Jul 18, 2025
Rachael Inch (Canterbury/West Coast)
I bring over 20 years of experience in rural Canterbury, supporting local communities and serving in various governance roles. As Chair of the NZDFA Canterbury-West Coast branch, I am excited to work with the committee, and we are eager to connect with both new and existing members across the region.
The branch’s main goals going forward are to encourage more people to get involved in deer farming and to help farmers succeed by building strong networks and relationships, while sharing practical, relevant information in a transparent manner. As the largest branch (by area) in the South Island, we are focused on providing credible advocacy and influence for farmers, consumers and the industry.
Together with my husband, Rodney, I run a deer farm specialising in velvet production. This hands-on experience gives me important insight into the everyday challenges and opportunities faced by deer farmers.
Beyond farming, I hold a national leadership role with Flying New Zealand (Royal New Zealand Aero Club), where I work with the executive team to support and grow general aviation for over 4,000 members nationwide. I was also commissioned to write the Essential Freshwater Social Impact Report, ensuring the real impacts of policy changes on rural communities are understood.
With a focus on teamwork and open communication, the Canterbury-West Coast branch is committed to building a strong, supportive community for all deer farmers in the region.
Colin Jordan (South Canterbury/North Otago)
My wife, Kim, and I own a deer and cattle breeding and finishing operation, with some velvet, on a property about 15 minutes from Fairlie. We have been here since 2008.
We have also had experience in an off-farm role in the live export industry.
We have three sons, with the older two currently studying at university and the youngest at secondary school
While it will be something of a new challenge, taking over as Chair of the South Canterbury-North Otago branch, we have a strong supportive committee that includes numerous members with past or present experience on national governance bodies within the deer industry, including the DINZ Board, NZDFA Executive Committee, Selections and Appointments Panel, Research Advisory Panel, National Velvetting Standards Body and the Velvet Export Licensing Working Group.
The Branch Committee aims to be at the forefront of the industry, to tackle any issues as they arise.
Matt Krs (Bay of Plenty)
I have been farming deer for four years, over which time I have built my deer farm to 150 velvet stags. During that time, I have been a part of the Bay of Plenty DFA and have been guided by the people within this group to help me improve my farm more than I ever could have on my own.
This support from local deer farmers has been indispensable to me, and so I would like to see our branch continue to provide a solid base for people to learn and thrive from.
I would like to see the next generation of deer farmers talk to one another more often, possibly utilising basic technology to create some form of local deer farmer group chat, so that local famers could ask for help at any stage when they are farming, not just at the occasional local and/or regional meeting. This way, we can help the industry and each other to farm better and grow towards a more sustainable future.
