Waikato Branch 75th Anniversary

Hunting and Wildlife Magazine - Issue 226 - Spring 2024

Words By: Trevor Chappell

The Waikato NZDA Branch was created from an existing hunting club called the ‘Hamilton Square Circle Club’. Following a meeting with NZDA Cofounder Dr Geoffrey Orbell in August 1948, it affiliated with NZDA in September 1948 and became incorporated in 1949. Over the following years, the membership increased to more than 350 members, and in 1952, the Rotorua,Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Te Awamutu branches were formed from these Waikato members. 

Then, in 1958, the Taupo, Taumarunui and Thames Valley branches were formed once again from Waikato members who did not wish to travel long distances for meetings and activities. Again, in 1961, the Putaruru and Mangakino branches were formed, but these branches folded some years ago. 

In 1988, the branch celebrated its 40th anniversary, and the guest speaker was Dr Orbell. The year 1992 was of particular importance as it saw the opening of our current club rooms with National President Dave Hodder officiating. The following year was a sad one, with the death of founding member and National Life Member, Norman Douglas. The Waikato Branch assisted the Douglas family in auctioneering a huge range of game heads accumulated by Norman over many years whilst developing the Douglas Score System. When 1998 arrived, the Branch celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the publication of ‘The Waikato Deerstalkers – First 50 years of hunting 1948-1998'.  The editor and compiler of this great record was branch life member, Will Rickerby. 

The next 25 years saw the Waikato Branch involved in activities undertaken by most NZDA branches: training tutors for HUNTS courses, promoting the Douglas Score and training new measurers, participating in branch hunts and competitions, range shooting, opposing DOC extermination policies for game (e.g., tahr), and submissions against new firearms laws, etc. A noticeable shift in the effectiveness of NZDA came about with the appointment of a CEO; a full-time advocate to battle for hunters’ rights. 

To celebrate reaching the 75th-Anniversary milestone in the club’s history, a celebratory dinner was organised and attended by more than 90 members and guests. The evening was directed by MC Simon Hickton, current Branch President who ensured the dinner and activities ran freely and on time. A Scottish piper ensured the Royal Stag was introduced to all. The following banquet was amazing, the highlight of which was the venison casserole using 25kg of yearling venison, provided by Past President Dave Hudson. Spot prizes were drawn from such generous sponsors as Hunting & Fishing, Kilwell, Gun City, Cool Cars and Sika Lodge, Taupo.  

As Norman Douglas first introduced his scoring method for Waikato Branch use in 1949 (which was officially adopted for National Competitions in 1958), it was appropriate to hear about Norman’s life and what his varied interests were from our guest speaker, Norman’s son, Murray Douglas, who presented recent Douglas Score seminar participants with their certificates. The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the magnificent anniversary cake by Life Members - Vern Wilson, Mick Holden, Do Bull and John Voorend.  

Current National Vice President, Callum Sheridan presented 25-year badges to 13 long-standing club members. Branch Vice President, Terry Playle presented the branch trophies to the winners of the annual Antler, Horn and Tusk (AHT) and photographic competitions. The history of any club or organisation can be found on the trophies competed for annually by its members. Waikato Branch NZDA has an amazing collection of cups and shields dating back over 60 years. 

Of particular interest to all, however, was the address by NZDA CEO, Gwyn Thurlow. He outlined the coming goals/fights that members will face ahead. I also reminded attendees of the strength that the Waikato Branch brings to the Association through its outstanding leadership in HUNTS courses and outstanding instructors of the Douglas Scoring System. A surprise to many recipients was the presentation of 25-year membership badges to 13 stalwarts.  

The evening concluded with an auction of surplus African trophies (horns on shield) to raise funds for mounting an excellent set of Sambar antlers that used to belong to Norman Douglas. A great evening was had by all. 

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