Truck drivers can rev their engines, with Tui Brewery confirming that their super-popular Tui Truck Stop Show and Shine will return to Mangatainoka on Sunday 28 March 2021.

This annual truck show is a highlight on the New Zealand trucking calendar, with trucks from throughout the North Island descending on Tui Brewery for a great day out, providing an impressive display of big rigs for drivers, owners, truck lovers and families alike. 

Previous events have seen up to 150 trucks displayed at the brewery, but unfortunately COVID put a stop to the event in 2020.

Organiser Kate Steminger says “We’re thrilled to be kicking off our 2021 Toki Motors events with the Tui Truck Stop Show & Shine. After having to cancel the 2020 Truck Show just a week out from the event, we’re chomping at the bit to bring it back to the brewery in March. The truck owners and drivers put so much effort into their vehicles, and take time off the road to come to Tui Brewery and really make a day of it. This event gets better and better every year. We’ve introduced some new prize categories for next year, and can’t wait to get it back underway.”

Trucks from as far away as Pukekohe, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki have attended previous shows.

Truck enthusiasts can register their wheels for just $10, and are invited to stop in at the brewery the night before for a beer, and to pre-register. The truck displays will be impressive, so families and visitors are strongly encouraged to attend, with free entry and loads of great entertainment on offer. There will be live music and activities, brewery tours, great food, cold beer and other refreshments.

Tui Brewery will put all proceeds from registrations towards the show’s regular beneficiary, the Mangatainoka Reserve Restoration Project for ongoing work such as native planting, fencing and pathways.

The Toki Motors schedule continues on throughout 2021, with a total of nine Show & Shine events. Each show will take place on the last Sunday of the month, apart from American Day, which will be held the Sunday prior, to avoid Anzac Day commemorations. The series starts with the Truck Show & Shine in March, and finishes with Vintage Car Day in November.

Further Details

Stay up-to-date with event details head to our Facebook events page.
Click here to register your ride. Just $10 per ride. 

Prize categories:

Most Original 
People’s Choice 
Local Star (must be from Wairarapa or Tararua)
Best in Category
Furthest Travelled 
Star of the Show
Best Fleet – NEW PRIZE CATEGORY
Shine On - NEW PRIZE CATEGORY

The Proctor brothers will start together for the Hurricanes for the first time when the team plays the Blues in a trial game at Mangatainoka on Saturday afternoon.

View the full article at Stuff.co.nz

The next week will be a hive of activity in preparation for the thousands of rugby fans expected to arrive in Mangatainoka, the small township nestled amongst rolling farmland in the Tararua district.

Nick Rogers, who runs the visitor experience at Tui Brewery says excitement is building for next Saturday’s Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues. The township is abuzz with everyone pulling together to ensure the welcome mat is out.

“It’s been a long time between drinks here at the Mangatainoka RFC and we’re so excited to welcome back the Hurricanes to our wee slice of rural paradise,” says Nick, who originally came up with the idea to turn a local paddock into a rugby pitch to host the Hurricanes in 2010.

“The last time th Hurricanes played here was in 2012 and it was a cracker of a game against the Crusaders. We can’t wait until they face off against the Blues again as it’s always a close encounter. Coupled with that, the field looks amazing and the grandstand is almost built. Come next week, the corporate village and supporting infrastructure will all be done and the welcome mat laid out.”

Nick says Kerry Fergus, who leases the farm on which the Mangatainoka RFC is located, has put in countless hours of work to prepare the ground while a team of volunteers has worked overtime to create the temporary grandstand which will accommodate approximately 5000 rugby fans on Saturday, 9th February. Also ensuring things run smoothly in the VIP area are Raymond van Rijk and Tom van Rijk from Raymond’s BBQ Gourmet, who have catered at every Tui Brewery organised game.

Tickets are still available for the main game which kicks off at 3pm however Nick encourages people to arrive early for the 1pm curtain raiser between the New Zealand Parliamentary team and the Mangatainoka Barbarians RFC team. Included in the New Zealand Parliamentary team are co-captains Mark Mitchell and Minister Damien O’Connor, Ministers Kris Faafoi, Stuart Nash and Penni Henare as well as MPs Kieran McAnulty, Clayton Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Alfred Ngaro, Paul Eagle, Greg O’Connor and Hamish Walker.

“There’s going to be two terrific games of rugby played and being so early in the season it’s anyone’s guess which way the result will go for both teams. Regardless, the team at Tui Brewery is stoked to be hosting this event in what is an epic year for rugby – culminating in the Rugby World Cup in Japan.”

There are a limited number of tickets left for Battle at the Brewery to ensure an intimate atmosphere at the game. Ticket holders are encouraged to turn out in their regional colours and, in addition to two great games of rugby, they will enjoy an entertaining day out. There will also be prizes up for grabs for fans who go above and beyond with their fancy dress.

Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible, including:
Big Barrel, More FM, Norwood, PGG Wrightson, Printcraft and Steens Honey, as well as Panasonic – the Half Time Supporter who will give some lucky fans the chance to kick for goal to be into win a 43” Smart TV.

DETAILS:
What:  Battle at the Brewery
Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Blues
When: Saturday, 9th February 2019
Where: Mangatainoka RFC
Times: Gates open 12.30pm
Curtain Raiser: 1pm
Kick off: 3pm.
Cost:
$50 GA - ADULT
$20 GA - CHILD
$140 CORPORATE – VIP pp.
$80 ADULTS SUPPORTERS PACK – SOLD OUT

All tickets are available to purchase from www.tuihq.co.nz or at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. Tickets can be purchased online until 12pm, Tuesday 5 February. GA tickets are also available from local PGG Wrightson and Norwood Stores until Friday 8 February, while stocks last. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, head to www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby to enter to be in the draw to be part of the half time entertainment and a chance to win a Panasonic 43” 4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV.

For bus or train ticket deals – please visit www.tranzit.co.nz or www.mainlinesteam.co.nz.
For all match day information visit www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby.

The New Zealand Parliamentary rugby team will play the Mangatainoka Barbarians RFC team in the curtain raiser for next month’s Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues in Mangatainoka.

Mark Mitchell, co-captain of the Parliamentary team, is looking forward to the game and helping raise money for local charity, Riding for the Disabled – Tararua Division.

“I can’t promise the game will rise to the standards of the match to follow but it’ll be a willing contest played by a group of men whose best days are behind them, but who’ll give it a go for a good cause,” says Mr Mitchell.

“Riding for the Disabled is a charity we’re really pleased to give our support and we encourage the public to get behind it as well.”

The other Parliamentary team co-captain, Damien O’Connor, is equally excited about playing rugby in the small rural North Island township of Mangatainoka on Saturday, February 9 th 2019.

“As we’ve seen in previous years, the Battle at the Brewery is a great day in regional New Zealand as we warm into the Super Rugby season and get to see some of rugby’s biggest stars get back to some grassroots footy,” he says.

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to play the curtain raiser and, as Mark says, to support a good cause. With a crowd of 5000 expected, and the local community in full swing behind it, I’m sure it’s going to be a great event.”

As well as Mr Mitchell and Mr O’Connor the Parliamentary team will include Ministers Kris Faafoi, Stuart Nash and Penni Henare as well as MPs Kieran McAnulty, Clayton Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Alfred Ngaro, Paul Eagle, Greg O’Connor and Hamish Walker.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will be there giving his support along with Speaker Trevor Mallard and National’s Gerry Brownlee.

“While we’re used to being on opposite sides of the house and getting stuck into each other, New Zealand’s MPs tend to get along reasonably well and the Parliamentary rugby team is a great opportunity to play alongside each other for a good cause.”

Mangatainoka Barbarians RFC team manager Hamish Clentworth is equally excited about the curtain raiser and having the opportunity to play the Parliamentary rugby team for the first time. He says his team, which will feature a line-up of former provincial, national and overseas players, will look forward to coming together in heartland New Zealand after having played their last game against a Philippines development squad in Manilla in August 2018.

“We’re excited about facing the Parliamentarians and hope our older age and experience may play into our hands,” he says.

In the main event, back by popular demand, February’s game will see the welcome return of the Hurricanes and Blues to the small township – population 1560 (Census 2013) – after four games were held between the two rival teams there between 2010 – 2013. The local community is ecstatic the big game is returning to the small town and have already offered to lend a hand to ensure the welcome mat is laid out for all visitors.

Tickets for Battle at the Brewery are on sale but numbers are limited to ensure an intimate atmosphere at the game. Ticket holders are encouraged to turn out in their regional colours and, in addition to two great games of rugby, will also enjoy pre and post-game entertainment. There will also be prizes up for grabs for fans who go above and beyond with their fancy dress.

Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible, including:
Big Barrel, More FM, Norwood, PGG Wrightson, Printcraft and Steens Honey, as well as Panasonic – the Half Time Supporter who will give some lucky fans the chance to kick for goal to be into win a 43” Smart TV.

DETAILS:
What: 
Battle at the Brewery
Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Blues
When:  Saturday, 9 th February 2019
Where: Mangatainoka
Time: 
Gates open 12.30pm
Curtain Raiser: 1pm
Kick off 3pm.
Cost:
$50 GA - ADULT
$20 GA - CHILD
$140 CORPORATE – VIP pp.
$80 ADULTS SUPPORTERS PACK – SOLD OUT

All tickets are available to purchase from www.tuihq.co.nz or at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. GA tickets are also available from local PGG Wrightson and Norwood Stores. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, head to www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby to enter to be in the draw to be part of the half time entertainment and a chance to win a Panasonic 43” 4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV.

For bus or train ticket deals – please visit www.tranzit.co.nz or www.mainlinesteam.co.nz.
For all match day information visit www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby

Recent rain has brought a huge smile to a rugby mad Mangatainoka farmer who has begun to transform a bare paddock into a top-notch pitch ahead of next year’s Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues.

Kerry Fergus leases the farm on which the Mangatainoka Rugby Football Club grounds are located and has spent the last few weeks rolling the pitch to ensure it’s in top order for the Battle at the Brewery game to be held on Saturday, February 9 th 2019.

Following November’s announcement that the game, organised by Tui Brewery, would return to the small town for the first time since 2013, Kerry has been rolling the pitch and had planned to start irrigating until Mother Nature intervened.

“Two weeks ago, the paddock was pretty dry but thanks to this rain we’ve managed to push any irrigation out,” says the former Mangatainoka RFC No 8 and halfback.

“It’s been rolled several times and I’m now about to spray it and put the fertiliser on, before mowing begins.  Come next year we’ll keep it watered and looking tidy before putting up the temporary grand stand … it should come up looking terrific.”
Like much of the community, Fergus remembers fondly the first time the Hurricanes stepped out on the Mangatainoka RFC.
 
“We are damn lucky to have the Hurricanes return after this hiatus and it just puts the biggest smile on my face as back in 2010 when news broke that they would play here … no one believed me … not even my own family! But once the news spread the local marae and schools just got completely behind it,” recalls Fergus.

“That first game was held in a howling southerly and boy did it rain. I’ll never forget that the local Plunket only sold two bottles of water for the whole day however in town, all the wet
weather gear completely sold out of all the shops!”
 
Fergus, who has farmed in the district all his life, is as proud as punch that these games put Mangatainoka on the map and celebrate the small township (population 1560, Census 2013).

Along with Nick Rogers, who runs the visitor experience at Tui Brewery and originally came up with the idea to bring the Hurricanes to town, Fergus was part of a small team that helped raise $60K to save the historic wooden Mangatainoka RFC grandstand. In addition to Tui Brewery, it’s become an iconic photo stop as it is also located underneath the Tuiwood sign which overlooks the township on the hill above. 

“Come February 9 th , the ground will be in good order. There should be solid grass coverage which will make for a carpet for all the players,” says Fergus.
Tickets for Battle at the Brewery are on sale and numbers have been reduced to create a more intimate atmosphere at the game. There will be enough temporary seating to accommodate all ticket-holders, pre and post-game entertainment, and passionate fans turning out in their regional colours. There will also be prizes up for grabs for fans who go above and beyond with their fancy dress.
 
Rogers says tickets for the Battle at the Brewery are selling fast, and proving popular as gifts for Christmas.
 
Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible including: Big Barrel, More FM, Norwood, PGG Wrightson, Printcraft and Steens Honey, as well as Panasonic as Half Time Supporter, who will give some lucky fans the chance to kick for goal and win a 43” Smart TV.

DETAILS:

What: 
Battle at the Brewery
Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Blues

When: 
Saturday, 9 th February 2019
Where: Mangatainoka

Time: 
Gates open 12.30pm
Kick off 3pm.

Cost: 
Prices $45 GA before Santa
$50 GA after Santa 
$140 CORPORATE – VIP
$80 SUPPORTERS PACK (tickets will include a Tui cap, t-shirt and GA ticket to the
game)
$20 CHILD
 
All tickets are available to purchase from www.tuihq.co.nz or at Tui Brewery in
Mangatainoka. GA tickets are available from local PGG Wrightson and Norwood Stores. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, enter the draw at www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby to be part of the half time entertainment where you will get a chance to win a Panasonic 43” 4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV.
 
For bus or train ticket deals – please visit www.tranzit.co.nz or www.mainlinesteam.co.nz.
For all match day information visit www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby

It’s been a long time between drinks, but we are stoked to announce the Hurricanes will be returning to Mangatainoka on Saturday 9th February 2019 to tackle the Blues in a one-of-a-kind Pre-Season game that we’re calling The Battle At The Brewery.

This is grassroots rugby at its best, where professional footy collides with rural town community spirit for an entertaining day of pre-season Super Rugby, in what is usually a grazing paddock across the road from the Tui Tower.

This magical game has been on the road the last six years, visiting Masterton and Eketahuna but it just feels so right to bring her home to the Mangatainoka Domain.

Hurricane’s captain Dane Coles is equally pumped. “I know the whole squad will be looking forward to heading back to Mangatainoka, especially the boys who have not experienced playing there before. It really is a unique day and the boys get really well looked after from all the locals.”

It’s going to be epic, and we can’t wait. We’ve reduced the ticket numbers to give the game a more intimate feel – and expect them to sell out quickly.

Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Click here for all the details.

It’s just been announced that the Mangatainoka Reserve will receive a $202,000 upgrade!

Just across the road from us here at Tui Brewery, the Mangatainoka Reserve will get a new block of two toilets, a shower and a solar-powered compacting rubbish bin.

When we heard that Tourism Minister, Kelvin Davis, had $19.3 million to distribute as part of the second round of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund we jumped at the opportunity to improve our little gem of a camping spot! With much of it going to wastewater, sewerage schemes and public toilets at tourist hotspots throughout the country, we got together with the Tararua Council to see how we could get the much-needed improvements made to the Mangatainoka Reserve.

Our submission went in earlier this year and was accepted last week (it’s a no-brainer really, the secret is out about the best camping spot in the country). Tararua District Council will receive $102,404 to supercharge the freedom camping facilities at Mangatainoka Reserve. Some funds will also go towards installing solar-powered waste compacting rubbish bins at Waihi Falls, Akitio and Herbertville, so there’s no excuse not to explore Tuiville by camper now!

The Council had already allocated $100,000 towards these projects, and this amount will now make the infrastructure possible.

Mark Maxwell, Economic Development and Communications Manager for the Tararua District Council, was chuffed about the idea to work with us on this project.

“This is a key partnership between Council, who will provide the capital for construction and Tui Brewery, who have agreed to maintain it.
“This is a great example of council and businesses working together to achieve positive outcomes for the community.”

Labour list MP, Keiran McAnulty, described Tui Brewery as one of the region’s most popular attractions and said the team there did a marvellous job of attracting people to the region (thanks Keiran!).

“It seemed logical to me that Government would look to assist in upgrading facilities so that the Mangatainoka Reserve opposite the brewery could cope with the steady increase of visitors.
“I am very pleased for them, and the region, that this investment has been confirmed.”

Reserve sign

PHOTO: Mangatainoka Reserve Road sign installed in 2018 by Tui Brewery

Since adopting the Mangatainoka Reserve in 2016 with the Launch of our Plants & Pints Project, motor-homers have been making the most of our hotspot. Our team at Tui Brewery have planted over 1,000 native plants, improved the accessway, installed signage, tidied fences and added a walking track to the brewery (all of 300 meters away). The increase in motorhomes to the reserve has led to an increase in rubbish and the demand for toilet and shower facilities.

With the national shortage in accommodation for tourists, more national and international tourists are choosing to travel by campervan. The hope is that with the right facilities available we can attract people to travel State Highway 2, visit the Tararua region, and stay one or two nights in our campsites along the way. This will see and increased spend by these travellers who have budget for activities, petrol, meals and attractions.

Reserve

PHOTO: Mangatainoka Reserve is becoming increasingly popular for motorcaravans.

Our team at Tui Brewery have also recently installed a dump station and potable water source for freedom campers at Tui Brewery which is offering another reason for freedom campers to travel through Tararua.

New Zealand Motor Caravan Association chief executive Bruce Lochore said Tararua was becoming a popular region for motorhome and caravan trips. The Mangatainoka Reserve, in particular, was on many travellers' "must-do" lists thanks to the Tui Brewery.

"[Tararua] makes us feel welcome. It's the little things like this [upgrade] that really make the difference."

From this week, those exploring SH2 by motorhome or campervan can swing in to the home of all things Tui and refill your water supply and use our new dump station.

Right here in Mangatainoka we have just opened a new dump station to motorhomes and campervans either passing by, visiting the brewery or staying across the road at the Mangatainoka Reserve. Open during brewery hours, the dump station and water refilling station will provide another alternative for those travelling north or south along SH2 - a popular touring route linking Hawke's Bay with Wairarapa and Wellington.

The dump station is an extension of the Plants and Pints initiative we implemented in 2017 where we gift a native tree for visitors staying at the Reserve to plant (we even gift you with a spade to plant it). Since then more than 1000 native have been planted along the banks of the river and within the reserve. Our onsite nursery has been a hive of activity with our planting more than 500 seedlings to keep up with demand. Our team have also made improvements to the picnic tables, pathways and driveway in the Reserve with funds raised at our various events.

We're encouraging all visitors staying here to leave the environment in better shape than they found it and now, they can also enjoy our new onsite facilities that will make their travel experience more enjoyable.

We also encourage those staying at the Mangatainoka Reserve to pop across the road to the brewery and enjoy lunch outside in the garden bar and do a brewery tour, which traces our 129 year history and includes a guided tour through our state of the art brewery.

To celebrate Arbour Day 2017 and encourage those exploring SH2 by motorhome/caravan to travel sustainably, the Tui Brewery will gift a native tree to plant to visitors staying at the Mangatainoka Reserve. 

The SH2 experience is about to get even better. This weekend marks the start of conservation week. Conservation week begins October 14th and goes until October 22nd. The Theme this year is Look after your own backyard.

Tui Brewery give back to the local community through ongoing support of these local events:

Race to the Brewery - raising funds for Relay for Life – see more on our events page.

Bush Cycle Tour – Raising funds for Pahiatua projects – see more on our events page.

Toki Truck Stop Show & Shine – raising funds for important causes each year – see more on our events page.

Hurricanes biannual preseason rugby game in Mangatainoka is all about bringing the professional game to the country, and the event always raises money to go towards a worthy local cause. The event also gives local community groups the opportunity to fundraise through food stands – returning in 2019.



And our new monthly Car Shows – Mangatinoka Motors the last Sunday of each month, $10 entry will go towards a local cause each month – see more on our events page.