Congratulations to everyone involved in HUNTS, this past year, all the instructors, assessors, coordinators, assistants and supporters. Thank you for your valued expertise, your hard work and commitment to HUNTS. We can be very proud that over the three-year JFN period ending in August, and subsequent months we have graduated 1,213 trainees from HUNTS courses. The collective volunteer hours given is huge and humbling. Your efforts are not taken for granted so once again, thank you.
I do not underestimate the value of HUNTS, as it is a hugely successful and worthwhile programme which delivers an array of substantial benefits to people and our communities. Without question, HUNTS significantly improves quality of life in terms of passion for the outdoors and hunting. It also makes a significant contribution to overall public safety and New Zealand’s conservation efforts and outcomes.
We must also thank and acknowledge our supporters, especially Stoney Creek who have continued to provide hi vis for all our trainees which we really do appreciate. Also thank you to Swazi, NIOA, Go Native, AMPRO and Red Cross for your ongoing support.
Additional good news, last week, we received news from Clubs and Ranges that all NZDA shooting ranges have been issued with a certificate. This is heartening for range shooters and HUNTS courses. We are keeping a watchful eye on developments with the Arms (Shooting Clubs and Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill after our NZDA and HUNTS Trust submissions. We would like to see provision for a temporary HUNTS course range to be set up without administrative burden and we will continue to advocate for this.
Finally, a personal thanks to Gwyn for his unwavering support for HUNTS and the work we do, the NZDA Executive for continuing to back HUNTS, Rob and the HUNTS Advisory group for your advice and guidance, Alex for all the work you do in National Office to support both the HUNTS and Range Officer programmes and Paddy who’s expertise is hugely valued by me and the HUNTS programme.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Xmas and New Year and I look forward to working with you all again next year.
Mike Spray
National Programme Manager HUNTS
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