Welcome to the first publication of what I hope to be a regular newsletter, covering everything that’s happening in the sport of Driven Shooting here in NZ. You deserve to be informed.
I am Robbie Danks. I have been involved in our sport for over 20 years. I started in the Beating Line before I got demoted to the role of Minder at Tuna Nui. I have also appeared in a range of roles at a number of different Preserves around the country. Since I am retired, both Wendell and Bridgette have decided I have plenty of free time and as a result I am now involved with the NZGCA in a liaison / communications position.
Therefore, if there’s anything you need help with, or information about, in regards to NZGCA activities, then I am your first point of contact. Should be fun!
- Robbie
We are launching a renewed push to rebuild our membership base to — and beyond — the strong levels seen in 2019 and 2020. Growing our membership is critical for the work we do, and for the strength of our collective voice. We’ll outline why this matters, and what it enables, further in this newsletter.
If you have not yet joined or renewed your membership for 2026, now is the time.
Membership starts from just $30, and includes a range of valuable benefits and incentives designed to support and reward our members.
Together, a strong and engaged membership ensures the NZGCA remains effective, representative, and influential.
PLUS all 2026 Pin Members & Gold Members will go into the draw to win a free shoot day!
Submissions on the new Arms Bill is still open. If you have not downloaded the COLFO Submissions guide and Template and made a submission, can I please ask that you do so. It is important that as many submissions as possible are sent in.
The Fish & Game reform is due out shortly. Read Jeff’s report on this a little further down in this newsletter. The rewrite of the Wildlife Act is still some way off. I will let you know more as soon as I get more intel on this.
News out of Australia is not good. The Prime Minister wants to introduce a $1 billion firearms buy back. State Governments are less keen on the idea. We will keep an eye on this. There are also moves afoot to limit individual ownership of firearms to a maximum of four. Here in NZ the latest I have heard is a maximum limit of three.
The above are examples of the very reason why we need a strong membership with a strong voice to either support or denounce whatever is placed before us.
The Minister for Hunting & Fishing, James Meager, has signalled significant reforms to the way Fish & Game operates. The Government is preparing a new standalone Act for Fish & Game. Under the proposed structure, regional Councils will retain local decision making, but the NZ Council will gain a stronger authority to set National policy. Policy made at this level will have to be followed by all regions. The goal is simple: better outcomes for all license holders and a more consistent, effective organization nationwide. --
Jeff emphasizes that as this and other reforms progress our voice will matter. Any changes to how Upland Game Preserves operate must reflect the needs and experience of those on the ground. You will need to be ready to respond and make submissions when the time comes.
The Sika Show of 2025 was very successful for the NZGCA. An awful lot of people were exposed to our brand and wanted to know more about what we do. We were able to talk again to the likes of Nicole McKee MP; author of the new Arms Bill, and Corina Jordan, the CEO of the NZ Game Animal Council. They were as interested in us as we were in them. Good connections made. Best of all we met a number of hunters we would not normally get to make contact with. We are chuffed to announce we signed up over 40 new members. We can’t wait to be part of the Sika Show 2026.
We at the NZGCA are keen to begin collecting information on working dog tail injuries. We would welcome any input and ideas on what the database should include.
If you have a working gun dog with an injured tail then please email us with the date of injury, a photo of the injury and small description in the first instance.
Email our Secretary, Brittany at info@nzgca.com
NORTHMERE, WHANGAREI: Charlie reports all is going to plan. Birds are all happy.
LIGHTHOUSE STATION: 3 new drives being prepared. All progressing nicely.
TOTARA LODGE: Stu is expecting an excellent season.
PORONUI: Gamekeepers Ben Harris and Ross Fitzgerald-Lyons have been busy with rearing pheasant chicks on the field at Poronui. They have also been getting release sites ready for the poults to be released this week. They are also looking forward to welcoming new keeper Charlie Dean from Cirencester, England.
TE KONINI: Andy, Richard, and the team are very busy preparing a new shoot. They are excited about the coming season.
We have set up a new FREE Peg Vacancy Page under ‘MEMBERS’ on our website. This is where both Preserves and Members can list any vacancy for any particular Shoot Day. This is purely a matchmaker page. If you see a vacancy, you can be directed to whoever listed it. If you, as a gun, are unable to attend a pre-booked shoot, we ask that you contact the Preserve, in the first instance, before listing the vacancy. If you attract a replacement gun, please talk to the Preserve concerned as they have the final say in who may Shoot on their property. Don’t forget to advise the NZGCA when the vacancy has been filled so we may remove the advertisement from the page. Remember this is a FREE SERVICE.
Over the coming monthly newsletters, we’ll be shining a spotlight on one of our preserves. This month, we’re delighted to feature the exceptional Lighthouse Station.
Lighthouse Station is located at the top of the Awhitu Peninsula, overlooking the southern entrance to the Manukau Harbour. This stretch of water is notoriously dangerous and was the site of New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster, when HMS Orpheus ran aground in 1863, resulting in the loss of 189 lives. A lighthouse was first built on the site in 1874 and was the first in New Zealand to burn kerosene. The original lighthouse was decommissioned in 1986, with the current structure rebuilt in 2006.
The 600-hectare property was purchased by James and Stephanie Kellow in 2018. At the time, it operated as a dairy farm. From the outset, they set about transforming the land into what is now an award-winning beef and wildlife operation. Recognising the unique geography of the station, they also saw its perfect potential to support another of James’ passions — driven shooting.
An enormous amount of work has been, and continues to be, undertaken across the property. More than 300,000 plantings have been strategically established to create wildlife corridors and reduce erosion. Extensive stock-proof fencing has enabled the development of vital habitat for native fauna, while new wetlands have been created, providing important environments for species such as the grey duck.
Each year, large numbers of pheasants are released to thrive alongside an impressive range of other birdlife, including partridge, guinea fowl, quail, turkeys — and even a few emus.
Overseeing the operation is an outstanding team of experienced professionals. Manager and Head Keeper Jamie Little brings over 25 years of wildlife management and conservation experience, much of it gained in Scotland. He is supported by two new keepers, Charles and Joe, who have recently arrived from the UK. Guests are warmly welcomed by front-of-house team members Natalie, Becky, and Brittany, while standout chef Abraham (affectionately known as Bob) delivers exceptional meals using home-grown lamb, beef, venison, and gamebirds. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of beaters, pickers, and loaders ensure every shoot runs seamlessly.
Lighthouse Station is renowned for producing some of the most challenging birds in the world. A wide variety of drives are offered — from instinctive shooting in native bush to high, curling birds driven from mixed crops on the plateaus above. All of this takes place against the dramatic backdrop of the Tasman Sea. Three new drives introduced this year are sure to excite even the most seasoned visitors.
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A typical shoot day includes:
Meet & greet with the shoot team, light breakfast, safety briefing, and plan for the day
Two drives with refreshments in between, followed by ‘11s’ prepared by Chef Bob
Three further drives, before returning to the lodge for a superb three-course meal (Guests can then relax while staff clean guns and prepare birds for takeaway)
New B&B accommodation is now available for those wishing to stay before or after a shoot, and for those wanting to extend their experience, Lighthouse Station also offers back-to-back shoot days. There is even a sporting clay facility featuring replica grouse butts, English-style partridge over hedges, and a high pheasant stand — offering plenty of variety. --
Bookings at Lighthouse Station fill quickly, so early enquiry is recommended.
Each month, we’ll be introducing you to the Keeper(s) behind our Preserves. As you can imagine, they are all exceptionally busy at this time of year, preparing everything for what we hope will be the best season yet. This month, we’re pleased to feature Chris Quinn.
Chris was born and raised in rural County Down, Northern Ireland, alongside his two brothers. After leaving school, he trained as a plumber, but after spending too much time crawling through roof spaces installing air-conditioning units, he decided it wasn’t the career for him. A brief stint as a tyre fitter followed, before Chris came to the realisation that fixing punctures wasn’t quite the glamorous lifestyle he had in mind either.
Growing up in rural Ireland meant teenagers had to create their own entertainment. Chris and his brothers began rearing and releasing around 200 pheasants each year on a neighbouring property, providing shooting opportunities throughout the season. Ducks came first, followed by pheasants, then snipe and woodcock, with wood pigeons also on offer. Spare time was often spent beating at local shoots, and it was through pheasant rearing that Chris began to seriously consider a life as a gamekeeper.
Formal gamekeeping schools were based in England, which didn’t appeal, so Chris looked further afield. After watching NZ Gamebirds Facebook posts and hearing of New Zealand through his brothers’ seasonal work here, he reached out to Jeff and Bridgette about potential opportunities. That initiative paid off.
Chris arrived in New Zealand on a 12-month working visa, just in time for the rearing season. What was initially intended as short-term work quickly turned into something more. He found his place within the role, and the Kiwi lifestyle suited him well — particularly the firm handshake when meeting someone (try it, he genuinely appreciates it).
One year turned into several. Two three-year work visas followed, culminating in a successful residency application. Citizenship is now on the horizon.
After the rearing season, Chris was promoted to Gamekeeper at one of our syndicate shoots, a role he held for seven years. Seeking a change, he then joined the team at Poronui Station, where he spent three years gaining further experience. In 2026, Chris returns to a sole-charge Keeper position at a syndicate shoot — bringing his journey full circle.
Once you adjust to the Irish accent, you’ll find Chris to be knowledgeable, welcoming, and fiercely dedicated to his work. Shake his hand, and if you shout him an Asahi, you may well have made a friend for life.
That brings us to the end of this edition of the newsletter. We hope you’ve found it informative and engaging. If you have any news, updates, or images you’d like to share in future editions, please email us at info@nzgca.com
And finally — don’t forget to join or renew your NZGCA membership.
