20 years of King Country Fencing Competition

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Attendees of the 20th Anniversary celebration event

2026 marked a significant milestone for Wayne & Kathy Newdick and their King Country Fencing Competition.

In 2006, they set about starting a fencing competition after some prodding from a group of fencing friends. They were committed and passionate about creating a competition that encouraged and developed young fencers’ skills, and, 20 years later, it sits firmly amongst competitors as one of their favourite competitions on the competitive fencing circuit.

Sponsors are vital to the success of fencing competitions, and Kathy is quick to acknowledge the backing of their local Taumarunui businesses as well as national brands. “We would not have had a comp if it wasn’t for the Porritt and Peterson families sponsoring us since day one; they’ve all been amazing”. This year’s sponsors included Te Koura Partnership, Petco Contracting, Kawatahi Farms, NZ Fencing Competitions (NZFC), Cyclone, Strainrite, Revolution Postdrivers, and PGG Wrightson. Thanks also go to Jim Fairbrother for the spot prizes on the day.

Wayne and Kathy are appreciative of the Strainrite boys, Hugh Morrison and Lyndsey Dry, and everyone else who has turned up the day before events to help Wayne set up.

Whilst judging is now overseen by Owen Peterson, and supported by a team of judges, in previous years the competitors have been paired up to judge all the lines - something that the Newdicks’ believe is a valuable way for competitors to learn where they can gain and lose points. It is a great learning tool for the newer competitors, and a good refresher for the not-so-new competitors!

Wayne has always made himself available to walk over people’s lines and discuss judging points and where there is room for improvement. It is something Wayne and Kathy both encourage the newer competitors to take advantage of.

There were some VIP’s invited to attend this year’s event to celebrate the 20 year milestone; including past competitors, judges and sponsors. They came together to reconnect and acknowledge the hard work the Newdicks’ have put in to creating such a popular event.

Placings were hotly contested; yet ultimately the Bouskills’ won out over Tim Garrick and Corey Twigley on their tension points.

The King Country is renowned for producing hardy and passionate locals, and the Newdicks’ are no exception. Cheers to them for 20 years of developing New Zealand’s best fencers.

Written by: Vanessa Stafford