Around 190 golden retrievers – and their humans – will gather in Taupō next Sunday (4.10.26) for New Zealand’s inaugural Golden Retriever Gathering.
It’s a first for New Zealand and organisers say it could attract more than 500 people and dogs.
The fun will kick off in the morning at the Great Lake Centre Taupō with a pooch parade — at around 9.30 am — complete with a bagpiper leading the dogs and their owners through town to a group photo opportunity at the iconic #LoveTaupō sign. The afternoon programme will continue at the Taupō Dog Training Club grounds (Centennial Drive) with stalls, food trucks, raffles, and plenty of golden retriever chaos.
The idea began nearly six years ago when Taupō local Lynda Gulbransen set up the Taupō Golden Retriever Facebook page, bringing together a community of local owners. The dream became reality when Lynda mentioned it to friend Robyn Wilson who agreed to help. From there, the idea snowballed, with fellow locals Phillippa and Kim, and Alice in Rotorua, joining the organising team.
"None of us are professional event organisers – we're simply a group of golden retriever owners who thought it would be wonderful to create a really happy, feel-good day celebrating these beautiful dogs," says Lynda.
The event is raising funds for Hospice Taupō, with all profits donated to the organisation. A long list of local businesses has also thrown their support behind Taupō's newest, and possibly woofiest, event.
Destination Great Lake Taupō GM Patrick Dault says “Events like this are gold — excuse the pun! Taupō has always been a place where people – and their dogs – are welcomed, so hosting the country's first Golden Retriever Gathering feels right at home. We can't wait to see the streets full of wagging tails," Dault said.
“I’ve heard that golden retriever meets have become a bit of a global thing, so congratulations to Lynda for making it happen right here in Taupō.”
