Three shearers will take on the eight-hour strong wool ewes world record in Dannevirke this Friday.
Hemi Braddick of Eketāhuna, Flynn Harvey from Kaitaia, and Dannevirke-based Fairlie shearer Ray Kinsman will make a challenge on the current record, which stands at 1611.
The World Record attempt will be held at Pohuetai Station near Dannevirke.
The trio have been preparing for more than a year for the attempt.
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Tararua District Council is working to ensure the Akitio water supply can handle anticipated increases on demand over the upcoming Wellington Anniversary and Waitangi weekends.
A Total Outdoor water ban in Akitio was put in place in December, but despite this, there have been issues over the summer.
The Council said its water team is investigating the ongoing reduced water levels in the storage tanks and is also liaising with the Akitio Ratepayers Association.
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Those burning rubbish or slash piles are being reminded to take care following a spike in vegetation fires around the region.
Fire & Emergency NZ recently said it was particularly concerned about the Wanstead, Takapau, Cape Turnagain, Akitio, and Waione areas.
Hawke’s Bay’s fire risk has been moved to high, and Fire & Emergency spokesman Nigel Hall says in these conditions, grass and scrub are easily ignited, and fires will spread quickly.
Landowners are also advised to check old burn sites in case of any flare ups.
Details on the current fire risk, and tips on fire safety, are available on the website www.checkitsalright.nz.