On 22 September, over 50 drivers raced their way from Kawakawa to Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands for the Far North Rally, covering over 360km.

Drivers started bright and early at 7am in the small town of Kawakawa, and had to complete eight different stages, including driving through along the scenic Omahuta and Puketi forests. The end-point for the race and prize-giving ceremony was at the hotel.

Mr Andrew Hawkeswood, who is the New Zealand Rally Champion, whizzed through the eight stages to take the first-place title, completing the eight stages in a total of 1 hour 16 minutes and 43.8 seconds. He was mere seconds ahead of Mr Phil Campbell, who finished in 1 hour 16 minutes and 47.7 seconds. In the third and fourth places were 2015 national champion Mr Ben Hunt and Mr Stephen Barker respectively.

The motorsports rally was organised by the Auckland Car Club with drivers in various categories such as four-wheel drives, two-wheel drives, and classic cars, which are meant for vehicles built before 1987. The rally, which is held in the Northland region, is one of four rounds in the Top Half Rally Series based in the North Island of New Zealand.