The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to get a taste of rural New Zealand during their visit here next week, competing in a gumboot throwing competition.
Prince Harry and wife Meghan will take part in the contest at an event near Auckland.
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There have been some raised eyebrows about why the contest is not being held in Taihape which is generally considered to be the gumboot throwing capital of New Zealand.
However the QEII National Trust, which is organising the event, said they wanted to show them a slice of rural New Zealand.
"I know gumboot throws are something usually associated with Taihape, but rest assured, we have the blessing of the Mayor of Rangitikei to run this competition," said Trust CEO Mike Jebson.
The Mayor was said to be pleased that even though the couple couldn't make it to Taihape, that gumboots would feature in the royal itinerary.
The royal couple will captain teams made up of school children who are also planting native trees with The Duke and Duchess as part of the event.
Teams will compete for the 'QEII National Trust Gumboot throw' trophy, which will be awarded to the winning team to keep.
Newshub.
