NZDA History
NZDA is overseen and governed by an elected board of volunteers, referred to as the National NZDA Board (formerly National Executive or "Natex" for short).

National President

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Craig Benbow National President
Malvern Branch
E: craig.benbow@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2020.

This past month has gone very quickly and I am rushing about trying to do all the household jobs I should have done long ago before heading to Te Anau for our briefing with the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on Friday and Saturday morning we will hopefully be on the ground in Charles Block.

There continues to be a high load of meetings and responses needed from NZDA to various issues and we are engaging in those as well as various parts of the organisation attempting to put together coordinated and cooperative programmes for the benefit of both members and the environment. Stay tuned, there will be more on this in the next couple of months. It is fair to say it is taking considerable time for board members and many others to bring things together and I just want to thank all those who are working hard to get things going on the ground.

Tahr Control Plan 24/25

Likewise Bruce Hansen, Gwyn and myself have been involved in responding to the draft Tahr Control Plan for 2024/25 and there is more work continuing in that area as well. Progressing access issues, reminder to anyone who has a strong interest or special skills, we are seeking nominees for the National Access Committee!, and getting more understanding of where the blockages lies has been another work stream we are strongly pursuing as well.

Personal Hunting Efforts

Richard Wells and I spent last weekend looking over quite a chunk of one corner of Molesworth station first in the snow and then beating sun.

We saw a few animals and a lot of healthy country but were unsuccessful. Richard has been more successful further south and had a great trip he will share with you I am sure.

Membership Renewals

The start of the month saw us kick off the renewal of memberships and thank you to all that have paid their invoices and provided the funding to NZDA to keep doing the great work both in branches and nationally. Its not hard to see where the value comes from and there are significant benefits to being part of our organisation so if you are feeling the pinch like the rest of us do consider what you can access and what being a part of NZDA means to the future of hunting in New Zealand. I urge you to help us protect your rights and don't miss the chance to win big in our prize draw that closes at the end of March.

The Roar 2024

It is now the Roar, we have hunters out all over the country and many many more to join in activities over the Easter weekend. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable journey where ever you venture but remind you all to follow the seven rules of firearms safety at all times, keep your firearms and ammunition secure and take care of those around you. Make sure the kids have a nice experience if you are taking them away and remember your loved ones are waiting for your safe return so maybe have a Hmmm if you are looking at something a bit of a stretch! Have a wonderful long weekend and take lots of images, talk plenty of nonsense and refill your batteries with the outdoors.

Vice President

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Callum Sheridan Vice President
Auckland Branch
E. callum.sheridan@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2022. Previously North Island rep 2020-2022. 

NZDA Douglas Score Sub – Committee

This month we have seen the first meeting held, it was extremely positive with some clear initiatives raised and set in motion- the work is finally starting. I encourage all Douglas scorers/members from around the country to touch base with myself or any of our committee should they have questions or want to talk about anything specific. I’m looking forward to seeing the progression of the Douglas score within the NZDA.

National Competitions

It’s a busy time of year for hunters with the year finally getting into the swing of things and then a little thing called the Roar/Rut, members would have received their membership invoices so please make sure you have renewed before heading into the hills in search of trophies, for all NZDA competitions you must be a financial member at the time of taking a game animal trophy, a photograph or participating in a competitive shooting event to be eligible for entry.

Not to mention the fantastic prize worth 10K for renewing your membership this year.

Goat Competition 2024

Last years goat competition in collaboration with DOC and supported by federated farmers was a great success, NZDA Is supportive of this happening again in 2024, most likely bigger and better, a few branches missed out on becoming Hubs last year as we tested the waters, this sort of competition is a true nationwide hunting and conservation sector collaboration. Keep your eyes peeled for further details.

The Roar and Safety

I wish all our members the best of luck over the next month or so, safety should be front of mind, look after yourself and your mates, be aware of other hunters, wear blaze, identify your target beyond all doubt and keep within your capabilities on the hill, No meat (or antler) is better than no mate.

National Treasurer

Position Vacant, no member was elected at our 2023 AGM.

National Secretary

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John Taylor National Secretary
Hutt Valley Branch
E. john.taylor@deerstalkers.org.nz

Appointed November 2023.

North Island Rep

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Tim Taylor North Island Rep
Bay of Plenty Branch
E. tim.taylor@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2022.

Tim Taylor March Report

As we get into the thick of the season, I’m wishing you and your loved ones all the best for safe and successful hunting trips. 2024 is turning into a very productive year for me with several hunts, HUNTS courses, Range Officer Training, and Board commitments fast filling up my spare time. Earlier in the year I had the pleasure of attending a weekend of the first Northland HUNTS Course up near Kerikeri. It’s fair to say that Northland hasn’t seen much from National representatives over the years, so it was a pleasure to spend a bit of time getting to know a few of the members and generally enjoying the typical exchange of information that happens at all HUNTS courses.  

Another enjoyable exchange of ideas happened at our second online Branch Workshop in March.

Liz Wightwick from the North Canterbury Branch generously shared her expertise in the field of Governance, and I believe everyone took something away. We’re still working out the kinks of technology but as we get better, I’m looking forward to welcoming more Branch representatives to these meetings. They’re a great way to share ideas, catchup, and cost absolutely nothing. Upcoming Workshops:

  • April 30th hosted by Craig Benbow on the topic of our National Constitution
  • May 29th hosted by Richard Wells on the topic of our new Access Subcommittee
  • June 26th hosted by Callum Sheridan on the topic of Branch Development.

Practising river crossing skills on the only flowing river in Northland in February

 

North Island Rep

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Trevor Gratton North Island Rep
Hutt Valley Branch
E. Trevor.gratton@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2023.

South Island Rep

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Richard Wells South Island Rep
Nelson Branch
E. richard.wells@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2022.

Richard Wells March Report

It is autumn hunting time with all the opportunities and joy this can bring to those prepped, planned and ready to go. The great safety advice coming from NZDA, GAC, MSC and other agencies saves me repeating it all…but come home safe!

I have spent the last 10 days on a road trip through the South Island and hunted Molesworth in Marlborough as well as the Blue Mountains and Pisa Range in Otago. I had 2 full days hunting on each block and saw between 10 and 20 deer on each. Of interest is that these were all ballot blocks and all different in nature.

 Molesworth is a “first past the post” registration system (not really a ballot) with block availability variable as the area is mostly a working farm and stock needs are a part of the picture. The week-long permits run right through the weekend which helps hunters who work all weekdays. This means up at midnight pressing the keyboard!

The Blueys are short period (2-3 days) ballot and access also has to be permitted across the PAE to the RHA within the working exotic forest. Otago branch manage the forest access gate codes very well. And finally, the Wanaka blocks are balloted and are week-long permits similar to the West Coast.

PAE Information in the Blue Mountains at turnoff to Armstrong block.

All the DOC offices are friendly and helpful in these processes at Invercargill, Renwick and Wanaka and a big thanks to the teams that help administer these processes (shout out to the Haast office too!). However, the different processes make it complex and easy for applicants to get confused. Also, this year I had my first typo on a permit with the wrong month which technically meant I would have been outside the law if at the last minute I hadn’t noticed the error, sought, and received a corrected one (check your permit carefully!!). DOC are currently reviewing permit systems, and I will be helping test drive for them.

Young Marcel rightly pleased with his first venison haul (and a big one).

Finally, on my last few days in the Pisa I had the opportunity to help a new young hunter (and Otago NZDA member) to shoot his first deer…two in fact, and we had a big day butchering and carrying out all the 8 legs and 4 back-steaks. It was great fun to be a part of that with him!

South Island Rep

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Ian Owen South Island Rep
South Canterbury Branch
E. Ian.owen@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2017.

Appointed Board Member

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Ash Foley Appointed Board Member
Rakaia Branch
E. Ash.foley@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2023.

Appointed Board Member

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Brian Ferris Appointed Board Member
Auckland Branch
E. Brian.ferris@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2023.

Appointed Board Member

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Willy Iglesias Appointed Board Member
Auckland Branch
E. Willy.iglesias@deerstalkers.org.nz

Elected 2023.