Dog Trials in Central Auckland

The organiser of rural sporting events taking place in downtown Auckland this week sees them as a chance to boost the profile of events that are part of New Zealand culture.

A week of speed shearing, wood chopping and sheep dog trials begin in central Auckland on Monday afternoon, coinciding with the final week of the Rugby World Cup.

The wood chopping and dog trials will feature contests between New Zealand and Australian teams.

Organiser Steve Hollander of Cutting Edge sports says he aims to keep the momentum going for rural sports.