Welcome to the February edition of Pheasant Tales. 
This publication is aimed at keeping you up to date with what is happening in the sport of Driven Shooting. Our sport. 
 - Robbie
 

I have been asked by several members who is on the Board of the NZGCA. 

Listed below is your dedicated team.

 

Bridgette Karetai (Chairperson)

Martyn Coe (Treasurer)

Wendell Phillips

Jeff Niblett

Johno Smith

Jamie Little

Malcolm Sinclair

 

The 2026 Membership Portal is open. We have renewed the format for each of our three membership categories and as promised we are adding to the list of benefits available to our members. More news on our latest addition to the list later in this newsletter.

 

A grateful thanks to those who have already renewed their membership and a warm welcome to those who have joined us for the first time.

 

For those who haven’t yet found the time to register for the new year could I ask you to make the effort and get your membership sorted. We will have some significant political issues to contend with in the near future, and your voice will be needed. Our strength lies in numbers. 

We also remind you of the fantastic opportunity to win a shoot day peg or a walkup day offered by 2 of our incredible preserves. All you have to do is join or renew your membership of the NZGCA and you are in the draw to win. 

I had a conversation with Hugh Devereaux-Mack of COLFO last week. He has passed on his thanks to those of you who took the time to make a submission on the new Arms Bill. Hugh said that despite a significant campaign he still was surprised that more folk did not choose to have their say.

 

If we don’t let the politicians know what we need when the opportunity is presented then we have no one else to blame but ourselves when they pass an act that does not work for us. 
My biggest fear is that the anti-gun lobby may have made more noise than licensed Firearm owners. 

 

We still have the Fish & Game reform and the new Wildlife act to come. 
I will try to keep you up to date with these two political topics as best I can. 

 

We are delighted to welcome Kilwell Sports as the newest addition to our growing list of respected businesses supporting members of the NZGCA.

A sincere thank you to Geoff and the entire Kilwell team for their support of our community.
 

NZGCA members can now shop directly online and enjoy an exclusive 10% member discount across the Kilwell Sports range. The dedicated NZGCA member code will be included in all upcoming membership packs.
 

Kilwell Sports offers an exceptional selection of quality equipment perfectly suited to New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle. Whether your passion is hunting, shooting, or fishing, their extensive product range ensures you are well equipped for your next adventure.

We encourage members to explore the range and take advantage of this outstanding new partnership.
 

Hawke’s Bay welcomes a new preserve — albeit one guided by very familiar and highly respected hands.
 

The closure of the Whanawhana Shoot was a sad moment for many, with some fearing it marked the end of driven gamebird shooting in the region. Few, however, were aware that the foundations for something new were already being laid following a chance meeting between Andy Newman and landowners Tom and Christen Lane.
 

Having recently acquired an outstanding property on River Road at Waiwhare, along the Napier–Taihape Road, the Lanes invited Andy to inspect the land. It did not take long for him to recognise its remarkable potential. A vast flat plateau falls away dramatically into deep gorges, framed by heavily wooded areas and natural scrub-covered faces descending toward clear, gently running streams below — quite simply, pheasant country at its finest.

An amicable partnership between landowners and gamekeeper was quickly formed, and Te Konini Shoot was born.

Transforming such an imposing landscape into a truly exceptional driven shoot would require both manpower and experience. Andy knew exactly who to call upon and soon enlisted Richard Minny to join him in bringing the vision to life.
 

Now, two of New Zealand’s most experienced gamekeepers are shaping what promises to become one of the country’s standout shoots. Twelve carefully designed drives have been created to challenge even the most accomplished guns, while remaining enjoyable and accessible for those with less experience — ensuring memorable sport for all.

Drive names such as The Orchard, Gilmore’s Point, The Colosseum, and Mahanga may, in time, earn the same reverence spoken of legendary drives like Rangiora, Totara Gorge, The Castle, and The Burn. Only time will tell.

One certainty, however, is that few will enjoy Te Konini more than the beaters. Rumour suggests standard footwear may well become carpet slippers — a prospect many, myself included, look forward to testing.
 

Andy is quick to acknowledge the tremendous support received from the shooting fraternity. He is deeply appreciative of those who have placed their trust in the venture, booking days based solely on reputation and word of mouth.
 

Special recognition also goes to Beth Wilson, whose tireless work behind the scenes ensures the business side of the operation runs smoothly.
 

Interest in Te Konini has been strong, and available pegs are filling quickly. Those wishing to secure a place would be wise to act promptly.
 

Shoot Enquiries & Vacancies:
Beth Wilson
📞 027 449 0780
✉️ Tekoninishoot@newmansporting.com

The day I visited Te Konini, the great man Richard Minny was away on a well- earned day off, after carrying a heavy load while Andy was swanning around England. I intend to sneak up on Richard at a later date and see if I can prise a word or two out of him.

 

Having said that, asking the personal questions of Andy was far from second best. He is leading a life packed with interest as are most Gamekeepers I have met. They are all hardworking dedicated folk who don’t really like talking about themselves.

 

Andy was born in the village of Clifton in Bedfordshire, England. He was schooled at the Samuel Whitbread Community College. Following his time here he moved on to Shuttleworth College to study Gamekeeping and Conservation. I did a check on this College and discovered that they also offer a course on floristry (flower arranging)…
 Someone may like to follow up on this with Andy. It may explain a thing or two.

Andy’s passion for gamebirds is down to genetics. Both his father and grandfather reared and released 500 ducks and pheasants each year. He couldn’t escape it.Part of the course at Shuttleworth College required a 6-month placement at a local shoot. Andy did his time at Toddington Manor. A name that sounds a bit like something out of “The Wind In The Willows”.

 

After graduation he moved to Hexton Manor in Hertfordshire. Here he was employed as an underkeeper and lived in a caravan without the luxuries of either electricity or water. Hexton Manor put down around 40,000 pheasants each year. This kept Andy busy with little spare time. It was here that Andy met the lovely Louise. This meant he had no spare time.

 

4 years as underkeeper followed by 4 years as headkeeper, and it was time for a change of scenery. Off to North Wales he went to spend 2 seasons at the Mold shoot. While working here he received an email from Jeff Niblett and shortly thereafter an invitation and a job offer here in NZ. Apparently, his father Roger was dead against the move. Now, we here in the Hawkes' Bay, have the pleasure of Rogers company for several weeks a year. 
Not such a bad move on Andy’s part, don’t you think, Roger?

 

Andy gained experience in NZ conditions at Whanawhana, Highland View, Olrig Station, back to Whanawhana, and now to Te Konini.  It’s been 10 years since he and Lou arrived in NZ, and I think all who have come into contact with Andy have recognized that not only is he a good bloke but he has become a damn fine Keeper.

 

I’m sure all members of the NZGCA family wish Andy, Lou, and their two sons Oscar and Theo all the best for their new venture. 

 

I’ll catch up with Richard one day. 

Chris Quinn currently has a quality litter of 7-week-old Working English Springer Spaniel pups available, ready for their new homes from next week.
 

Available pups:
• 1 × Male — Liver & White
• 1 × Female — Black & White
• 2 × Males — Black & White

 

For further details or enquiries, please contact:

Chris Quinn
📞 027 429 6378