May 23, 2025
Celebrating 50 years of the New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association was always going to make this year’s annual deer industry conference a special one, and it did not disappoint.
Spread over three days in Queenstown, Tuesday saw attendees board the TSS Earnslaw, the iconic steamship that sails on Lake Wakatipu. The ship took its passengers across the lake to Walter Peak High Country farm for a bountiful buffet dinner and some presentations made by the NZDFA, recognising the contributions to the association and the industry. Those who were awarded were Grant Charteris, John Somerville, Justin Stevens, Tony Pearse, Dave Morgan and Jamie Ward.
The night’s excursion was a great way for attendees to reconnect or meet for the first time, setting the scene for a highly social main event the following day.
Conference attendees disembark the TSS Earnslaw at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
DINZ Board Chair Paddy Boyd and Bob Swann, member of the original NZDFA Council.
Dinner at Walter Peak was a social affair of high spirits.
Grant Charteris receives his gift from the NZDFA Executive Committee.
The conference kicked off bright and early the next day, emceed by CountryWide’s Sarah Perriam-Lampp. After the chairs’ addresses from Paddy Boyd and Mark McCoard, the day began with a trip down memory lane, an oral history of the deer industry as recited by Trevor Walton, former editor of The Deer Farmer, before Trev handed over to Tony Pearse, former DINZ Producer Manager, to run through the DINZ years. This was followed by a video from past NZDFA Chairs and stalwarts, congratulating the association on 50 years and going over personal highlights, association achievements and individual contributions.
The second morning session featured State of the Nation addresses firstly by DINZ Board Chair Paddy Boyd and then DINZ CEO Rhys Griffiths. A common theme between the two was the need for change; that change is inevitable and can be a good thing when coordinated, yet a potentially detrimental thing when done in isolation. Both made calls for all to do their part as we look to consolidate into One Industry. This was followed by a Q&A session between the DINZ Board and farmers, an always-popular segment of any conference.
Finally, congratulatory videos from Minister Todd McClay and Hanpure CEO Alex Chung were played before breaking for lunch.
After lunch, sponsored by Pāmu Farms, Infometrics economist Brad Olsen and agribusiness lawyer Mille Morgan, both Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network members, gave a presentation on their 2023 trip to China and their more recent trip to South Korea. They spoke of the differences between markets; the changing in-market trends driven by generational change, namely a shift away from the traditional concept of traditional medicine and into the convenience space; and the importance of robust traceability standards across both markets.
Workshops followed their talk, with topics covering markets, genetics, and research. Of particular interest was an idea being floated over conference, of a proposed export licensing model for velvet. In the markets workshop, DINZ trade specialist Damon Paling broke down how the proposed model would work, as well as what it would provide (structure, accountability, transparency) and what it wouldn’t (the ability to influence demand and supply, and thus pricing).
Finally, it was time for keynote speaker, adventurer Kevin Biggar. Biggar’s two claims to fame, so to speak, in the adventuring world were winning the trans-Atlantic rowing race in 2003 and being the first Kiwi to trek unsupported to the South Pole in 2007. But the crux of his talk was around facing big challenges, which seemed to fit the bill as the deer industry faces challenges of its own.
And with that, it was called a day, with attendees off to freshen up before dinner and the all-important awards.
Conference emcee Sarah Perriam-Lampp
The conference was well-attended, with 210 attendees.
DINZ CEO Rhys Griffiths and DINZ Board Chair Paddy Boyd watch on.
Keynote speaker Kevin Biggar
The evening was dedicated to the conference dinner and awards – the main event for many. Before the awards were given out, four NZDFA members were awarded lifetime memberships: Ian Bristow, Kaipara; Hub Hall, Waikato; Edmund Noonan, Canterbury/West Coast; and Bill Taylor, Southland.
Then it was onto the Environmental Awards. The NZ Landcare Trust Award, for excellence in sustainable deer farming through action on the ground, was presented to Kim and Judith Rowe, Brookfields, Nelson. The Duncan NZ Award was presented to Charles and Jane Rau, Matawai Deer Park in Gisborne, for vision and management whilst mastering a demanding environment.
The Streamlands Export Award for leading, environmentally sustainable velvet farming was presented to Dave and Jan Morgan, Raincliff Station, South Canterbury, while the Gallagher Technology and Innovation Award for excellent utilisation of farming technologies to improve on farm productively and manage resources went to Rebecca Davidson and the team at Deer Milking NZ / Peel Forest Estate. The NZDFA Next Generation Award went to Dwight Adlam, Mangahao Deer Co in Shannon, for outstanding performance across environmental, financial and social aspects of the business.
Finally, Dave and Jan Morgan of Raincliff Station took out the Premier Elworthy Environmental Award, with judges saying the Morgans ran “a strong family business, with impressive farm management of a complex deer farming operation while planning and managing the environmental risks and transitioning to the next generation."
The Deer Industry Award, recognising a person who has made a most outstanding contribution to the New Zealand deer industry over the years, went to Graham Carr of Peel Forest Estate. Testimonials received in Carr’s nomination said:
“His contributions have been invaluable, and it is no exaggeration to say that the industry would not be as advanced as it is today without his dedication and innovation.”
“Simply put, his involvement in the industry at every level demonstrates his commitment, enjoyment and outreach to the wider NZ deer industry. He is an outstanding and worthy recipient of the Deer Industry Award in this milestone year.”
The night’s final award was the Matuschka Award, which recognises a grass roots, unsung contributor to local area activities, functions and the core spirit of deer farming. This year’s winner was Laura Billings of the Hawke’s Bay DFA. Testimonials received said:
“Not only does Laura put her hand up to help out, organize, or just muck in with any community project… she does so with a quiet, efficient demeanour and always with a smile on her face.”
Graham Carr, Deer Industry Award winner for 2025
Matuschka Award winner Laura Billings and Tony Pearse
Premier Elworthy Environmental Award winner Dave Morgan, Millie Morgan, DINZ Environmental Awards judge Janet Gregory, and DINZ Board Chair Paddy Boyd.
The awards dinner, sponsored by Silver Fern Farms, was an enjoyable evening of celebrating those who have contributed significantly to the deer industry.
While the conference would still feature one more day – a field day to Fairlight Station – that will come in Part II of conference coverage for 2025. Overall, from the TSS Earnslaw to the awards dinner, the event was one of nostalgia mixed with cautious optimism at a future where markets are diversified and greater value is sought wherever it may be. It was a fitting tribute to the NZDFA and its history, and a thoroughly enjoyable few days.
