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Gumboot Sculptor at Taihape. Photo By Sänger –

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Gumboot Capital of the World

Taihape, also known as the Gumboot Capital, is a town located on Northern Island, New Zealand. The Maori term Taihape was the shortened version of Otaihape which means ‘a place of’.

Taihape town has a small population of about 1,800 people. In 1980, the town had been experiencing a downturn in its rural economy, and numerous residents had suffered job losses. As a way of rebranding and commemoration, Taihape renamed itself the Gumboot Capital of The World.

On a plain grass field along the Manawatu- Wanganui State Highway lies the gigantic multicolored gumboot sculptor made of iron. It is a symbol of a movie character enacted by John Clarke, an internationally recognized actor.

The Gumboot sculpture was part of the millennium celebration of Gumboot Day. A picture beside the iconic sculptor, which the Rangitikei District Council now maintains, is a must-do for tourists who visit Taihape.

1. The Gumboot Capital of The World Got Its Name From A Movie Character

Gumboots were first spotted in New Zealand in 1875, but it was through a famous fiction skit that Taihape got its nickname, ‘The Gumboot Capital.’ The famous New Zealand actor and satirist John Clarke, known as Kiwi’s father, played a character named Fred Dagg in one of his 1975 TV sketches.

The character Dagg represented the average New Zealand farmer who constantly wore gumboots on his feet. According to the film, Dagg resided in Taihape, and this hometown reference put the town on the map. The citizens of Taihape began celebrating Gumboot Day 10 years after the film airing.

2. The Gumboot Capital Was Renamed Twice

Turangarere Bridge, Hautapu River. Photo By Johnragla –

In 1845, Taihape received its first European missionary, William Colenso. Foreigners continued to stream in and settle with the native Maori people. The increase in population expanded the settlements, and nearly five decades later, the town of Taihape was formed.

Before being named Otaihape, the town was known as Hautapu, a local river that passes through the area. The name Otaihape was later shortened to Taihape. The town remained remote until the early 20^th century when transport networks such as the railway and road were constructed.

3. The Gumboot Capital First Developed As A Transit Town

View of Taihape, showing the railway station, railway yards, railway houses, and Healey’s Railway Buffet across the road from the station. Photo By Godber, Albert Percy –

In 1904, Taihape opened its first railway station as a locomotive deport and a marshaling yard. The town heavily relied on agriculture as its economic activity and became the peak supply town in 1960. Before the railway, farming produce was transported by carts and horses.

When the railway turned electric, the town experienced a decline in its economy. However, its favorable location along New Zealand’s highway and the famous gumboot sculptor turned it into a stopover town.

4. It Is A Stopover On New Zealand’s Longest Road Network

Taihape is one of the stopovers along State Highway 1 (SH 1). The highway, which runs for over 2,000 km, begins from Cape Reinga, North Island, and ends at Bluff, South Island.

Travelers who make a stop at Taihape marvel at the town’s display of mountains and rivers. Its location on the edge of the volcanic plateau makes it the perfect spot for a breather.

5. The Gumboot Capital Has An Annual Celebration Dubbed The Gumboot Day

Demonstration of the one handed forward throw method. Photo By Russ Hamer – s

Every Tuesday after the Christian Easter holiday is Gumboot Day in Taihape. The occasion was first celebrated in 1985 and has been celebrated annually since then.

During Gumboot Day, various competitions take place. One event to be noted is the Wellie Hanging, also known as Boot Throwing. The family event aims to break the world record for the longest gumboot throw.

Other events include the best-dressed gumboot and the shoot-the-loop gumboot.

6. The Gumboot Capital Has A Dedicated Gumboot Throwing Lane

Having a dedicated day for gumboot tossing is one of the ways Taihape commemorates its identity as The Gumboot Capital of the World. The other is a segregated lane that is used for gumboot throwing.

Gumboot Throwing Lane is located at Huia Street. Tourists and domestic visitors practice throwing with worn gumboots on a well-marked grassy track. The lane is open throughout the year.

7. The Gumboot Sculptor At Taihape Was The First Public Works Of Jeff Thomson

Big Welly Boot in Taihape, New Zealand. Photo By Hermun1 –

Jeff Thompson is a famous sculptor born in New Zealand and known for his artic use of corrugated iron. He is an internationally recognized designer, having won the 2013 and 2015 World of Wearable Art Awards.

In 2000, Jeff made the Gumboot Sculptor in Taihape, which became his first famous public work. Some of Thompson’s works are displayed across New Zealand at museums, public libraries, State Highways, and village plazas.

8. The Town’s Iconic Multicolored Gumboot Sculptor Was Relocated

The 3.4-meter gumboot sculpture was first placed in Outback, but a proposed public utility building prompted its relocation. It was moved to State Highway 1 and placed at the Northern entrance of Taihape town, with signage later added in 2015.

9. It Has A Short Summit Hike Behind Its Famous Gumboot Sculptor

Mount Stewart Reserve is a native bush area directly behind the Gumboot sculptor. The walk takes 10 to 20 minutes and is a perfect way to stretch one’s limbs after a long drive from Wellington or Dunedin. As you walk uphill, the trees along the stretch have placed writings with information about the particular species.

At the top of the summit is the Les Thurston tower, where one can enjoy the view of the sunset over the Western Hills. The tower, entirely made of wood, was built in 2017 by Taihape volunteers.

10. The Gumboot Capital Is The Birthplace Of New Zealand’s Expatriate Painter MacDiarmid

New Zealand-born artist Douglas MacDiarmid in Â鶹APP. Photo By Wademary –

Douglas Kerr MacDiarmid was a famous painter and art influencer in the 20^th century. He was born in Taihape but relocated to France after World War II.

New Zealand declared Douglas a living cultural treasure, and his portrait is placed in New Zealand’s Portrait Gallery in Wellington. His paintings are spread across Europe, Africa, and America.