New Zealand Day 2025 - Jake Kreilick, Missoula Youth Rugby & Maddy Gilbert, Arts Missoula

The Trail Lunchbox: New Zealand Day – A Celebration of Sister Cities, Rugby & Community

Today's Trail Lunchbox features a live in-studio conversation with Maddy Gilbert from Arts Missoula and Jake Kreilick of Missoula Youth Rugby, hosted by Mike Smith.

Listen as they talk about Missoula’s 42-year sister city connection with Palmerston North, New Zealand — from university exchange roots to modern-day cultural partnerships. The episode dives into the details of this year’s New Zealand Day celebration happening Saturday, June 14th at Fort Missoula Regional Park:

Event Highlights Include:

• 12:30–2:00 PM: Dedication of a new carved Sister City bench at the Bitterroot Shelter (south end near the tennis courts), honoring the long-standing civic friendship between Missoula and Palmerston North.
• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Free touch rugby clinic for kids (no contact!) hosted by the Missoula Maggots.
• 2:00–5:00 PM: Community touch rugby games on the multi-use fields — all are welcome to jump in.
• New Zealand-style ice cream from local favorite Chur Ice Cream (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).
• Croquet on the lawn, a classic Kiwi pastime.
• 5:00 PM: Free community cookout at the Missoula Maggots Clubhouse (3500 South Ave W).

Plus, hear about the meaningful connections between the Māori and Salish-Kootenai communities, the upcoming student exchange with St. Peter’s College in Palmerston North, and why keeping international friendships alive matters more than ever.

It’s local. It’s global. It’s all Trail.

 🎧 Listen now — and then join the celebration.
 Full details at ArtsMissoula.org