Tractor show celebrates big dig

Tractors complete their circuit at the Domain before viewing and judging.     

The biggest attraction of the day – a 1934 Farmall F12 with its steel wheels,  restored to original condition.

   
 The tractor procession heads down Alamar Cres towards the Domain.  

   
Some of the Big Dig crew – Noel Foster, Ian Cameron, Noel Cullen, and Jim Wintle –  with Mangawhai Historical Society president Christine Bygrave.

From Alison Cox

There was no chance of a lazy sleep-in on Sunday April 14 for anyone living along the route from Alamar Crescent down Molesworth Drive to the Village Domain.

The Mangawhai Tractor Cavalcade saw over 50 tractors of all ages trundling down the road in a steady procession watched by spectators lining the route. Also in the parade were trucks carrying earthmoving equipment similar to those used in The Big Dig, and a few vintage car enthusiasts also joined in the fun.

The cavalcade was piped into the Domain by members of the Waipu Pipe Band preceded by the Mangawhai Cadets, marching in formation as they led the parade around the grounds.

A good turnout of around 500 enthusiasts were on hand to applaud the tractors as they parked up for exhibition and judging. Tractors and stationary engines were judged and awarded certificates and prizes in their various categories.

The Waipu Mower Club raced around a circuit at amazing speeds on their ride-on mowers.

Sponsored by Whangarei’s Norwood Farm Machinery Centre, the Mangawhai Tractor Cavalcade and Exhibition was a fundraiser for the new Mangawhai museum. It was also an excellent and timely opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the original group of men who defied bureaucracy by clearing the blocked Mangawhai harbour entrance in the late 1980’s. They were presented with special commemorative scrolls by Mangawhai Historical Society president, Christine Bygrave.

“It was a great day for the tractor buffs,” said Christine Bygrave. We are hugely indebted to our sponsors, Norwood Farm Machinery Centre, and especially Graeme Denize, who assisted in so many ways. And of course we can’t forget the marvellous contribution of the many tractor and machinery owners who made this day possible.”

“We are grateful to all the volunteers, led by Roy Vaughan and Graeme Smith, who put in a lot of work organising the event, and to those who participated on the day,” says Christine. 

Organisers would like to thank compere Jo Roberts, Des Chitty for entertainment, Transfield for traffic management and Bev Ross for the Big Dig display. 

Donations on the day totalled over $2700.

Local historian, Bev Ross, has published a comprehensive history of the Big Dig titled They Dared the Impossible, available by contacting her on 027 286 0056.

Awards