Schwingen Takes Root in New Zealand: A Swiss Tradition Thrives in Taranaki
A unique sporting tradition, schwingen, is gaining traction in a surprising location: South Taranaki, New Zealand. While the Olympics showcase Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, and Japan is renowned for sumo, this region has embraced the Swiss sport of schwingen, with dozens of competitors vying for a national title at the annual Taranaki Swiss Picnic in Kaponga.
A Centuries-Old Sport Finds a New Home
Originating from the German word for “swing,” schwingen is a national sport in Switzerland, also known as hosenlupf – or breeches lifting – a rather descriptive nickname for the grappling action. The sport’s roots run deep, but its presence in New Zealand is a testament to the enduring legacy of Swiss immigration and cultural preservation.
The rules of schwingen are straightforward, yet demanding. As one official explained, competitors don special canvas shorts, known as hosen, and attempt to unbalance their opponent. “The idea is you put on these kind of lack old sack shorts, you hold on [to your opponent’s shorts] with your two hands and one wrestler has to have one hand on at all times or else you restart the match,” he said. A match restarts if a competitor steps off the sawdust ring, and ends immediately if both of an opponent’s shoulders touch the ground.
From Switzerland to Taranaki: A Community Connection
Schwingen, while a professional sport in its homeland, has become an inclusive event in New Zealand. “I grew up as a five year old competing in it and I really enjoy it. I think even for the little kids it helps build confidence and getting out there,” a long-time participant shared. The atmosphere is markedly different from the serious competition found in Switzerland. “Here we try and make it as much fun as possible. Some people here don’t even have Swiss line in their family but they have a Swiss connection somewhere and that’s what is really cool, everyone is welcome.”
The Taranaki Swiss Picnic, held annually since 1953, serves as the focal point for this unique cultural exchange. According to Taranaki Swiss Club president Othmar Hebler, the event draws around 400 people each year, featuring not only schwingen but also Swiss music, alphorn performances, shot put, bottle-fishing, and pony rides for children.
A Legacy of Immigration
The Swiss presence in Taranaki dates back to the mid-1800s, with a significant influx of farmers arriving in the 1930s and 40s. Hebler explained that many Swiss farmers, seeking larger landholdings, settled in the region, particularly on the southern slopes of Mount Taranaki. “So we’ve got second, third and fourth generations of Swiss now in our club,” he noted, highlighting the deep roots of the community.
Beyond the Wrestling Ring: A Celebration of Swiss Culture
The picnic extends beyond sports, offering a taste of Swiss culinary traditions. Leo Danz oversaw a popular sausage sizzle, featuring wiener, cervelas, and bratwurst – sausages distinguished by their unique blend of veal and pork, and their spicy, salty flavor. One attendee, Pauline, reminisced about her family’s sausage-making traditions, declaring the picnic’s sausages “the best they’ve had here for the last couple of years.”
No Swiss gathering would be complete without the resonant tones of the alphorn. Alan Beck, a member of the Taranaki Alphorn Group, described the instrument’s allure. “Since then the attraction has grown like gravy pouring off meat. As people have a go and find that it’s not that hard they then get captured by the ability to make beautiful music harmonies and when you hit it you know and if you know you know.” [Placeholder for a video of an alphorn performance].
This year, up-and-coming rugby talent Shay Smith-Luond emerged victorious, claiming the title of New Zealand’s schwingen champion. The event underscores the enduring power of cultural traditions and the vibrant community spirit that thrives in Taranaki.
[Placeholder for a photo gallery of the Taranaki Swiss Picnic].
