Events

There are a wide range of events on the calendar this season, from Hunt Weeks to Hound Shows and more.

NZHA 125th Jubilee

In 2025, NZHA will celebrate 125 years. Celebrations to be confirmed.

Hound Shows

Annual hound shows are an important part of the hunting calendar where the competition is strong as the various Hunts display the best of their breeding. These competitions encourage Hunts to improve and refine their knowledge of hound breeding and aim to develop their packs. Hound shows are also great social occasions where hunting enthusiasts get together and focus on hounds. Hound shows are held either on a Regional, North Island, South Island or National basis with the National Hound Shows being held on an approximate five year rotation.

North Island

Wed 23 Apr
Hosted by Mahia Hunt

South Island

Fri 28 Mar
Hosted by Eastern Southland Hunt

Duke of Gloucester Cup

2025 date and venue to be confirmed

Hunting and racing developed side by side in New Zealand with pioneer families taking part in both. In the past many Hunts had racing permits to run Hunt Race Meetings with jumping races featuring. Today only two Hunts, the Pakuranga and the Rotorua & Bay of Plenty Hunt, continue to hold permits with a number of other Hunts being unofficially involved with racing and having “Hunt rooms” at a local race meeting.

The Duke of Gloucester Cup was presented to NZ Racing by the Duke after his visit in 1935 for an annual amateur riders race. In 1951 the NZHA took over its administration and to this day, the cup is still regarded as the most prestigious trophy for amateur riders to win. The NZHA donates a miniature for the rider and for the owner annually.

Ingrained in the history of New Zealand racing is the Duke Of Gloucester Cup, which is held at a different racecourse every year. Part of NZTRs Amateur Rider Series, the rating 65 Benchmark race is run over 2100m.

One of the most memorable racedays in the Marton Jockey Club’s proud history took place in 1935 when Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, who was the son of the reigning monarch King George V attended the Club’s New Year’s day race meeting at Marton.

It was reported that over 10,000 patrons attended the Marton races that day and when the military band struck up Land of Hope and Glory and the National anthem everyone oncourse burst into song. Not only did his Royal Highness Prince Henry attend the races that day, at the invitation of his host Sir Thomas Duncan, arrangements were made for the Duke to ride a horse called Black Man in the one mile and 137 yard Ladies’ Bracelet race for amateur riders which carried a stake of 50 pounds plus a trophy. Black Man and the Duke of Gloucester led clearly in the early stages, but the favourite began to wilt as the field turned for home under his big weight of 13 stone 2 pounds and they faded to finish fourth. 

Later that day the Duke presented the Marton Cup trophy won by the very good mare Cuddle to her Hasting owner-trainer C J Stowe. After her win in the 1935 Marton Cup, Cuddle went on to be one of New Zealand’s very best staying mares, winning two Auckland Cups, the New Zealand Cup and Doncaster Handicap in Australia. Wellington Racing Club’s Cuddle Stakes is still run in recognition of her prowess.

The Duke was obviously impressed with the hospitality he received from the Marton Jockey Club and later presented a trophy to be known as the Duke of Gloucester Cup, for competition amongst amateur riders. The Duke of Gloucester Trophy is still competed for annually in New Zealand, and changes venue each year. 
hosted by hunts

Other Events

Hunter Trials

Many Hunts hold annual Hunter Trials. These are a fun jumping competition day restricted to Hunt members riding over hunter type obstacles. Most Hunts have a selection of some very old and highly sought after trophies.

Hunt Balls

Traditionally most Hunts held an annual ball. Now only some hold regular balls with other Hunts' just holding a ball when celebrating major milestones such as Centennials or Jubilees. These balls are a great social occasion for the Hunt district.

Fundraising

A necessity for all Hunts and some innovative ideas have risen over the years with events such as horse treks, auctions, and catering being included in the Hunt calendar.

Children's Hunts

Run during the school holidays are popular where Hunts encourage the participation of younger riders. The property hunted is selected accordingly. 

Join the Hunting Community!

Become a member of a NZHA affiliated Hunt today and experience camaraderie like no other. Join us in preserving the tradition of hunting in New Zealand!
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