OUR STORY
We’re delighted to introduce the Kiwi Super Classics, a dynamic new high-octane showcase brimming with competition, entertainment and shopping. Kevin Hansen and his dedicated, seasoned team at Manawatu Equestrian have curated an event offering top prize money across all levels over three action-packed days. Great care is being invested into the footing across the five outdoor arenas, comprising three grass and two sand surfaces.
Between the showjumping, the atmosphere will be electric with entertainment, including two nights of Professional Bull Riding and a strong contingent of riders making the trip across the Tasman. The full schedule will be released shortly on evoevents.co.nz. This is set to be the place to be — make sure you’re part of it.
MEET THE TEAM
Kevin Hansen -
Event Director
When Kevin Hansen came up with the idea for the 2025 Kiwi Super Classic, he had bigger ambitions in mind. He wanted excellent competition, strong prizemoney and an event that would draw spectators. Now, in 2026, that vision is growing into a three show tour spanning Manawatu and Marlborough.
The Kiwi Super Classics opens at Manfeild from 2 to 4 April, before heading to Blenheim for shows from 9 to 11 April and 17 to 18 April. The two South Island shows will be run by the experienced Marlborough Showjumping Group under the guidance of Helen Ensor.
Competition will be held in star classes, giving riders plenty of opportunities to compete for top prizemoney.
“I want to bring our New Zealand showjumping back to life with exciting classes featuring world-class course designers,” says Hansen. “To do this does take money, and we are relying on good sponsorship, but events like this are a win-win for all. I encourage all riders to take part in the tour, the Aussies have said they’re keen so let’s make this happen.”
Diana Dobson -
Communications Manager
Leading the communications for the Kiwi Super Classics is Diana Dobson, a globally published journalist, photographer and media manager.
Based in Gisborne, she has built a career with a major focus on elite sport. She has served as press attaché for the New Zealand Olympic Committee at three Olympic Games – Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 – working across a wide range of sports including equestrian. Dobson has also held key media roles at Commonwealth Games, World Championships (equestrian) and other major events such as EQUITANA Melbourne, the Takapoto Classic and the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show.
Her experience also extends beyond sport. As communications lead for Tairāwhiti Civil Defence, Dobson has coordinated media responses during regional emergencies, ensuring vital information reaches affected communities. She also managed communications for the $23.7m Tairāwhiti Economic Support Package liaising with government, stakeholders and the public.
Through her company, The Black Balloon, Dobson provides media management, content creation and photography services across editorial, advertorial and corporate sectors.
Leopoldo Palacios -
Course Designer
Leopoldo Palacios is known around the world as a master of his craft. The international course designer has created innovative tracks for the Olympic Games, Spruce Meadows, World Championships and World Cup finals, among many other major events.
Originally from Venezuela, Leopoldo is one of the most sought-after course designers in the sport. When Kevin Hansen invited him to design for the Kiwi Super Classics, he did not hesitate to say yes.
Leopoldo’s understanding of the horse and rider comes from his own years in the saddle. He competed internationally from the mid-1950s through to the 1980s and was twice named Venezuela’s Rider of the Year.
He grew up in a horse-loving family in Caracas and began riding at nine, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jesús Eduardo, who was already a celebrated international rider. Leopoldo has designed in New Zealand several times, including at the Horse of the Year Show under Kevin’s watch.
Kevin is delighted to have secured him for the tour. “We wanted the best for our riders,” he says. “To excel on the world stage, they need to be exposed to top course designers, and having Leopoldo here for all three shows is just brilliant.”
![helen ensor IMG_3706[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/214781_6cfb6f1394264d8f9cc7506d6ca0eeeb~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_6,y_11,w_352,h_358/fill/w_220,h_224,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/helen%20ensor%20IMG_3706%5B1%5D.jpg)
Helen Ensor -
Marlborough Event Director
Decades of involvement with horses have taught Helen Ensor a few things. One of the most important is that nothing changes if you stay on the sidelines.
Helen joined the Marlborough Showjumping Committee when she was 16. Having recently celebrated her 71st birthday, she may well hold a record for length of service.
“I have a real passion for showjumping and competing, and now I’m able to give back. We are all trying to improve showjumping, and here in Marlborough we have this amazing park where we can run these events.”
The park has been developed by a small, dedicated committee on land made available by the council. What was once a single lucerne paddock is now an established venue. Its large oval accommodates two arenas, while a sand arena hosts Show Hunter and another area has room for two full-sized dressage arenas.
“We have a wonderful president in Dean Nichols, who is incredibly dedicated to the whole sport,” Helen says. Dean and Helen’s partner, Pete, are both on the park committee. They have planted avenues of established trees and continue to work on the grounds and footing.
“So much work has gone into the park, and it really shows. The whole place looks phenomenal.”