BMW NZ Polo Open 2020

GAME ON

The spectator sport with it all

FASHION STAKES What to wear

Clevedon

Saturday 22 February 2020 B E PA R T O F T H E S P O R T I N G A N D S O C I A L E V E N T O F S U M M E R

PURE DOMINANCE. ON & OFF THE FIELD THE ALL NEW BMW X6.

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

D. BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Contents

7

8 10

WELCOME

20

JUST THE TICKET

21

Letters from Auckland Polo Club and BMW

All the ticket options

SIDELINE ACTION What’s happening on and off the field

12 14 16

PROGRAMME The run of events

RULES OF PLAY

Polo rules 101

YOUNG GUN

18

Ethan Wade is an 18-year-old player with a big future

WHAT TO WEAR

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BMW NZ Polo Open ambassador Holly Lindsey gives her fashion lowdown

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

FASHION PRIZE

What you could win if you enter Fashion on the Field

FASHION STATIONS

Spectator fashion for women

22

FASHION JUDGES

Introducing the judges you’ll need to impress

23 25 38 39

SUIT YOURSELF The menswear edit

THE TEAMS Meet the players

WITH THANKS Our sponsors

GROUNDS MAP Where you’ll find everything

Auckland Polo Club President Tony van den Brink Auckland Polo Club Vice President Ross George BMW NZ Polo Open Executive Director Lucy Ainsley Auckland Polo Club Captain Daniel Worker Auckland Polo Club Grounds Manager Mark Fitzpatrick Auckland Polo Club Polo Manager Nikki Pretty Auckland Polo Club Treasurer Jan Frizzell Auckland Polo Club Secretary Jane Donald BMW NZ Polo Open PR Manager Olivia Radford Event Bar Managment Nick McCaw

BMW NZ POLO OPEN MAGAZINE Publisher Lucy Ainsley and Olivia Radford Editor Fiona Hawtin Contributor Fiona Alexander Designer Vanilla Hayes Ltd Auckland Polo Club, PO Box 24, Clevedon aucklandpolo.co.nz; nzpoloopen.com

Facebook

Instagram

@BMWNZPoloOpen @NZPoloOpen

Hashtags #poloready #BMWNZPoloOpen #NZPoloOpen #poloisback

HOLD YOUR HORSES. SHOULDN’T YOU HAVE LIFESTYLE BLOCK COVER?

When you escape to the country, you’ll be surprised how many things you won’t be covered for with your standard House and Contents policy. Whether it’s your animals escaping into the neighbour’s property, your tree falling onto your neighbour’s fence, or your bridge or culvert getting washed out by a storm. That’s why you should talk to the rural insurance specialists at FMG. To find out more, give us a call on 0800 366 466. Or for some helpful lifestyle block advice, go to fmg.co.nz/lifestyleguides

We’re here for the good of the country.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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LIVE IT Auckland Cup Week

®

Revel in all the entertainment and racing excitement.

Derby Day Saturday 29th February 2020 Auckland Cup Day Saturday 7th March 2020

Join us oncourse with tickets from $20 at

ellerslie.co.nz page 6

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

New Zealand’s richest racing carnival, Auckland Cup Week®, returns to Ellerslie Racecourse in 2020.

With world-class horses running for valuable purses, the colour and pageantry of racing fashion on display, and the finest food and champagne being enjoyed by racegoers mixing and mingling trackside, it’s racing in New Zealand at its finest.

From left BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, and Auckland Polo Club President Tony van den Brink Photo credit Leet & Co

Welcome

Auckland Polo Club is thrilled to be partnering with BMW for this, the 43rd NZ Polo Open

A

W

Tony van den Brink President, Auckland Polo Club

Karol Abrasowicz-Madej Managing Director, BMW Group New Zealand

s New Zealand’s premier polo event, we’re delighted to welcome some of the best players from New Zealand and around the world to compete in what has evolved from grass-roots polo to one of the most competitive tournaments in the southern hemisphere. They’ll all be riding the best polo ponies from around the country.

Six teams of high-goal players will compete in the 16goal tournament throughout the week, with the final held on our magnificent Fisher Polo Field at Clevedon.

One of the eagerly anticipated highlights of the BMW NZ Polo Open, aside from some thrilling play, will be the BMW Versus Polo Pony race, which is a real test of horse power.

I’d like to personally thank the many people involved in making the day such a fantastic occasion, from the team at BMW, the sponsors, competitors and patrons to the grounds staff, umpires, supporters, club volunteers, event team and, of course our vocal spectators.

Thanks to you all for making the day one of the most enjoyable sporting events.

elcome to this year’s BMW NZ Polo Open – a day that promises to be exceptional, exhilarating and, as always, the social event of the season. We are proud to support this year’s event and to continue our rich association with New Zealand Polo.

BMW’s partnership with the NZ Polo Open truly is a natural fit – together we aim to create thrilling and luxurious experiences, of which there is an abundance on offer for guests at this year’s event.

The pedigree and performance of the polo is complemented off the field with one of the newest additions to the BMW range, the progressive and powerful BMW X6. The aesthetics of this vehicle transforms our classic ideas of luxury with sleek and muscular proportions and a cabin that combines superlative workmanship and premium materials. A true independent character.

On behalf of everyone at BMW New Zealand, we are excited to be part of the BMW NZ Polo Open 2020 to celebrate the finest in local and international Polo.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Ticketing

Just the ticket

LUNCH at the club Entertain in style at the FMG Clubhouse Terrace at your own exclusive table. There’s an elevated view of the field, so you won’t miss any of the action and a fantastic gold-menu plated meal.

The Clubhouse bar is a few steps away and is complete with private stewards so you can enjoy a truly VIP experience with your group. $2,850 + GST for a table of 10.

Tables are limited. To book, email openmanager@aucklandpolo.co.nz

What’s not to love about a day in the country, watching some fast-paced chukkas, admiring the ponies and well turned-out spectators, stomping a divot or two, quaffing champagne and socialising up a storm?

It’s as exciting as a page straight out of Jilly Cooper. There are so many ways to enjoy the BMW NZ Polo Open from the easy-as Chukka Lawn to enjoying some luxurious corporate hospitality.

Take your pick.

JOIN THE PONY CLUB

The Rekorderling VIP Mallets & Ponies Club gives you a front-row seat in your private lawn. It’s situated in the liveliest part of the grounds and right on the white picket fence, so you’ll be close to the action as well as being able to enjoy music, fashion, complimentary drinks and nibbles. This is an R18 area. Entry includes entry to the event, a VIP wristband and entry to the Rekorderling VIP tent and lawn, access to the private members’ bar, plus access to the George FM After-Party.

From $80 at iTICKET.co.nz

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

Head over to the Chukka Lawn to check out all the new BMW 1 series and take part in the BMW Polo quiz to be into win a BMW for a weekend along with a stay at the Park Hyatt, Auckland.

Be the Perfect Host The BMW NZ Polo Open really is the ideal setting from which to entertain your clients. There are three Hospitality Marquee options available – all of which include a field-side furnished 25sqm marquee, your own private picket fenced lawn and a personal marquee steward to serve your guests amazing cuisine and drinks.

Your guests will feel completely indulged.

THE GOLD MARQUEE INCLUDES: • 30 tickets for $10,900 + GST. Additional tickets are $170 + GST per person • Catering by SkyCity and includes canapes, lunch, an antipasto platter, dessert platter and cheeseboards • Beverages: 6 bottles of Veuve Clicquot, 72 bottles of beer, 6 bottles of still wine, 48 waters and 6 bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus sparkling wine.

THE SILVER MARQUEE INCLUDES: • 30 tickets for $9,800 + GST. Additional tickets are $150 + GST per person • Catering by SkyCity and includes canapes, lunch, a dessert platter and cheeseboards • Beverages: 48 bottles of beer, 6 bottles of still wine, 48 bottles of water and 12 bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus sparkling wine.

THE BRONZE MARQUEE INCLUDES:

BOOTS and ALL A Boot Park is ideal for those keen on DIY. You’ll get 3 metres of field-side space to use as you like and 20 tickets for guests. You’ll need to get in quickly as these sell out every year. From $740 + GST. A VIP Boot Park is the answer for those wanting to cater for themselves but don’t fancy lugging the gazebo out to the polo. The VIP Boot Park is field-side with a 3 x 3-metre marquee and some furnishings. Comes with 20 tickets from $1,500 + GST. The BOUTIQUE VIP BOOT PARK comes with 10 tickets, catering from Picnic Box a 3 x 3-metre marquee, a private picketed lawn area, rattan furniture and a selection of beverages and event glasses. From $3,180 + GST. For boot park enquiries, email Lucy at openmanager@aucklandpolo.co.nz

TICKET TO RIDE THE BUS If you think a few glasses of champers is the order of the day, consider getting to and from the polo by bus. Buses will leave Britomart at 10.30am and depart the After-Party at 8.30pm.

Tickets are $30 at iTICKET.co.nz

• 30 tickets for $8,750 + GST. Additional tickets are $100 + GST per person • Catering is by Picnic Box and includes morning and afternoon tea served on shared platters with individual picnic lunches • Beverages: 48 bottles of beer, 6 bottles of still wine, 48 bottles of water and 6 bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus sparkling wine.

For hospitality marquee enquiries, email Lucy at openmanager@aucklandpolo.co.nz

Family fun on the Chukka Lawn VIP POLO LOUNGE Up the ante in the Flagship VIP Polo Lounge.

Right on the sidelines, the lounge is 320sqm of unadulterated luxury. Start as you mean to go on with a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, a delicious three-course gold menu served by SkyCity and a five-star experience as you relax and socialise the day away. From $260 at iTICKET.co.nz

The gentle grass slope of the GA Chukka Lawn and Polo Hill is the perfect place to idle away a summer day. Bring a blanket and pitch up on the hill with your mates or the kids. There are food trucks close by and you’ll have access to the official George FM After-Party.

When you’re buying your tickets, don’t forget to enter the Fashion on the Field competition for a chance to show off your style creds and be in to win some serious sartorial prizes. From $40 at iTICKET.co.nz

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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START YOUR ENGINES The annual car versus horse race is always a close call. This year, a BMW beauty will be revving up alongside a polo pony for two lengths of the polo field at 2.30pm. Vroom, vroom.

PARTY AT OURS – AND SATURDAYS When the polo has been lost and won the official George FM After-Party kicks off at 5pm on the Chukka Lawn. Polo folk like nothing more than a party as anyone who’s read Jilly Cooper will know. All tickets include entry to this. Then, if you’re up for the After After-Party, head to Saturdays at Britomart to continue the merriment.

Time travel The ever-elegant Veuve Clicquot Marquee celebrates its ninth year at the NZ Polo Open with a 1950s retro chic theme. Timeless style icon Barbara Brinsley and stylist Louise Hilsz are curating this year’s Marquee and designing a purpose-built studio for guests to step back in time to capture a pictorial souvenir of the day. And, for the first time, there are a number of tickets for purchase to this exclusive marquee.

INFLATABLE ROOM OF FUN If you’re on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind selfie, look no further than the George Cube. George FM’s square inflatable photo booth will certainly give you a pic worth posting.

BEHIND THE SCENES COMPETITIONS The Players on the field are not only playing to win the trophy, but amongst themselves they are playing to win a personalised instinct helmet of their choice by scoring the highest number of goals in total throughout all of the games played over the 8 days! So make sure you keep count, because they sure will be.

Shiny, happy people page 10

Sideline action There’s almost as much action off the field as there is on it

FIRST in FASHION The Fashion on the Field competition is a great spectator sport. There are some great prizes up for grabs in the Best-dressed Woman, Bestdressed Man and Best Accessory categories.

You can pre-enter at nzpoloopen.com. Failing that, there’s a registration desk open until 1pm on the day to the left out of the car parking area. If you don’t enter, at least make sure you watch those pitting their sartorial style against the rest at 2pm across the field from the Clubhouse.

Would you like a shoe shine with your Glenmorangie Original whisky cocktail? In one of the more surreal treats of the day, if you head to the Chukka Lawn you can get the full Glenmorangie experience – that’s a single malt Scotch whisky cocktail and a shoe shine, although you will be able to order the drink at plenty of other bars at the event. Should you wish to try making the drink yourself here’s how: Fill a highball glass with ice; pour 30ml Glenmorangie and add 90ml soda water; squeeze in half a fresh orange; garnish with orange slices. For a twist try a highball with ginger ale or tonic water.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

News

LOOK Who’s Talking We’ve assembled a team of expert commentators to guide you through what’s happening on the field. Alex Richardson loves this sport and even met his wife Sarah on the side of a polo field. The voice reminiscent of best BBC English belongs to Marcus Beresford, a member of one of Ireland’s polo-playing families. Marcus has represented Ireland many times and played in this tournament himself last year, so he knows what he’s talking about. Leading this talented trio is Australian polo legend, Glen Gilmore.

Glen captained Australia for over 10 years. Commentator impartiality may be tested though, with son Lachie playing for the Glenmark team. There’ll be plenty of banter though, that’s guaranteed.

THIRSTY WORK The event is not a BYO drinks affair. Fear not though. There are plenty of bars around The Hill, the Clubhouse and Chukka Lawn where you can find wine, beer and water.

Insta takeover BMW NZ Polo Open ambassador Holly Lindsey (@holly.estelle) knows her way round an Instagram account. She’ll be taking over @NZPoloOpen for the event, so check in for her commentary.

Grooms aren’t just for horses.

If you feel your brows and lashes need some immediate attention, visit the MCoBeauty Bar, next to the Fashion Garden for some brow love from the sidelines.

Dash it all Calling all budding Usain Bolts, or those who fancy a quick sprint midafternoon. At 2.25pm on the polo field, there are two quick dashes.

The first for women, with the prize for the fastest a magnum of Veuve Clicquot. For men, the winner will receive a $200 Rodd & Gunn voucher for their exertions.

LEAVE YOUR HAT ON At the risk of preaching, you really will need a sunhat on the day. If you forget or feel like upgrading, you’ll be able to pick up a genuine Panama hat from Ecuador for $175 on the day. Look for the Caus stall.

On course for adventure Need more horse action with a side of dress-ups? You’re in luck as Auckland Cup Week is about to happen. New Zealand’s richest racing carnival kicks off at Ellerslie Racecourse with Derby Day on Saturday 29 February. Then, it’s Auckland Cup Day on Saturday 7 March. Both promise to be brilliant days trackside with plenty of champagne, impressive fascinators and some world-class horses competing for valuable purses.

Tickets from $20. Go to ellerslie.co.nz

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Programme BMW NZ POLO FINALS SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY, 2020 Auckland Polo Club Fisher Field, 102 Clevedon-Kawakawa Road, Clevedon

10.30AM

2.45PM

11AM

3PM

12.30PM

3.45PM

12.45PM

4.45PM

Gates open

First game: Play off for fifth and sixth place

Stomping of the divots

Second game: Subsidiary final

2PM

Fashion on the Field. Pre-register for Best-Dressed Woman, Best-Dressed Man and Best Accessory at info@aucklandpolo.co.nz.

There’s also a registration desk on the day

2.25PM

Veuve Clicquot and Rodd & Gunn Dashes

2.30PM

Parade of champions

BMW NZ Polo Open 2020 Final

Stomping of the divots

Presentation and speeches outside the Clubhouse

5PM

George FM After-Party, Chukka Lawn

8.30PM

Bus departs to Britomart, leaving from main gate

9PM

Horse versus BMW Race

Kick-On After-After Party at Saturdays, Britomart

IMPORTANT The BMW NZ Polo Open is a strictly no BYO event. A day in the country watching great polo goes hand-in-hand with a glass of champagne or a beer, obtainable at the venue. If you think you’ll be indulging and staying on for the after-party, consider booking a return bus from $30 per person.

Entry is by wristband only, received at the gate upon sighting of your electronic ticket. Go to ITICKET. CO.NZ/EVENTS/2020/FEB/NZ-POLO-OPEN

SAFETY For your safety, spectators must not be in the safety zone during play. Polo ponies and polo balls travel at speed and if either hits you, it hurts. The safety zone is the area within 10 metres of the boards (the sideboards outlining the field) and 30 metres from the back goal-line. Only players, umpires, referees, goal judges, officials or stick holders may enter the safety zone while the game is in progress.

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Fast and furious, polo is the ultimate spectator sport even if you have no idea of the rules. Knowing some of them makes it even more exciting. Here are the basics

P

olo is, essentially a ball game.

Two teams compete to get the small ball through the goal posts as many times as they’re able to within an allotted time. It’s a mixture of soccer, rugby and hockey, except the players are mounted on polo ponies for added difficulty.

Polo-playing actor Sylvester Stallone says “playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake”.

The teams There are two teams, each consisting of four players, numbered 1 to 4. Numbers 1 and 2 are the forwards, number 3 – typically the most highly ranked player – is like a centre in football and number 4 is the goal defender.

How they’re ranked Each player plays to a handicap. If you’re learning you start out at -2 and work up to a 10, which is the maximum rating and extremely rare.

Globally, there are less than 24 10goal players and 80% of the world’s polo players are under 2 goals.

The teams in the competition this year are 16-goal teams, so all four players’ handicaps when added up must not exceed a total of 16.

The equine players Not ranked like players and, although they’re technically horses, they’re called ponies. Long story but it harks back to when actual ponies were used. Good polo ponies will travel up to 55km and some are said to read the field and automatically place the rider where they need to be to take the shot.

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

Rules of polo

The field Measures 274m long by 200m wide, or a handful of football pitches combined due to the need for speed.

Game time Far shorter than most conventional ball games. There are between four and six seven-minute periods called chukkas.

More ponies than players Because riding a tired horse won’t fare well in polo, all players switch their mounts after each chukka and sometimes during, meaning each player will have a string of at least four ponies per game.

The umpires Two are mounted and on the pitch. The third is off the field and arbitrates if the mounted ones can’t agree.

Degree of difficulty Galloping up and down a field holding the reins in both hands takes a certain level of skill.

Amplify that tenfold by holding the reins in your left hand and leaning out from the saddle at speed to try hitting a small ball with your mallet in your right hand, while the other team is coming at you and you see how much skill is needed.

Riding off The polite term for when the riders and ponies push each other in a bid to get a swing of the ball.

Very much part of the game and completely legal.

The no-lefties rule If you’re left-handed as Prince William is, you have to swing your mallet with your right hand, otherwise things could become very tricky indeed on the safety front.

Right of way What prevents polo from becoming a free for all is the ‘right of way’ rule.

That’s when the player who last hit the ball has right of way and no player can cross the line in front of that player unless there’s no danger to pony or rider.

Hooking sticks This is where a player hooks their mallet with an opponent’s mallet and is perfectly legal, so long as it comes from the same side of the opponent as the ball or directly behind and must not be below the level of the opponent’s shoulder.

Hooking in front of a pony’s legs is absolutely forbidden for safety’s sake and is deemed improper use of a mallet.

Foul play If a pony crosses a player with right of way in a dangerous manner a foul is called. Likewise, if riding off is deemed dangerous, or there’s some dodgy hooking, that’s also a foul. If a foul is called, the penalty can be anything from a free hit of the ball to a goal automatically awarded.

Added spectator difficulty Each time a goal has been scored, the teams swap goals. It can get pretty confusing in high-scoring games, so you’ll need to pay attention.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Talent show Ethan Wade is one of the youngest players in this year’s competition – for the second year running.

Barely out of school, he already has impressive form

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

Player focus

I

f Ethan Wade hadn’t grown up to play polo, let’s just say it would have been a serious break with family tradition. “I’ve been riding before I could walk with the help of Mum and Dad,” he says.

Both his father Jonny, his father’s twin Adrian and uncle Tristan are international polo players. In fact, the twins are said to be the inspiration behind the lovable rakes Seb and Dommie Carlisle in Jilly Cooper’s beloved Rutshire Chronicles novels, which are famously centred around the racy Cotswolds horse set.

Ethan, a one-goaler, has been playing in proper polo tournaments since he was 13 and has already snaffled a NZ Open win, when he played for Tiger Polo last year. It was his first Open. Polo players can spend a lifetime trying but not managing to do so.

“That was a dream come true as it is something I have grown up watching my whole life. I was so grateful for the opportunity to be in the team, let alone win it. It is something I will remember forever,” says the Clevedon-based teen.

This year, he’ll be playing on the Mystery Creek team. His teammates include New Zealand’s highestranked player John Paul Clarkin, as well as Kit Brooks. Both were part of the winning team last year. New-

blood player Will Harper completes the team. Another 18-year-old, he’s also part of another polo dynasty, with his father James the current England captain, playing on rival Glenmark team.

Since leaving school a year ago, Ethan has mainly been riding his father’s horses, preparing for the season and training young horses.

“The most valuable lesson Dad has taught me is probably how to train, school and maintain the horses both young and my main string [of polo ponies].”

A typical day for Ethan, when he’s not doing a shift at the Hallertau pub in Clevedon is feeding and exercising the horses,

playing chukkas and the extremely glamorous task of cleaning out stables.

“Polo does require a level of fearlessness,” he says about the physical nature of the sport. “But it becomes less scary as your confidence grows and you begin to feel more comfortable on the field – and the rules of polo are all about the safety of horses and players.”

Right now, he’s extremely happy playing with his team but one day, in five or so years, he’d like to travel the world playing polo and see where it takes him, perhaps playing with his hero, the 10-goaler Argentine Facundo Pieres.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Field trip BMW NZ Polo Open ambassador Holly Lindsey’s lowdown on the dress code for polo

F

ashionable, yet sensible.

That’s Holly Lindsey’s advice. “Plan for breathable, comfortable fabrics. It’s a day of mingling, sipping champagne and stomping divots in the sun,” says the force behind the blog Hollyestelle.

“Coming off the back of the racing season, what to wear can be a bit of a grey area for firsttimers but the rules are simple: keep it elegant, effortless and comfortable.”

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

Women “Lighter fabrics such as chiffon or silk are ideal if you’re going for a floaty silhouette.

Otherwise, something along the lines of tailored, high-waisted linen shorts and a top with a pop of colour and a lightweight blazer is sophisticated, yet relaxed. I’m loving wide-leg culottes right now. Or how about a sundress or jumpsuit with texture or ruffles? And by all means, shorter dress lengths are completely acceptable – the polo doesn’t have

the prescriptive formality of the races. Finish with a large, functional hat to keep the sun off.”

Men “You won’t go wrong with a pair of neutral tailored chinos.

Shorts are fine as long as they’re tailored and tidy. A polo shirt is an easy win but I encourage men to up their game a little with a lightweight linen shirt and a blazer. A coloured pocket square, hat and either Chelsea boots with chinos or loafers with shorts and Bob’s your uncle.”

Fashion

Holly wears moochi. Blake Reid wears Rodd & Gunn

Photography by Leet & Co

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Zoe & Morgan's Paloma earrings are worth entering for

Take your pick of some of moochi’s effortless fashion

One of the bags from My Designer Handbags

Choose some perfectly tailored Crane Brothers garments

A My Designer Handbags voucher is up for grabs

Tom Ford fragrance for Best-dressed Man

Tom Ford fragrance for Best-Dressed Woman

High stakes style

A well put-together outfit could pay dividends. Enter the Fashion on the Field competition on the day and you could be rewarded for your contribution to sideline style

D

o we really need an incentive to dress to impress? Oh, okay, how about some great prizes for considering your spectator outfit.

There are three categories to enter.

Best-dressed Woman

The winner receives: + A moochi $1,000 voucher.

The local, boutique label is about everyday luxury and the creation of a simple, effortless adaptable wardrobe of pieces that work together for every event in your life.

There’s everything you could want from off-duty essentials to coveted designer pieces to choose from. + A pair Zoe & Morgan Paloma earrings. These 22k gold-plate earrings are absolute head-turners.

But that is to be expected from the three siblings responsible for this highly regarded international jewellery house, who have a very creative approach to design. They craft pieces from precious stones as well as fine gold and silver jewellery – heirlooms in the making. Valued at $429.

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

+ Tom Ford Soleil Neige eau de parfum. From fashion superpower Tom Ford comes this latest Private Blend fragrance.

Imagine the olfactory sensation of sun on snow and you have a radiant, light-reflective experience.

Combining bergamot, rose, jasmine grandiflorum, orange flower, Turkish rose, cistus labdanum and musk – this is one cool, escapist fragrance.

Valued at $378.

Best Accessor y

The winner receives: + A $750 voucher from My Designer Handbag. The luxury rental handbag website means you can rent pristine condition Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Prada bags at a fraction of the cost to buy. Plus, accessories rental is a very real way to buy less and be more sustainable – something we’re all talking about doing. The winner of Best Accessory, be it bag, shoes, jewellery or hat, will receive a voucher to rent some of the most luxurious bags across the

four-day weekend rentals from mydesignerhandbag.co.nz

Best-dressed Man

The winner receives: + A $1,000 Crane Brothers voucher. As tailors of contemporary suits, shirts, ties, accessories and madeto-measure garments, Crane Brothers believes beautifully crafted tailoring is one of the most empowering parts of a man’s wardrobe. The Aucklandbased label draws from British and Italian traditions to craft what it calls ‘Antipodean tailoring’ – international style adapted for our climate and lifestyle. + Tom Ford Oud Wood eau de parfum. Oud wood is one of the most rare and expensive ingredients in a perfumer’s arsenal and this fragrance is exactly that – rare, exotic and distinctive with rose wood, cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver, amber and tonka bean mixed into this special blend. Valued at $378.

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Fashion stations The ubiquitous summer dress is hard to go past for the polo.

Smart shorts or pants are a close second. Polo’s dress code is all about easy elegance – and some well-considered accessories 1. Ruby citrus dress, $249 2. moochi Fine Fold dress, $349.99 3. Seed Tie-front top, $109.90, and shorts, $109.90 4. Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF45, $88 5. Tom Ford Cheek Color Love Lust, $108 6. Tom Ford Lip Color Cherry Lush, $88 7. Kate Sylvester Beatrix sunglasses, $369 8. Zoe & Morgan Cosmic Union black diamond and white gold ring, $1,680 9. Merchant 1948 Smile mules, $199.90 10. Saint Laurent Lou mini bag, $130 to rent for four days, from My Designer Handbags. 11. Zoe & Morgan Astrid earrings, $575 12. Seed Panama hat, $64.90

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Dress to impress We’ve called in those in the fashion know to judge the Fashion on the Field competition. Here’s what they’ll be looking for

Wilhelmina Shrimpton This Newshub television reporter and presenter is known for her pitch perfect fashion sense 24/7.

HOW DO YOU DECIPHER POLO’S DRESS CODE?

Wilhelmina It’s the epitome of summer style. Clean lines and fabrics with a warm colour palette spring to mind. I love the freshness of polo dressing with whites, creams, nudes and pops of colour like orange. It’s effortless chic, and really is the perfect garden party day out.

Kellie It can go two ways: something simple and modern in a beautiful cut, or a look that is femme, floaty and chic. Steering away from weighty, structured silhouettes, the polo to me is about being effortlessly dressed in elegant hues all while enjoying the finer things in life, like champagne.

Murray

Smart casual with a bit of tradition mixed with South American flair.

WHAT IS GOING TO STAND OUT FOR YOU DRESS-WISE ON THE DAY?

Wilhelmina

The finer details. I love people that go the extra mile,

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Kellie Taylor

Murray Crane

As moochi’s creative director, Kellie is an expert in the fashion field – the Kiwi label has been going strong for nigh on 20 years.

Founder of menswear label Crane Brothers, Murray pretty much spends his life in a suit. Bespoke suiting is a passion of his, as is getting occasion dressing just right.

whether that’s an eye-catching detail, or an item that perhaps has a sentimental meaning (I once judged a Fashion on The Field competition where one of the men had a pocket watch worn by his great grandfather). Grooming is also very important with beautiful hair, and impeccable make up and nails. It really is best-dressed from head to toe.

Kellie The entire look needs to be considered but not overworked. Elevated with beautiful accessories that are styled according to your individual look. I want to see the woman, not the outfit, first.

Murray

Well conceived outfits that work harmoniously, not too flashy but tastefully put together.

BONUS POINTS FOR?

Wilhelmina

A beautiful outfit that ties in well with the elements.

Remember some great shoes for stomping those divots. Wedges and block heels are perfect. It’s probably a good idea to leave the

stilettos at home. Otherwise it’ll be less stomping, more sinking.

Kellie A little confidence. Feel good, look good.

Murray Originality and having the confidence to show your own personal style.

MARKS DEDUCTED FOR?

Wilhelmina

Mixing up the polo with the races. No fascinators please.

Kellie Stilettos in the grass – it’s a no from me.

Murray

Too much bling.

YOUR ESSENTIALS ON THE DAY?

Wilhelmina

A good sunscreen, a pair of frames and a portable phone charger - so you can capture all of the fun moments.

Kellie Confidence, matte sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat – the most practical way to stay fashionably sun smart.

Murray

A smile and sunscreen.

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Model Sean O’Pry is easy elegance on the polo sidelines in New Jersey.

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Suit yourself Put your best Chelsea-booted foot forward and earn your sartorial stripes in the crowd. You’ll get instant credibility for managing to incorporate linen or cotton and some sharp tailoring. Your fallback: chinos and a polo shirt 1. Crane Brothers bone linen and cotton canvas suit, $2,495 2. Working Style stripe shirt, $249 and linen shorts, $229 3. Tom Ford For Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment, $132 4. Zoe & Morgan Ahava signet ring, $1,300 5. Crane Brothers Savoy elastic belt, $125 6. Crane Brothers suede Chelsea boot, $695 7. Crane Brothers sandalwood Lipari shirt, $345 8. Crane Brothers Lombardy blazer, $1,595 9. Rodd & Gunn Piemelon straw hat, $119 10. Rodd & Gunn polo, $79.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Bon Voyage

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oyage is New Zealand’s newest premium still and sparkling spring water – and you’ll be able to hydrate with it on the sidelines. Because, as you well know, staying hydrated is vital on a summer’s day. Sourced from none other than breathtakingly pristine Blue Spring, Te Waihou, Voyage is 99.99 per cent pure and crystal clear. Characterised by its passage through deep strata and bedrock the still water tastes soft and textural, with stony, silica-like minerality, while the sparkling version

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offers freshness to the palate. What’s more, Voyage is actively engaged in the Cradle to Cradle accreditation – a process that forensically audits the environmental impact of materials used and their reutilisation, good water stewardship, social responsibility and carbon management, so you know it’s not only good for you, it’s minimising environmental impact as you drink.

That’s every bit as important as the elegant and sophisticated taste you’ll be wanting from your H20.

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2020 Teams

TEAM PROFILE

Glenwillow Feeds

JEREMY JONES

Handicap 2 goals Clevedon born and bred, JJ is an amateur player who had the skills to pursue a career in polo, but settled for a less transient life as a property developer, enabling him to enjoy time with his wife and three young daughters. JJ is a veteran of two previous NZ Open finals but a win is proving elusive. Could 2020 be the year?

GLENN SHERRIFF

PACO O’DWYER

HENRY WOOD

Gisborne lad Glenn epitomises the ‘she’ll be right’ understated Kiwi way. Undaunted by any opposition, Glenn has enjoyed a phenomenal run in recent English polo seasons, including winning the prestigious Duke of Wellington trophy, which he received from the Queen. He’s a regular fixture in the New Zealand team and is one of the most popular players on the circuit.

This gentle, unassuming Argentine is something of a smiling assassin.

Competitors will know not to underestimate Paco and his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. He has represented Argentina internationally, but cut his high goal polo teeth here over several summers, so we’re happy to consider him one of our own.

Henry, 24, is another player born into a polo dynasty.

Father Roddy managed the royal club, Guards in Windsor for many years.

Henry has represented New Zealand in the World Cup qualifiers in Thailand, but says his proudest polo moment was winning the high goal tournament in Hagley Park last summer playing alongside his father and two brothers.

Handicap 5 goals

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2020 Teams

TEAM PROFILE

Mystery Creek

JOHN PAUL CLARKIN Handicap 7 goals

New Zealand’s highest handicapped and undoubtedly tallest player, JP is captain of the NZ polo team and has won this tournament 10 times, but will be hungry for an eleventh win. Winston Churchill once said a polo handicap is a passport to the world and JP’s passport bears testament to that.

For the Kiwi summer though, he’s based at the family’s polo facility in the Waikato, Mystery Creek Polo Club, bringing on his next generation of equine superstars.

ETHAN WADE

Handicap 1 goal This is 18-year-old Ethan’s second NZ Open run, following a fairy-tale win on debut last year. Ethan has grown up in a prolific polo family and is lucky to have father Jonny’s string of superb equine athletes for this tournament. He’s also benefitted from selection to the Waikato-based Tiger Polo Academy, an initiative giving talented young NZ players access to expert tuition and mentoring. A bright future awaits this young star.

KIT BROOKS

WILL HARPER

Known for relentless energy and skill on the field, Cambridge-based Kit is in much demand at tournaments both here and internationally. He’s worn the Silver Fern numerous times, representing New Zealand at home and overseas, including playing on snow in China. Kit has an outstanding record in retraining racehorses, giving them a second career on the polo field.

Look forward to some crowd-pleasing play from this gutsy, committed and very likeable player.

Will is the second 18-yearold potential superstar in this line-up. Dad James is the current England captain and is playing in the rival Glenmark team here. Will is one of England’s most indemand young players and has honed his skills by spending winters playing and learning with the world’s best in Argentina. His career goal is to follow in his father’s footsteps and win the English Gold Cup. Probably worth putting some money on that right now.

Handicap 5 goals

Handicap 3 goals

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

2020 Teams

TEAM PROFILE

Kauri Bay Boomrock

ELLEN MORGENSTERN Handicap 0 goals

Ellen is one of a rapidly growing group of talented, strong female players making their mark in the world of polo. Ellen has represented New Zealand in an international women’s test match, but is equally at home in a mixed team.

When she’s not involved with the horses Ellen works in the family seismic engineering business.

THOMAS HUNT

HENRY JONES

JACK ARCHIBALD

This prodigiously talented Kiwi international player makes the seemingly impossible look easy and gets the best out of every pony he plays. Thomas had three NZ Open wins under his belt before he was 25 and his name is on a wealth of trophies on both sides of the Tasman and in the UK. The ultimate cool customer on and off the field.

Clevedon is a great breeding ground for international polo players and Henry is yet another.

This tall, athletic player is affectionately known as Sid the Sloth, ironically as he’s anything but. Even recovering from an early season broken leg is unlikely to slow him down this week. Henry has the advantage of riding his father Nick’s exceptional string of ponies, many destined for international stardom themselves.

The Archibald family are Australian polo royalty.

Jack and his two brothers are the beneficiaries of a legacy of playing and breeding polo ponies in the Upper Hunter Valley in NSW that goes back three generations. Jack has played professionally for 13 years and has represented Australia many times, including captaining the World Cup team in 2017.

He’s a big hitter of the ball and his strength in defence will be a key factor for this team.

Handicap 6 goals

Handicap 4 goals

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

2020 Teams

TEAM PROFILE

Glenmark

PETE DORMER

Handicap 1 goal Pete is a proud Mainlander and President of Christchurch Polo Club.

He’s won the NZ Open before and has made the long trip north with a cracking team of horses and players in a serious bid for a second win. Pete has secured the King of English polo, James Harper, for his team in this tournament, but has also previously played with a couple of real princes in the UK. There’ll be no crowning around this week. Pete’s here for the win.

LACHIE GILMORE

SAM MARTIN

JAMES HARPER

Known as Australia’s Fresh Prince of polo, this 18-year-old is heading for the stars and it’s not surprising, as he’s the son of Glen Gilmore, captain of the Australian team for more than a decade and all-round polo icon.

Lachie was the youngest ever player to represent his country when selected for the World Cup team in 2017 and he’s been on the national team since.

He impressed us here last year at his first NZ Open attempt, expect more of the same this year.

Sam is another exciting young South Island player who caught the polo bug from his father and started playing aged 12.

A member of the Hurunui Polo Club, he will be coming to this tournament fresh from getting the call up to play for New Zealand in an international test match against South Africa at Kihikihi on February 8.

This is Sam’s first NZ Open run and he’ll be thrilled to have been selected for this much-fancied team.

James’s polo credentials can be summed up by saying he’s the current captain of the England team. He achieved a lifetime ambition when winning the 2018 Gold Cup with an all-English lineup and has won the NZ Open previously too. Son Will is playing for the rival Mystery Creek team, which will make for an interesting dynamic should the two teams meet. Wife Shannon is a Kiwi, so he’s no stranger to these shores.

Handicap 4 goals

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PDL’s Olivier Ravel (front) and teammate.

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2020 Teams

TEAM PROFILE

Semco PDL

HARRY SEMENOFF

JAMES WORKER

OLLIE CUDMORE

2020 sees Clevedon local, ‘Junior’, make a fourth attempt at realising his late father’s dream of seeing the Semco PDL name on the BMW NZ Open trophy.

Narrowly defeated in last year’s final, Harry has assembled a stellar team to hopefully go one step further this year and finally hold the trophy aloft. A Semco PDL victory would be emotion charged.

There’s a heck of a party on the cards if it happens.

Another Clevedon local, James is playing in his fourth NZ Open this year and will be bringing to the field the exuberant commitment he brings to everything he does. He’s not short of skills either and has been playing extensively in Australia and New Zealand preparing for this tournament. He’s fast and well mounted. If you can’t see him, you’ll definitely hear him.

Ollie’s father and grandfather both represented Australia in polo, but Ollie is now a stalwart of the English polo scene, having emigrated aged six. He first represented England in 2012 and has been a regular on the national team ever since. His career highlight was winning the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park in 2018. Ollie will be keen to add the NZ national title to his CV too as he continues towards his dream of a run in the Argentine Open at Palermo, Buenos Aires.

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Handicap 3 goals

MATIAS TORRES ZAVALETA

Handicap 6 goals

Handicap 7 goals Matias is a superstar from polo’s mecca, Argentina. A winner and Most Valuable Player in the 2017 US Open, amongst many worldwide achievements, Matias is in New Zealand for a second time, having been part of an Argentine team which played New Zealand in an international test match last year. Matias was a key part of the visitors’ success on that occasion. There’ll be a few Kiwi players looking to settle that score this NZ Open week.

BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

2020 Teams

TEAM PROFILE

Brink’s

NICK KEYTE

Handicap 4 goals One of New Zealand’s most popular players, Nick divides his time between his polo operation in Queensland, and Auckland, where he manages the van den Brink family’s large stable.

A winner of the Australian Open and the Australian Gold cup, Nick lists his highlight as winning the latter alongside cousin Thomas Hunt and partner, top Aussie female player, Indi Bennetto. You won’t see better prepared ponies than Nick’s. He’s got the tools to get the job done here.

MARK DUNCAN

Handicap 3 goals Mark, 28, fell into polo following in this Rangitikei family tradition. He clearly inherited the family skill as he’s gone on to achieve great success. Family ties are strong in this game and Mark claims his favourite times on the field have been when playing alongside his father and his two brothers. The Duncan family have a powerful string of ponies and are always well mounted.

Watch out for Mark’s favourite pony, the little grey mare Lightening who’s his pride and joy.

JONNY CODDINGTON

ANGUS MCKELVIE

Jonny has travelled the globe plying his trade as a professional player. He plays the English season from his base in Cheshire, but is also a regular in Barbados. He’s a native of Hawke’s Bay and is never happier than when spending the Kiwi summer at the farm he shares with his two brothers breeding and producing top polo ponies. Jonny will be showcasing some of these amazing ponies over this tournament, some of whom will no doubt be following him back to the UK.

McKelvie is a big name in New Zealand polo with many generations having been involved in the game and in breeding ponies at their Rangitikei base. For many years, NZ representative player Angus spent half of each year playing in the UK, where he kept a string of ponies. That has now changed, with Angus, wife Harri and their two children opting for life on the family farm. Father Ian is MP for Rangitikei, so find him on the sidelines if you’ve got some lobbying to do.

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

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Thank you to our sponsors

Special thanks The Auckland Polo Club would like to thank the vast team of volunteers who contribute to the BMW NZ Polo Open. From the timekeepers to the grounds’ volunteers beavering away night and day, there is endless effort put into this event behind the scenes. The Open could not run without the support we receive, and we wholeheartedly thank you all.

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020

MCNICOL Public Carpark

EVENT ENTRANCE

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BMW NZ Polo Magazine 2020