Golden gumboot goes to southern man
Crowd favourite Tony Buckingham was named both Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year and Telecom People’s Choice award
winner today.
The only South-Islander in the competition was presented with the “golden gumboot” by 2004 winner Justin Nelson, and
will take it home to Waimahaka, south of Wyndham.
Tony Buckingham’s consistency during heats over the four-day event saw him take out the title according to competition
coordinator Elysia Shirtliff.
“Tony really got into the spirit of the competition and showed he had the skills of a true rural bloke.”
“He had a great rapport with people of all ages from the start,” she said.
The 27-year-old showed he is a genuine all-round rural Kiwi bloke, “which is what the competition is all about.”
Finalists were judged on technical skill, attitude, enthusiasm, crowd reaction and creativity. Judges were 2004 winner
Justin Nelson, Fieldays chairman’s wife Olwyn Downing, The National Bank representative Kath Guerin, and Telecom
representative Donna Williams. Each heat also had a guest judge.
“The judges were looking for someone who was passionate about their rural lifestyle,” Miss Shirtliff said.
Buckingham won a prize pack which includes a trip for two to the Gold Coast flying Freedom Air, seven nights
accommodation and car-rental hire thanks to Accom Gold Coast; BBQ Factory vouchers; Swanndri clothing; Stihl chainsaw
package and a year’s supply of Waikato Draught.
The Telecom People’s Choice Award prize was a Sanyo 5600 with a photo printer and a $500 mobile credit.
Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year® competition thanks major sponsor ZM and supporting sponsors Skellerup, Ford,
Waikato Draught, BBQ Factory, Stihl, Moanui Laboratories, Telecom, Freedom Air, Accom Gold Coast and Swanndri.
Ends.