Who We Are?
About Working Gundogs NZ Inc
Preserving the Working Heritage of Gundogs in New Zealand
Working Gundogs NZ (WGNZ) is dedicated to promoting the breeding, training, trialling, and responsible use of working gundogs throughout New Zealand. We are a community of hunters, trainers, breeders, competitors, and dog enthusiasts who share a passion for preserving the natural abilities and working heritage of our gundog breeds.
As a recognised shotgun discipline, WGNZ promotes the training and development of dogs that can hunt, locate, point, flush, and retrieve game in real-world field conditions. Our focus is on developing capable, ethical, and reliable hunting companions while fostering sportsmanship, animal welfare, and responsible game management.
Our Purpose
The primary purposes of Working Gundogs NZ are to:
- Promote the breeding, training, and trialling of working gundogs.
- Support and conduct gundog trials that test dogs in conditions closely aligned with natural field shooting.
- Recognise and promote the training of hunting and retrieving dogs as a shotgun sport discipline.
- Encourage ethical hunting practices and responsible game management.
- Support the development of skilled handlers and well-trained dogs.
- Preserve and celebrate the working heritage of all gundog breeds.
Our Core Values
At Working Gundogs NZ, we are committed to:
- Respect — for our dogs, our sport, our fellow competitors, and the environment.
- Sportsmanship — conducting ourselves with integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
- Education — sharing knowledge to improve dog training, breeding, and field performance.
- Conservation — supporting ethical hunting and responsible game management.
- Community — creating an inclusive environment where newcomers and experienced handlers alike can learn, compete, and enjoy the sport together.
Why Gundogs Matter
For centuries, trained gundogs have played an essential role in hunting and game retrieval. A well-trained gundog helps ensure game is located efficiently, dispatched ethically, and retrieved cleanly from both land and water. Their partnership with handlers represents one of the most rewarding relationships in the sporting and hunting world.
At WGNZ, we believe that great gundogs are developed through careful breeding, structured training, practical field experience, and ongoing education. Whether your goal is to become a successful trial competitor, improve your hunting companion, or simply learn more about your dog’s natural abilities, we provide opportunities to help you succeed.
Training, Trials and Education
Our events are designed to cater for handlers and dogs at every stage of their journey.
From young dogs taking their first steps in training through to experienced field trial champions, WGNZ provides opportunities to develop skills, measure progress, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Through:
- Training days
- Gundog trials
- Seminars and workshops
- Breed-specific activities
- Mentoring and education
members can build their knowledge while improving the performance and reliability of their dogs in the field.
Join Our Community
Whether you own a Labrador, Spaniel, Pointer, Setter, HPR breed, or another recognised working gundog, WGNZ welcomes members who are passionate about developing their dogs and preserving the traditions of working gundogs in New Zealand.
Whether your interest is hunting, training, breeding, competition, or simply enjoying the companionship of a well-trained dog, you’ll find a supportive community committed to helping both handler and dog reach their full potential.
Working Gundogs NZ — preserving tradition, developing excellence, and celebrating the partnership between dog and handler.