The Progress Valley POSSUM PICKERS

The Progress Valley Possum Pickers was originally started in 1981 over a few drinks and afterwards they decided to enter the NZ Gold Guitar Awards gaining a Highly Commended placing in old possum fur waistcoats and even at one stage having a pet possum, they were known throughout Southland and Otago as a good, fun band. They went on to win the NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year Award in 1982 and since then have continued to enjoy countless gigs in woolsheds, barns and country halls and still enjoy the odd rum or two.

Over the years, members have changed, the original band consisted of Peter Hayes, Steven Hayes, Lindsay Broad, Barrie Gill, Alfie Pope and Rae Cavanagh. Unfortunately Barrie and Rae have all passed on but the band still continues to thrive. Being a family oriented band, it only stands to reason that members families also feature in the Possum Pickers at various times. Rae's husband, Robin, who now resides in Australia, joined the band along with Steven's wife, Marylyn. other members were Denise Hayes (NZ Trucking Award winner), Keith McLean, Beverley Hayes, Kristie Broad, Nicky Pope, Sharon & Paul Bruce, Carol Hayes, Kelsi, Graydon & Lachlan Hayes. 

Raes's stlye of South Catlins largaphone playing has made a unique addition to the Possum Pickers sound. Rae insisted that she did not like the normal style of playing and invented her own style which she taught to some other band members so it was preserved.