The Ōpōtiki Big 3, the town’s premier hunting event of the year, is to be staged at Slim’s Bar over Kings Birthday Weekend.

Last year, 54 teams entered, and interest seems high as ever this year, organiser Michelle Johnstone said.

Those taking part may hunt or fish in any part of New Zealand, and teams from as far away as Coromandel, Turangi and Tauranga took part last year. The aim is to bag the heaviest stag, boar, pheasant or snapper possible in the time allotted.

“The Big 3 has been going for more than 30 years. Its success has been due to the generosity of our sponsors and the volunteers who come along to help over the long weekend,” Ms Johnstone said.

Last year, the Riley Sutherlands Memorial Trophy was presented to the first women's team to gain first place overall, and the trophy will be up for grabs again this year.

Ms Johnstone said it wasn’t too late to sign up to take part and the briefing for the event would be held at Slims Bar tonight.