Tūātapere Sports Day winding up after 116 years

A sports event that has woven itself into the fabric of a small Southland town is wrapping up after 116 years.

Tūātapere Sports Day organiser and commentator Peter Templeton said the upcoming New Year's Day outing will be the last.

"It's a sign of the times, but there's nothing you can do about it. As I said, everything's changed," he said.

"They're more interested in just eating hot chips and walking around with their cell phones in their hands."

The small-town family event has shrunk over the years, in part due to losing elements such as clay bird shooting, cycling, Highland dancing and a pipe band.

Another factor was Riverton Racing Club now holding races on the same day - something which was outside of the club's control.

Templeton, 78, had been involved in Tūātapere Sports Day for many moons, including as its commentator for more than 30 years.

It was mostly run by older people as younger ones were not interested in "stepping up and looking after it", he said.

A recent meeting to explain what was happening and see if people could step up only attracted two people.

As for the events on the day, they were now down to just wood chopping and athletics.

"People aren't going to come all the way out from Invercargill to watch something and there's just two things happening, you know."

It wasn't all bad news, however. Templeton thought some cyclists might turn up for the finale, and said the bushcraft aspect would continue at the back of the Waiau Town & Country Club in Tūātapere.

Southland mayor Rob Scott said Tūātapere Sports Day had been going for many years and was well supported and enjoyed by the community.

More people needed to put their hand up and help with running if they wanted to see such things continue, he said.