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Notice Board | Issue 215

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Nov 13, 2025

Noticeboard

 

DINZ Board Observer applications open for 2026 

DINZ is currently taking applications for the Board Observer role for 2026. A board observer typically sits in on board meetings and provides input but does not have the voting rights of a board director. 

The role would suit someone who is interested in leadership/governance opportunities in the New Zealand deer industry; has experience or interest in the deer industry in some capacity; can add value to discussions and topics for deliberation; is available to attend the five annual DINZ Board meetings, along with some out-of-session meetings; and can demonstrate a career progression that would indicate a commitment to further career development. 

Applications close 14 November 2025, with the selection process then leading to the successful candidate inducted to the DINZ Board in February 2026. 

For more information: Notification of vacancy – DINZ Board Observer  

 

2026 Elections and Appointments

Next year several NZDFA positions will be vacant by rotation: 

  • Two Executive Committee members
  • Two Selection and Appointments Panel (SAP) members
    One DINZ Board director

Key dates are as follows:

  • 12 February: Nominations for positions open (published in DFA Stagline, eNews, Deer Industry News)
  • 2 April: Nominations close
  • 21 April - 5 May: Voting period for Executive Committee and SAP positions
  • 13 May: Election results announced, DINZ Board candidates address the NZDFA AGM (5 minutes each)
  • 9 and/or 10 June: DINZ Board candidate interviews. Successful candidate informed.
  • 22 July: Successful appointee attends DINZ Board meeting

More information will be available in 2026.

 

You’re Welcome! 

An email received from the Tauranga Boys College top Senior Agricultural and Horticultural Science student for 2025.

 

Dear Mr Fung,

I am writing to sincerely thank you for awarding me the NZ Deer Industry Trophy and the $200 prize for placing first in Level 3 Agricultural and Horticultural Science. It is an honour to be recognised by the New Zealand Deer Industry, and I greatly appreciate your support of students in agricultural studies.

Your generosity not only motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my studies but also encourages future students at our College to pursue learning and achievement in agricultural and horticultural science. I am grateful for your investment in our education and the opportunities it provides.

Thank you once again for this recognition and your support of students like me.

Yours sincerely,

Tann Mason 

 

Note: The prize is sponsored by the Bay of Plenty Branch and DINZ.  We have reminded the school about this for the future

 

Obituary

Lochie Longman-Roberts    16/11/2005 – 23/10/2025

The South Canterbury North Otago DFA would like to acknowledge the recent tragic passing of young deer farmer Lochie Longman- Roberts

Lochie had a strong family history of active involvement in the DFA, through his father Hayden Roberts and grandparents Don and Isabelle

Lochie left a lasting impression on those who knew him, with many referring to his enthusiasm for farming and life in general, with a real passion for deer. This was indicated prior to his passing when he was nominated as a junior judge for the upcoming Branch velvet competition

Employer Mark Tapley, from Peel Forest Estate, adds: "a respected and much liked young member of our staff. Lochie had a cheeky personality, massive enthusiasm and passion for deer as well as a very strong work ethic."

The South Canterbury North Otago DFA wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Lochie

 

Velvet Competitions

We are aware of the following velvet competitions over 2025/26:

Please also check the events page found here>>

 

Stag Sales Calendar

Upcoming stag sales for Dec 2025/Jan 26 can be viewed here >>

 

IFP – Final Hurrah

DINZ’s funding from MPI to go toward farm planning is set to finish in April 2026, so time is running out to get in on the action. 

More than 200 farmers have taken part in a DINZ-coordinated workshop on topics such as freshwater, animal health, pest and disease management, and more. 

“The workshops are very well run by experts who also have practical farming backgrounds. The one-on-one tuition was invaluable in helping steer us through the process…the generous support from DINZ to engage in these workshops makes taking advantage of the opportunity a no-brainer. It places the whole deer industry in a very favourable position as we face challenges coming our way in farming."  

Dave Lawrence, Southland (freshwater farm planning workshop) 

As part of the integrated farm planning programme, DINZ is also coordinating 1-on-1 assessments to help those farmers who may have farm plans in place that need updating or for those who want to explore NZFAP accreditation. 

“The rapid assessment conversation over the phone, regarding on-farm audits and what we need to have prepaid in order to pass, was an engaging one. It got me thinking more and more about our live documents with NZFAP, and I have updated a few records since our phone call. Great to know there are people out there willing to help farmers pass on-farm audits.” 

Ru Gaddum, Kereru (1-on-1 assessment) 

Visit the events page or email ifp@deernz.org to register for a workshop or 1-on-1 session near you. If there is no workshop planned near you, still reach out to the IFP team via the email listed, and we can look to organise something in your region if the numbers stack up. 

 

Work Placement

Fred is currently a first year agricultural student at the Royal Agricultural University and hopes to work on a deer farm during their work placement and although it is a couple of years until it is time for their work placement (it is a 15 week work placement between my 2nd and 3rd year) if anyone can assist please get in touch with Fred via email at nicholasmmarshall4@gmail.com

 

Joke of the month

In a national park, a woman stopped to watch a deer.
A man walked over to her and said, "This is red deer, Cervus elaphus, it's pleased to meet you."

Then she watched him continue to other visitors and say the same thing.

She catches up with him and asks, "Why are you doing this?"

The man responds, "The ranger told me this species hadn't been introduced here."

 

Deer Industry News - Advertise with us

Early stag sale advertising:

The next issue of Deer Industry News will be mailed to subscribers on 15 December. However, a digital copy will be sent to email subscribers between 3–5 December. If you would like to advertise an early stag sale in the digital copy only, please email deerindustrynews@deernz.org to find out more information.

 

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