Celebrate the Republic of Whangamomona

This month is the anniversary of the Republic of Whangamomona becoming indpendent in 1989 – that means it’s time for the famous biennial rural party like no other!

This Saturday 23 January 2021, you’re invited to join in this great family fun day out as New Zealander’s from far and wide flock to the small town for that famous passport stamp.

There aren’t many events where you can experience golf, gambling, gutbusters, gumboot throwing, swimming with eels, sheep racing, watching dog trials, shearing ,wood chopping, whip cracking, possum skinning, sampling good old country tucker and participating in history by voting in the hotly contested Presidential campaign.

Don’t know what half of those activities are? You'll have to get out there and see for yourself!

Money raised from this iconic event goes straight back into the community, be it school, access to healthcare, sports groups and more. The Republic of Whangamomona Society have even been able to send two locals away on the Spirit of Adventure, an unforgettable experience for young people from the area.

A tight knit community, the Republic has produced a number of champions - rugby players, dog trialists, shearers, axemen, athletes, horsemen and real life rescue mission heroes! Visitors to the township might even get the chance to meet some of these people, and clap their eyes on the most famous rugby trophy in New Zealand, the Dean Cup.

The Republic of Whangamomona is one of the late David Walter’s legacies. When Whangamomona was shunted into the Manawatu/Wanganui Region, David, who was Stratford District Mayor at the time, suggested over a beer at the Whangamomona Pub that the town’s people revolt and declare themselves a Republic - the rest is history.

Get out there and experience the Republic of Whangamomona – your international destination of choice for 2021!

When: 10am - 4pm, Saturday 23 January 2021

Cost: A $5 entry fee (for 15 years plus including passport) is paid at the border upon arrival. Extra passports will be available to purchase and stamp at the Republic Stall on the day.

Getting there: Leave your parking worries behind and catch a bus! Bus tickets for Stratford to Whangamomona return are available from the Stratford Visitor Information Centre i-SITE for $10 (includes Passport). Bookings are essential, drop by the i-SITE in Prospero Place, Stratford or contact the team on 0800 765 6708.