Following the resignation of Kevin Duckworth and on his recommendation it was an honoured to fill the position of interim NI Vice President.
A Kiwi by birth, I lived in US northwest for thirteen years returning with the family to New Zealand in 1973. I was brought up in a hunting environment before marrying in 1975 to a hunter who is also a competition scoped rifle competitor. We have two children and five grandchildren.
For the last 14½ years I have been an employee of the South Waikato District Council and currently hold the position of Personal Assistant to the Services Manager.
In May 2003 I took on the role of Treasurer of the Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex and in June that year became the Newsletter Editor.
July 2003 filled the vacant role of Secretary/Treasurer for the NZDA South Waikato Branch and won the NZDA Administrator of the Year National Award in 2004.
In August 2005 took on the position as Secretary of the NZDA Shooting Development Committee.
Hunting has always been a big part of our family life. I have been a hunting widow on many occasions and used to the kitchen being a butcher’s shop. I continue to be the chief bagger and labeller of venison which goes into the freezer every year. Our home has also become the local meeting place especially in the roar when it is full of hunters during the whole month of April. It is normal to house 2-4 hunters for a couple of weeks during this time. The living room is the trophy room with 1 Tahr, 2 Chamois, 1 Sika and 2 Red mounts and not to mention a set of Texas long horns passed down by a grandfather.
In recent years became more involved in shooting competitions, which include Central and Waikato Regionals, Waikato Prize Shoots, North Island Championships and the National Shooting Week by providing assistance with scoring, collation of results and ensuring the necessary information had been sent to National Office and competitors.
Attended the 2006 Pacific Regional Shooting Championships held in Brisbane and recently became the Manager for the Scoped Rifle Team competing in November at the 2008 Championships. I am also involved in the upgrade of the Tokoroa shooting Range where the 2010 Champion will be held. These upgrades will also be beneficial to all shooters and hunters alike for years to come.
I am totally against the use of 1080 and hate the cruel and inhumane death it causes. The Government continues to spend millions of dollars on 1080 which is causing a devastating effect on our native wildlife; and not to mention the continued loss of domestic animals.
This deadly toxin must be banned before New Zealand’s native birds and unique wildlife is driven to extinction and the bush becomes a silent world.
I have only been on the National Executive for four months and have gained a greater understanding of the organisation. In this time I have also come to the conclusion the allegations against certain National Executive members have been unfounded. Damage is being done to the Association by a handful of people who continue to fuel the fire. In my opinion the National Executive Committee are doing an excellent job and should be supported by the members and not chastised. It is time to let go of the past and move on, this is imperative for the future of the Association.
My aim would be to represent the entire country, a voice for all members and provide beneficial input to the National Executive. If successful I look forward to being part of a strong growing Association and continue to fight against 1080 for the next twelve months.
Thank you.
© 2011 New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association