Gazley and Tait are prominent mountain running partners, and have been to both the last world rogaine champs. In addition they have been taking part in monthly after-work 3-hour "shoestring" rogaines held in the Wellington area. So have second-placed Mike Sheridan and Alan Stowell, who were 60 points back, and Ted van Geldermalsen who was third with Ray Pratt of Christchurch.
Top women were Rebecca and Rachel Smith in 4th overall with 1390. The twins are both in the NZ National Orienteering Squad, and will be competing in January. First mixed were Harriet Carr and Stuart Palmer, in 7th with 1210. There wasn't a vets category, it would have been bagged by Gazley and Tait.
But top scorer of the day was a solo participant, Phil Wood of Auckland. Wood scored 1660 points but was unofficial because he didn't have a partner. Wood hasn't declared his partner for January either, his plans are believed to include a mountain runner with an impressive record (but some injury problems) or possibly a top female elite orienteer.
Ann Kempster and Phil Kendon won the 8-hour event held at the same time with 910 points. There were 10 teams. And in the "sprint" 4-hour event, four elite orienteers finished on 680 points, with Jamie Stewart and Darren Ashmore being given the nod on finish time ahead of Karl Dravitzki and Neil Kerrison. And in a remarkable third place with 570 were Peter Watson, Doug Matheson and Peter's 11-year-old daughter Emma! There were 11 teams in the short event.
Results are on the result page.