Welcome to the third edition of Pheasant Tales, the newsletter of the NZGCA members.
 

 

We would like to acknowledge those good folk who have made the effort to join or rejoin the NZGCA. We would like to mention a few who have climbed on board: Waikato Gun Dog Club, The Working Spaniel Club, and the Flying Pheasant NZ team from Poronui. 
You, like everyone else, are very welcome.

 

Having said that, we have plenty of room for those who have yet to spend a minute or two on their computer. While we are on the subject of membership, we bring to your attention more benefits that have been added to the list.

 

To all membership packages we can now offer a special NZGCA price for any forms of insurance through Rothbury Insurance Brokers HB. We will send to all 2026 members details on how to take advantage of this offer.

 

For our Gold Members, we are also offering a special pair of garters. Not only are they gold in colour, but they also carry the NZGCA logo and the words ‘Gold Member’. These will be exclusive to Gold Club Members.
 

Don’t forget, all Pin Members and Gold Club Members will go in the draw to win a one-day shoot at Ngamatea Station or Lighthouse Station, with ammunition supplied. You’ll need to get a move on if you want to be in the draw, as the close-off is fast approaching!

We are still waiting for the Fish & Game Reform Bill to be presented in Parliament and following that a call for submissions. We understand the Bill will go before Parliament in July. We must be ready when our chance to look at this Bill arrives. Make sure you get your membership in so that your voice can be heard with ours. The day is coming. 

A reminder that we encourage you to report any tail injuries that occur while out hunting with your dog. The NZGCA Secretary maintains a register for such incidents, and whether new or historic, it is important that these are recorded to help support safer practices in the future.
Please send all details to Brittany at info@nzgca.com

Pre-season Driven Target Shooting is on at Bracu Estate — the perfect way to warm up ahead of the season! Hosted by Johno Smith on the Driven Range, running Thursday afternoons from 4:00pm – 6:00pm throughout March and April.
 

A great chance to sharpen your skills and enjoy the Bracu setting.

Private enquiries also welcome (Wednesday – Sunday).

Contact the Bracu Shooting Team on (09) 236 1045.

The history of Lagoon Hill Station began in 1840 when Daniel Riddiford arrived in the southern Wairarapa. He established Te Awaiti station as a large-scale sheep farming property. Lagoon Hill was one of several smaller stations that made up Te Awaiti.

 

Edward Joshua Riddiford took over Te Awaiti when Daniel passed away in 1875. Edward “The King” continued the development of the Station as well as adding properties elsewhere in the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Hutt Valley, and Wellington. When he died in 1911 the land holdings were divided between his three sons.

 

Daniel (D.H.S.) Riddiford inherited Te Awaiti. Daniel moved the centre of this farming operation to Lagoon Hill. One of his first developments in 1911 was to begin construction of the imposing wool shed. This was not completed until 1914. Built using locally milled Matai and Rimu this fine building still stands and is used to this day. It has become the key landmark on the property and features in the Stations logo.

 

In 2021 the great grandson of D.H.S. Riddiford, Louis Vavasour and his wife Georgina, purchased Lagoon Hill Station. They have continued the farming heritage of the Riddiford family, but have also developed an excellent pheasant preserve. This shoot has quickly become recognized by many as one of the best run operations in NZ.

The property has geographical features that lends itself perfectly to providing quality drives to suit the expert gun as well as the enthusiast. Steep hill faces that run down into deep gulleys with an attractive mix of Native trees. Newly developed and maintained tracks allow access to some of the best pheasant terrain imaginable. Strategically placed healthy cover crops will make for a steady stream of birds over the guns. 

 

This shoot may be relatively young but the work done in getting this preserve to where it is today is a real credit to Louis and his team. The potential this preserve has is bound to be fully realized given the enthusiasm shown by all involved, and of course, a little time.

 

The shoot is hosted by the accomplished and amiable Kim Kenny, and is obviously well supported by Louis. These two combined with the Scottish skill of Gamekeeper Malcolm Sinclair has led to the Lagoon Hill shoot becoming something special. It has already been acknowledged for having the right mix of quality birds combined with a faultless hospitality package. It is this mix that is starting to bring clients back every year. It is worth noting that the social side of the shoot is centred at the majestic woolshed, the heart of the property.

All in all, a very polished final product, and one you should experience for yourself.

Lagoon Hill Station is located about 25 minutes from Martinborough, or only a 90 minute drive from Wellington.

 

Don’t be surprised or disappointed that you can’t get a peg this year at Lagoon Hill. The shoot is already fully subscribed. Bookings are open for 2027, but you will have to be quick. 

 

Your contact for information or bookings for 2027 is:

Louis Vavasour - louis@lagoonhill.nz

Lagoon Hill Station

134 Lagoon Hill Road

Tuturumuri, South Wairarapa
 

Wow, what a C.V.!

 

Malcolm Sinclair was born on The Isle of Bute. This is an island with about 6400 residents off the south west coast of Scotland. The name Bute is thought to derive from the ‘Old Irish’ word “Bot” meaning fire. This is perhaps in reference to signal fires that were built in Viking times. Makes our history look a bit weak, doesn’t it?

 

Malcolm left home at the age of 16 to take up a position as Kennel Boy at Sandringham Estate. Yes, the estate now owned by King Charles. Malcolm spent 2 years here. He next moved to Balmoral Estate also owned by the King. Here he took on the role as underkeeper in charge of looking after the Grouse and Deer. After a year of this it was on to another Estate with Royal connections. Glen Livet (well known for its whisky), and serious bird numbers. 60,000 put down each year! 

A few years here and a move again, but this time as head Gamekeeper at Logiealmond Estate. This estate dates back to medieval times. Here he worked with 3 keepers and hosted 43 shoot days each season. The focus here was on Pheasants and Partridge.

As with so many keepers, itchy feet always need scratching. So why not a serious change of scenery. Rathmoy at Hunterville was too much of a temptation to resist. But with only one season under his belt, the closure of Rathmoy shoot had Malcolm looking for another opportunity. He found it at Lagoon Hill.

 

Now with the start of his second season soon upon him, Malcolm is hard at work putting his stamp on Louis Vavasours magnificent property. Regardless of whatever the weather can throw at him, he is up and at it with dedication and enthusiasm. Lagoon Hill is shaping up to be something special.

 

Keeping Malcolm focused is his wife of 16 years, Flo. As a head Gamekeepers daughter, Flo knows what life is all about in this chosen life style. She understands how hard the Keepers work to make sure all goes well on a shoot day. It’s serious business. So serious in fact that when she was acting as a beater under her father’s direction, she had to refer to him as Mr. Morgan, certainly not Dad.

 

Malcolm and Flo have only been in NZ a short time but are looking forward to putting down roots at Lagoon Hill. They can see the potential and are enjoying working with Louis and Master of ceremonies Kim Kenny.

 

If you live in the Wellington or Wairarapa area and fancy a proper day in the country, can I suggest you get in touch with Malcolm, and join his beating or picking line-up. I think you’ll be impressed with the way it’s done at Lagoon Hill. 

 

Dickie Sansone told me he also attended Shuttleworth College just as Andy Newman (Te Konini) did. Dickie admits he attended some time before Andy, but he is quick to point out that no floristry course was available when he was there. 
 

Last-minute availability for 11th April 2026 — a 200+ bird day. With most shoots across the country already full, this is one to jump on! Accommodation options may also be available.
Contact Oli Worth on 027 236 1608 for details.