Relive the best of Kaitāia's Wheels of Mayhem! Classic cars, fond memories, and details on the upcoming Open Air Display on 14 November 2026.

There’s something about watching grown adults cry into baby wipes that really brings a community together. I arrived just after 5pm at the Waipapakauri Hotel garden bar, and the place was buzzing. The sun was out, the energy was high, and the kids' sour lolly competition was already underway. Dozens of tamariki, faces set with determination, hands planted firmly on the table, powering through round after round of lip-puckering lollies. It felt like watching a mini army of sugar warriors. I swear, some of these kids had trained for this moment. As I stood there, surrounded by whānau cheering and laughing, I had a feeling: we were witnessing the next generation of chilli comp legends in the making.