Another King's Birthday Nomad has been and gone, and somehow we all survived to tell the tale.
A huge thanks to Chief Organiser Bladerunner for pulling the whole thing together, Tripod for hare duties, DT and Wellington Hash for looking after the finances, and of course Juggler and Flight Risk from Pania Hash for feeding the hungry masses all weekend.
Hashers from around the country began arriving at Kawhatau Outdoor Centre on Saturday afternoon. The usual meet-and-greet quickly turned into the usual search for beer and firewood, with Humpy leading the Pyro Brigade off to gather enough timber to satisfy his desire for a decent blaze.
Dinner set the standard for the weekend. Thai-spiced pumpkin soup with coconut cream, followed by hoisin pulled pork, apple coleslaw and pita bread, topped off with apple crumble and cream. It soon became apparent that any weight lost on trail would be rapidly regained in the dining hall.
The evening was spent around the fire pit, on the deck, and around the wood burner. Stories grew taller as the night progressed, while Tripod once again demonstrated that musical enthusiasm and musical talent are not necessarily related.
Suipe somehow managed to demolish one of the hall windows during the latter part of the evening, although next day he was most indignant when it was suggested he now be mentioned in the same breath as Gonzo and Jeeves for past Nomad demo jobs. As he said, the only thing broken was the window. And he wasn’t bleeding.
Sunday dawned with yet another stunning day and a breakfast spread fit for Hashers: bacon, scrambled eggs, bubble and squeak, baked beans and creamy mushrooms.
At 11:30am the masses assembled for Tripod's trail. Advertised as a gentle 4km stroll, it featured around five river crossings, ensuring everyone's shoes received a thorough wash whether they wanted one or not. The weather was perfect, the scenery spectacular.
Back at camp, Gatey took charge of circle as NZGMs tend to do, before everyone headed off to tackle another excellent meal. The lunchtime barbecue featured sausages, meat patties, falafel patties, apple coleslaw and enough leftovers to keep even the hungriest hasher happy.
The afternoon's entertainment came in many forms. Mongo introduced the finer points of croquet to the uninitiated, while others tested their skills at cornhole and the infamous Beer-ionettes. Watching participants attempt to drink from a swinging beer glass provided plenty of amusement for spectators.
One highlight was Juggler's determined efforts to defeat her husband Flight Risk. Her commitment never wavered, although unfortunately neither did the outcome.
DT pushed everyone’s luck when he successfully launched two golf balls 100 metres over the games, the hall complete with unbroken windows, and 35 hashers, while aiming for the fire pit encircled by some of forementioned hashers. Fortunately, no helmets were required and only one ball was lost.
Inside, Crabstick, Perky and Humpy kept the Hash band operating, ensuring there was plenty of music to accompany the socialising.
Dinner on Sunday night was chicken casserole and potato bake, followed by yet more apple crumble and cream. As if that wasn't enough, a birthday cake appeared for Gonzo's 80th birthday, despite the guest of honour being conspicuously absent.
A card was passed around for Metal Mickey and Petal, glasses were raised, stories were exchanged, cheese and wine night spontaneously erupted in the hall and on the table outside with another excellent Nomad evening rolled on well into the night.
Monday morning arrived far too soon. After the traditional Hash breakfast came the inevitable clean-up, a brief recovery walk, an even briefer circle, announcements, hugs, farewells and promises to do it all again next year.
A massive thank you to Juggler and Flight Risk for keeping everyone exceptionally well fed, Bladerunner for making the weekend happen, and everyone who travelled to Kawhatau to make Nomad 2026 another memorable gathering.
Good weather, good company, great food and plenty of laughs. What more could a hasher ask for?
On On!
