The 2025 Deer Industry conference makes a return taking place in Queenstown and celebrates 50 years of NZ Deer Farmers Association.
- 13 May - Join us for a pre-conference dinner on the TSS Earnslaw, the cruise will sail across to Walter Peak where guests will enjoy a gourmet BBQ meal. PLEASE INDICATE ON THE REGISTRATION FORM IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST
- 14 May - The industry conference featuring trade stands from our sponsors. A highlight of the conference will be the awards dinner which will feature presentations to the winners of the Matuschka, Deer Industry and Environment awards as well as announcing the winners of the MSD/Allflex Deer Industry Photo Competition.
PLEASE INDICATE ON THE REGISTRATION FORM IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST - 15 May - Field Day - Fairlight Station
CURRENTLY HAS A WAITLIST FOR ATTENDEES WHO NEED TRANSPORT TO GET TO FAIRLIGHT STATION DUE TO HIGH DEMAND
Click here to register!
Programme
May 13th - Pre-conference dinner
Join us for a pre-conference dinner on the TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that’s been a part of the region’s history since 1912. The cruise will take you across the lake, with breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm where there is a gourmet BBQ meal waiting for you. Availability is limited, so secure your spot in advance to complete your unforgettable adventure. Boat to depart at 7:00pm, guests need to be at the docks by 6:45pm.
May 14th - Conference
All events at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
08:00 NZDFA AGM
08:45 Conference opening
-
NZDFA 50 years presentation, Tony Pearse, Trevor Walton
-
State of the industry, Paddy Boyd, Rhys Griffiths
10:15 Morning tea (sponsored by Agritrade)
-
DINZ Board Q&A
-
Minister of Agriculture address
12:15 Lunch (sponsored by Pamu)
13:30 Next generation view of Asian markets and economic outlook, Millie Morgan and Brad Olsen (sponsored by Alliance)
14:15 Concurrent workshops:
- Markets update including North American Retail Accelerator (NARA) progress,
Virginia Connell, Damon Paling - Recent and ongoing research, Emil Murphy, Danette McKeown, and Richard Muirhead
- GenomNZ – Overview of our services, how to get the best results possible for your herd, and future advancements.
Deer Select – Introduction to Deer Select2, what’s new, what’s changed and the new index and sub-indexes, Sharon McIntyre, Aleece Andrews
Afternoon tea (sponsored by Agritrade)
16:00 Keynote speaker: Kevin Biggar (sponsored by FMG)
INDUSTRY AWARDS DINNER - MILLENNIUM HOTEL
18:30 Pre-dinner drinks
19:00 Dinner and drinks, announcement of awards (Sponsored by Silver Fern Farms)
- Deer Industry Award
- Biannual Environmental Awards
- Life Members Awards
- MSD/Allflex Deer Industry Photo Competition
- NZDFA Matuschka Award
May 15th - Field day, Fairlight Station
This event currently has a waitlist for those who need transport due to high demand and limited on farm transport. We are working towards organising more and will update anyone on the waitlist once extra transport has been organised. Alternatively, you can organise your own transport.
Accommodation
Delegates need to contact the hotel or your choice and book your own rooms. Check direct with the hotel for the latest prices as held rooms will sell out. There are also several other hotels nearby and Airbnb properties.
Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
32 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Book direct mention the Deer Industry NZ conference - millennium.queenstown@millenniumhotels.co.nz, 03 450 0150. If booking online, use the code DEERCONF2025
Copthorne Hotel
Corner Frankton Rd &, Adelaide Street, Queenstown
Book direct and ask for current room rates. Mention the Deer Industry NZ conference - copthorne.lakefront@millenniumhotels.co.nz, 03 450 0260.
Thanks to our sponsors
Platinum sponsor
Premium sponsors
Gallagher silent auction
Gallagher will be holding a silent auction. Visit their trade booth at conference for details on how to place your bids. Details TBC.
Full exhibition sponsors
Advertising sponsors
Register your interest in sponsoring with conference organiser Melissa Bähler - positiveeventsplus@xtra.co.nz or 027 664 3080.
If you would like to discuss the conference, please get in touch with DINZ events coordinator Rebecca Norling rebecca.norling@deernz.org
Industry Awards
Nominations and entries are still open for the following awards. For details head to the following locations:
- MSD/Allflex Deer Industry Photo Competition
Changes to content, postponement and event cancellation
In the unlikely event of cancellation of this event, our liability is limited to the refund of your booking fee.
We may alter the times, dates, and content of this event without notice to you at any time.
While we are sorry if this causes inconvenience, we will not be liable for any loss, damages arising from such changes.
Payment terms
Bookings are taken by credit card via the booking link, if you prefer to be invoiced, we can issue one by request. Payment MUST be received within 7 days or your booking will be cancelled.
Cancellations and refunds
Should a delegate need to cancel their registration prior to 28 days before the event, a full refund will be given. Those wishing to cancel their registration will receive a 50% refund up to 14 days from the event start date. Email notification of cancellation must be received before 29 April. There will be no refund for any cancellation made within 14 days (after 29 April) from the event start date other than in the circumstances listed below.
All cancellations must be in writing, please email rebecca.norling@deernz.org
