Associated with the early Kauri gum diggers and symbolic of New Zealand's strong farming identity, the humble gumboot embodies the close relationship Kiwis have with the land and the great outdoors. This love for our trusty gumboots has sparked the small North Island town of Taihape to pronounce itself the 'Gumboot Capital of New Zealand'- home to a giant gumboot sculpture and host to the much loved annual gumboot throwing competition!