August 2010 Presidents Ramble

I recently went to the Dinsdale pub to view the entries for the Dinsdale Hunting Club's hunting competition and from the line up of deer and pigs; hunting within the greater Hamilton/Waikato area is definitely alive and kicking. A large amount of money was raised for charity as a result of this competition, so all credit to them for organising a very successful event.

The NZDA National Conference was held early July and five of us from the branch headed down to Palmerston North to fulfill both AHT Competition and branch delegate duties. The theme for conference this year was based around the Sambar deer and there was certainly some impressive heads on display. A couple of things that came out of conference was that investment money of approx $18,000 lost as part of an investment made in a failed company was generously covered by Mark Dunajtschik. Once the offer from Mark was tabled and accepted, it put paid to any pre conference "bickering" that had been doing the rounds. Also laid bare at the start of conference was again some of the "crap" that had been circulated to branches, which fortunately got sorted early and everyone then settled down to conference business.

Another plus to come out of conference was the announcement from Stoney Creek of their new association with the HUNT's course. Part of this is the promotion of the HUNT's course through Stoney Creek's outlets/web site/trade displays etc. Also announced was that each successful HUNT's course graduate will receive Stoney Creek products and a voucher.

Also for those that have won a trophy/award in this years Branch AHT and Photographic competitions, their trophies and certificates are available for collection from the club rooms.

Hot Barrels and Tight Lines

John.