Friday 3rd June 2022
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NZDA MALVERN BRANCH JUBILEE May marked the 50th anniversary of the Malvern Branch of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) being incorporated. The Branch was formed in 1972 by John Creamer and the late Keith Munro and Steve Mitchell. Our Branch is one of 49 branches of the Association across New Zealand, that has a national headquarters in Wellington and a nationwide membership of 10,000. The Malvern Branch currently retains over 70 members. We have two Branch life members, and many others who have and still do contribute long and hard on behalf of the members and for some that has been across many years. Our Secretary Craig Benbow, is also currently NZDA National President. He heads up an elected board that works with our Chief Executive to advocate nationally on behalf of recreational hunters, firearm users and others who enjoy New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle. Since its formal creation in 1937, NZDA has advocated for sensible
management of game animals, while protecting our forests and grasslands for future generations to enjoy. Malvern members have contributed for extended periods to many activities over the past 50 years to deliver results in these aspects, while enjoying other's company, landscapes and natural features of our land. NZDA is not only a voice for recreational hunters, but engages in the training of new hunters through the national HUNTS programme. Many members actively participate in target sports, photography, videography and writing as part of the national series of competitions or for their own enjoyment. Our national trophy competitions are hotly contested, and the national record books are held and maintained by the NZDA. Many contribute to conservation efforts through trapping and pest control, as well as maintaining tracks and huts for all to enjoy. NZDA partners with Federated Mountain Clubs and Trail Fund to administer the Backcountry Trust, which provides funding for
volunteers to maintain huts and tracks across New Zealand. NZDA also works very closely with the Game Animal Council, providing guidance and input to the advice they provide the Minister of Conservation around game management. Based at the corner of Telegraph and Creyke Roads, the Branch shares the Shooting Centre facility with Darfield Gun Club and Darfield Smallbore Rifle Club. Numerous significant trophies adorn the walls, and photographic records of the Branch's history shared by members are displayed also. While several of our original members have passed, John Creamer, now in his nineties, is still with us. We thank these individuals for their vision and resolve to form the Branch, and it is clear there was a huge amount of work done in the early days to provide the facilities we all enjoy today. Like many clubs, we undertake fundraising to keep member subscriptions affordable, as costs constantly rise even if the facility is on council leased land.
The site of the Shooting Centre was originally cleared and levelled by the Smallbore Rifle Club members, Mark Mulholland and the late Dudley Jarman, supported by many others. The creation of the structures for others to enjoy was a joint effort between Malvern NZDA and Smallbore Rifle Club members. Testament to the volunteer effort, even the earthquakes failed to impact the building, although the Smallbore range did not fare so well. It has since been rebuilt. As we reflect on 50 years as a Branch, we remember those who have passed and those who have
come and gone from the Club, done various good works whilst part of it, and served both the community and the country as a whole contributing to protecting our wonderful nature, while challenging themselves, feeding families and creating shared moments to treasure. We are looking forward to our next 50 years! Malvern Branch of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.