Dog trial first commemorated

Upper Clutha Historical Records Society secretary Graham Taylor (left) and stonemason Deane Weastell admire their handiwork after installing a 2.7m-high steel statue of a shepherd and his dog at the foot of the Mt Iron walking track in Wanaka yesterday, to commemorate the town's distinction of holding the world's first recorded dog trials.

Research of historic newspaper articles confirm Wanaka hosted dog trials as early as 1867 at Dog Match Flat, Cardrona Valley Rd.

The statue was a long-held vision of Wanaka Collie Dog Club secretary Vicki McRae, who gained support from the Upper Clutha Historical Records Society and other community groups along the way.

"A lot of people are going to be absolutely chuffed to see this going up," Mr Taylor said, after helping Mr Weastell lower the dog and shepherd on to their foundations with a crane.

Tarras artist Shaun Burdon designed the statue, which was cut from mild steel by Morgan Engineering and Marine Ltd.

The $9000 project was funded by the society and the 1999 musterers' reunion in Wanaka.

The statue has been erected in time for the national dog trials, being held from May 28 to June 2 at Alpha Burn Station, Glendhu Bay.