Upcoming events.
Mental Hunts 101
MentalHunts is proud to announce the pilot of our very first MentalHunts 101 training programme, taking place in Wānaka on 4 June. This milestone marks over a year of development, collaboration, and commitment to creating something meaningful and practical for New Zealand’s firearms community.
MentalHunts 101 is an evidence based mental health training programme designed specifically for firearms licence holders. It focuses on breaking down stigma, building confidence around help seeking, and strengthening understanding of personal responsibility, wellbeing, and the realities that sit alongside firearms ownership. The course is practical, relevant, and delivered in a safe, no-judgement environment.
With the support and guidance from an advisory board of experts across mental health, rural wellbeing, and the firearms sector, this programme has been carefully developed to ensure it is both credible and fit for purpose. It reflects the unique culture and challenges of New Zealand’s hunting and firearms community.
As this is the first pilot of its kind, participant feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of MentalHunts 101 as we refine the programme and work towards a national rollout.
Register at:
NZDA Hunting and Wildlife Expo 2026
Mental Hunts will be attending this years NZDA Expo
One weekend. Over 3,000 people. One community.
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association presents the Hunting & Wildlife Expo 2026 - bringing together hunters, shooters, and outdoor families from across the region.
Following a successful inaugural event at Lower Hutt Events Centre in 2024, the Expo returns bigger and better. This is your chance to connect with the people, gear, and organisations shaping the future of hunting in New Zealand.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Expo is built for those who live and breathe the outdoors
Leading hunting and shooting brands
Advocacy and conservation organisations
Expert knowledge and practical advice
NZDA competitions, displays, and experiences
A space for families and the next generation of hunters
Whether you’re chasing better gear, new knowledge, or simply good conversation with like minded people - this is where it happens.
NZDA Hunting and Wildlife Expo 2026
Mental Hunts will be attending this years NZDA Expo
One weekend. Over 3,000 people. One community.
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association presents the Hunting & Wildlife Expo 2026 - bringing together hunters, shooters, and outdoor families from across the region.
Following a successful inaugural event at Lower Hutt Events Centre in 2024, the Expo returns bigger and better. This is your chance to connect with the people, gear, and organisations shaping the future of hunting in New Zealand.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Expo is built for those who live and breathe the outdoors
Leading hunting and shooting brands
Advocacy and conservation organisations
Expert knowledge and practical advice
NZDA competitions, displays, and experiences
A space for families and the next generation of hunters
Whether you’re chasing better gear, new knowledge, or simply good conversation with like minded people - this is where it happens.
Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers
Wānaka is gearing up for an evening of raw honesty, resilience, and straight-talk when Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers comes to town on Saturday 28 February at the Lake Wānaka Centre.
Hosted by Aspiring Rotary, the event features a powerful line-up of speakers led by former Black Cap Lou Vincent, who will share his story of losing everything, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding his life, now fueling his commitment to helping others through tough times.
Matt Chisholm will MC, keeping the yarns flowing, while Glen Thurston shares his experiences navigating the mental health system, including the challenges, frustrations, and breakthroughs along the way. Kathryn Wright brings stories of pushing boundaries and breaking barriers in demanding environments.
This event is for the hunting and wider rural community and anyone drawn to uplifting, meaningful stories. It creates a relaxed space where conversations around mental health, often the hardest to start, feel easier.
The night will also feature an auction with brilliant prizes up for grabs, raising additional funds for Mental Hunts. There will be a bar, and food will be available.
Doors open from 5pm, with the program running 5:30pm–10pm. Tickets are $35 via Humanitix—search Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers on Humanitix to secure your spot. This event is raising important funds for Mental Hunts, supporting vital mental health initiatives that make a real difference locally.
Please note: Discussions will include mental health challenges, including suicide. Recommended for ages 16+. Parental discretion advised.
Sika Show, Hamilton
The Sika Show is New Zealand’s & Australasia’s largest Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show plus annual Hunting Competition that has been running now for an incredible 30 years!
https://www.sikashow.co.nz/
NZDA 77th National Conference 2025 (Hosted by Southland)
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association invites you to our annual AGM and Awards Dinner hosted by the Southland Branch.
Sika Show, Hamilton
The Sika Show is New Zealand’s & Australasia’s largest Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show plus annual Hunting Competition that has been running now for an incredible 30 years!
Speaking at NZDA Auckland
NZDA currently represents and advocates on behalf of its 10,000 active members and provides them with meeting facilities and halls, accommodation and huts, hunting competitions, information and advice, and training.
Manuherikia Bore Buck and Stag Hunt
We have been invited to this years Manuherikia Bore Buck and Stag Hunt in Alexandra as judges and guest speaker. We can’t wait, Hope to see you all there.
All details on the ‘Manuherikia Bore Buck and Stag Hunt’ Facebook Page.
