In order to
meet the DogsNZ requirements for all clubs to hold both a Championship and Open
Show prior to end of March 2022, the North Island St Bernard Assn approached
several single breed clubs to ask if they would be interested in amalgamating
for an Open Show. It seemed to us that not only would some clubs possibly receive
low entries, others certainly did not have the resources and manpower to run
such an event. After a positive response from most of the Giant (as established
by AKC) breed clubs in New
Zealand, we approached DogsNZ to see if they
would approve the concept. Thankfully Executive Council approved of and embraced
our solution to reduced numbers, and the planning for the Giant Breeds Open
Show commenced.
Like a lot
of calendared events last year, our first show date with Tauranga Kennel
Association Championship Shows was cancelled, and we postponed from Labour
Weekend 2021 to 8th January 2022.
The second
weekend in January this year turned out to be a cracker and the sun beamed down
on the Katikati venue. We were so lucky just being able to turn up after
Tauranga Kennel Assn committee had done the hard yards erecting rings, gazebos,
and organising security, loos etc.
On Saturday
our Show Secretary Cath Tippett handed out to exhibitors, our generous goody
bags with catalogues and numbers. We set up the trophy table with prizes,
sashes and gifts and generous sponsorship by Royal Canin. Two large ice filled
tubs with bottles of water, one placed ringside was free for exhibitors,
spectators and dogs.
The show
ended up with 52 entries over 11 of the invited 14 breeds and the inaugural
Giant Breed Open Show commenced around 4pm with Kerol Goodwill our Steward,
Steve Tate our Show Manager and Stacy Donaldson-Rogers our Judge, and Penny
Brooks our photographer for the event.
The
atmosphere was happy and friendly and relaxed. While the show was underway
Garry Bettridge barbecued great tasting hamburgers for $5.00 and we gave
complimentary desserts of amazing home made meringues with strawberries and
cream produced by Barbara Bettridge. Both went down very well.
The North
Island St Bernard Assn would like to thank all of the involved clubs and
individuals and our generous sponsors who supported this event and helped with
the organisation.
Results -
Best In Show - Newfoundland - NZ Ch Summerford's All Fired
Up Kelef (Imp Can) - Sonia Nicholson
Reserve Best In Show - Bullmastiff - Ch Kugel Prince of
Darkness - Q & Tracey Robinson
Open - Bernese Mountain Dog - Ch Alpinstolz Eyes To Envy -
Lisa Hardegger
Veteran - Pyrenean Mountain Dog - Ch Montanhes Silver Bears
- P Hancock, Jan Chaplin, Christine Houghton
NZ Bred - Bullmastiff - Ch Kugel Prince of Darkness - Q
& Tracey Robinson
Intermediate - NZ Ch Summerford's All Fired Up Kelef (Imp
Can) - Sonia Nicholson
Junior - Newfoundland - Miquelon Touch of Elegance - Kath & Ken Kelly
Novice – Bernese Mountain Dog - Schallenberg The Secrets Out
- Elspeth Nicoll
Puppy - St Bernard - Deblyns Kung Fu Panda - Ray & Lynn Miller
Baby Puppy - Bernese Mountain Dog - Imagin Red Red Wine -
Robyn, Nicky and Maureen Gadsdon
Congratulations to all winners.