Over the past two months Executive Council with the assistance of a qualified employment agency has been working through the process of appointing a new Chief Executive Officer for the New Zealand Kennel Club.

I am pleased to announce that after due process a suitable candidate has been offered employment.

It is my pleasure to announce that Mr Brian Priest of Wellington has accepted this appointment. Mr Priest has had five years experience working with a ‘not for profit’ organisation and brings a qualified and well balanced understanding of our expectations. He also brings extremely strong financial, advocacy, change management and compliance skills to the position which Executive Council demands. He has also had a strong and long standing involvement with central and local Government. Mr Priest is married with two adult children and we look forward to a long and profitable association.

I have previously mentioned the significant changes implemented during the year regarding Dog Training, recognising the two major disciplines and their representation. The process, after considerable dialogue and debate, was implemented at the final Dog Training meeting in April. The two committees representing Obedience/Trials and Agility have been well documented and the success of the election process as well. One of the casualties of the election process was Maxine Young, formerly Dog Training Chairperson who was defeated for the Obedience/Trials chair. Maxine worked tirelessly over a considerable period of time to bring this major constitutional change to fruition. As a member of Executive Council her contribution to all New Zealand Kennel Club affairs was unprecedented.

She embraced her responsibilities with enthusiasm and passion and she will be missed for her commitment and intelligent debate. On behalf of the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel, we express our sincerest appreciation and wish her well for the future.

I take this opportunity of thanking all the Zone Representatives over the years for their commitment and enthusiasm. It is the responsibility of the various Zone Representatives, on a rotational basis, to co-ordinate the National Dog Training Assembly. This event stands along side the National Dog Show as our other major public event and enjoys the support of our major sponsor Nestle Purina PetCare.

In the May issue of the New Zealand Kennel Gazette, I made specific reference to the Purina ProClub extolling the opportunities for members to participate in this very worth while scheme including the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic rewards program.

Further in this addition on page 19 is an article by Debra Anderson, Breeder’s Specialist, for NPP which explains the advantages of the ProClub and the rewards available. I ask all breeders to support this scheme to support our major sponsor.