Four years
of flying high
Four years running, this Taupō fixture has grown into one of the country's best-loved dog trial events — and in 2026 it added a brand-new cadet competition to the mix, all in aid of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
See the Cadet Cup260 entries. One helicopter. A whole lot of heart.
The 2026 Bayleys Sheep Dog Trials once again proved why the event continues to grow in both reputation and community support, bringing together some of New Zealand's best dog triallers while raising vital funds for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
Congratulations to Leo Jecentho, who claimed this year's Open Trial title alongside his outstanding dog Ash. Leo also celebrated another significant achievement, having coached the Growing Future Farmers Waikato team to victory in the inaugural Wilson Hellaby Cadet Cup.
In the Maiden Man / Maiden Dog event, congratulations go to Hamish McKenzie and his dog Steve, who delivered an impressive performance to take out the title.
The generosity shown by competitors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters has once again made a real difference. This year the trials raised an incredible $35,669.42 for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, bringing the total raised over the past four years to more than $120,000.
As we look ahead to 2027 we'll be celebrating the fifth year of the event, with an ambitious fundraising goal of $150,000. With the continued support of our community, and loyal sponsors, we're confident we can reach this incredible milestone.
2026 Results
The Wilson Hellaby Cup Cadet Challenge
New for 2026, and the only event of its kind in the country built specifically for young handlers. Three cadets to a team, three farms in the running, one Friday to settle it — with every run also feeding into the wider trial results.
Peter Campbell of Northland took the judging reins this year — a competitor and mentor in his own right. It's not the first time cadets have made their mark either: Pukemiro's Harry Peacock finished second overall back in 2024, and last year Smedley's Bradley Anderson took out the maiden man / maiden dog, with Pukemiro's Holly Bird picking up the Judge's Award for most promising maiden.
A huge thank you to Wilson Hellaby for backing the next generation of dog trialists — the Cadet Cup simply wouldn't happen without you.
Three stations. Eleven cadets.
Cadets from Growing Future Farmers, Smedley Station and Pukemiro Station competed in a fantastic display of skill, sportsmanship and passion for the future of dog trialling. Tap a pen to meet the team.
Growing Future Farmers Waikato
A two-year, on-farm training programme for sheep and beef cadets, pairing school leavers with farm trainers across the country to build practical, work-ready skills.
Smedley Station
A two-year farm cadetship across 5,660 hectares of working farmland, building practical skills in sheep, cattle and deer farming alongside industry experts. Only 13 places a year — 2027 applications close 6 July 2026.
Pukemiro Station
An extremely hands-on two-year cadetship focused on station work, classroom learning, pastoral care and personal growth — supported by ADB Williams Trust.