May 20, 2026
After last year’s celebration of 50 years for the NZDFFA, this year’s conference was firmly focussed on the future. Along with industry speakers there were some notable presentations from the Hon. Todd McClay (Minister of Agriculture), Peter Savage (BNZ) and the Hon Tim Groser (former Minister of Trade). Tawera Nikau provided an entertaining but thoughtful speech at the Awards Dinner.
The 60 plus attendees at the field day at Westview farm learned about the benefits of mixed species farming and multiple income streams, as well as seeing a deer carcass being broken down to the muscle groups as demonstrated by Venison Packers Feilding. Research updates and tick management were also covered.
Congratulations to the MSD Animal Health/Allflex Deer Industry Photo Competition winners (Deer Industry Photo Competition - Deer NZ), and Deer Industry and Matuschka Award winners. And thanks to all the sponsors!
More to come in Deer Industry News.
The Hon. Todd McClay kicks off the conference
Lynda Gray – Deer Industry Award winner 2026
Liz Love (Bay of Plenty) – Matuschka Award winner 2026 with Laura Billings (left)
Westview farm – obligatory stop at the new deer shed.
Lunch provided by First Light Farms and Mike Humphrey (Central Regions)
Simon Wishnowsky (Venison Packers Feilding) explains how a deer carcase is broken down
Adding value with co-products
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