Dec 16, 2025
Noticeboard
- DINZ Board Observer applications open for 2026
- 2026 Elections and Appointments
- Industry Conference 2026
- International Deer Biology Conference 2026
- Looking to buy a Fawn.
- Obituary (John Barber)
- Joke of the month
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.
Industry Conference 2026: 13 and 14 May - save the dates
Following on from this year’s Queenstown conference, planning is underway for the 2026 conference with the North Island’s turn to host.
The venue is the Awapuni Racecourse, Palmerston North – the same venue that hosted the DINZ Tech Expo a few years ago. As usual the conference format will follow:
Tuesday 12 May:
- NZDFA Branch Chairs meeting
Wednesday 13 May:
- NZDFA AGM
- Industry Conference
- Awards Dinner (photo competition, Matushcka and Deer Industry awards)
Thursday 14 May:
- Central Regions DFA Field Trip
International Deer Biology Conference 2026
For the second time in 43 years, Dunedin will host the International Deer Biology Congress in 2026, attracting international deer researchers and professionals. Themed ‘Your Deer Here’ the conference will take place in 10-13 February 2026 at the University of Otago, bringing together biologists, ecologists veterinarians, geneticists, wildlife managers, conservationists, food, health and production researchers to discuss the diverse aspects of deer management and biology from various perspectives globally.
To support knowledge sharing in the local deer industry, we are making two-day registrations, for Tuesday 10 February and Wednesday 11 February which includes two field trips, available to New Zealand deer farmers for a reduced rate of $375 until the end of 2025. More details about the congress can be found at https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/IDBC26/
These registrations are coordinated through DINZ and DFA, so if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from some of the world’s experts on all things deer please look out for the sign up link in eNews or on the website.
Looking to buy a Fawn.
William Ferguson from Otago/Southland would like to purchase a Fawn his contact number is 027 337 2356
Acknowledgement for John Barber
On behalf of the Canterbury–West Coast deer farmers, we want to pay tribute to John Barber who passed Sunday 7th with family a true pioneer and legend, one of the founding figures of New Zealand’s deer industry.
John’s forward thinking helped shape deer farming in NZ. As a director of the North American Elk Breeders Society, he built international connections long before it was easy to do so, and he shared his knowledge generously with farmers on both sides of the world.
Those who knew John remember his sharp mind, generous spirit, and belief in the potential of deer farming for NZ.
John was one of the good guys.
Joke of the month
How much does it cost Santa to park his sleigh and reindeer?
Nothing! It’s on the house
