Story: Whanganui places

Taihape has held a yearly ‘Gumboot Day’ celebration since 1985, with gumboot throwing and decorating contests and other events. The Wanganui Chronicle gave full coverage to the event in 1991, when it was appropriately sponsored by rubber-product manufacturer Skellerup. Hundreds of competitors were expected in the gumboot throwing, and the rules were strict – the boot had to be a men’s size eight, available from a regular footwear vendor, and not modified in any way.