew Nicholson and Vaughan Jefferis - were achieving internationally.

Today, some elements of the 3 Day event remain in place - such as the strong support of Manukau City, the grandeur of the venue, and the excitement of being New Zealand’s Equestrian Triathlon. It has, however, returned more to its grass roots traditions with a cross section of classes that allows everyone, from the novice to the full professional, to test their abilities and, of course, those of their horses.

Eventing Auckland plans to run up to three events in the equestrian calendar at the Manukau City Council’s Puhinui Reserve. These initiatives come on the back of the committee negotiating a 10 year lease with Manukau City Council to utilize the Puhinui Reserve for its equestrian activities.

In addition, discussions are underway to develop an office/toilet/shower block on the grounds as part of an overall infrastructure redevelopment plan for the facility.

As well as benefiting the reserve in general, this initiative will also assist with cutting out some of the major costs of running equestrian events at the Prices Road venue. Currently all infrastructure has to be transported onto the grounds and removed following the event. This savings will, in turn, help to further put resources into the long-term viability and development of the brand and those associated with it.

In addition, Manukau City has agreed to remain as the naming rights sponsors for the 3 day event and other events that will be staged at the reserve. Their ongoing contribution and commitment can only be positive for the Eventing Auckland and all involved with it.

This level of certainty has also resulted in some other positive developments for Eventing Auckland and the Puhinui facility.

We have developed a new training and prenovice cross country course following the generous sponsorship support of Cue Sports. We’ve also received a substantial grant from New Zealand Community Trust to purchase our own show jumps. Fulton Hogan has also kindly redone our Trot Up tracks to an outstanding quality level.

We are also delighted with the quality and commitment of our group of sponsors who have shared in the vision of Puhinui and also the sport of eventing.

We are indebted that key sponsors Metalcraft, NZ Horse and Pony, Chevalier/Horselands/Kumeu Grain, Winger Hyundai, Bell Tea, and Merial Ancare have joined us for the ride.

To become a member, complete and return this form with your $20 annual fee to Eventing Auckland, PO Box 574, DRURY

To renew your membership, complete and return this form with your renewal fee to Eventing Auckland, PO Box 574, DRURY

For membership enquiries please contact Vicki Lawson - vicki@infomedi-ak.co.nz