The rally has been sponsored by automotive lighting manufacturer Hella for most of the events history[2] but is now unsponsored.
The first event saw Paddon take victory after a rally-long battle with Cody Crocker.
The following year former New Zealand champion Chris West took victory over Paddon and Crocker.
2011 was the first time the rally was won by a non-local with Chris Atkinson winning over Paddon.
2013 saw Paddon take his fourth win ahead of Esapekka Lappi.