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Second Whangarei Hunting, Shooting and Fishing Show a Great Success Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand The second Hunting, Shooting and Fishing Show to be held in Whangarei was judged by its organisers, the Northland Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand, to be a great success. Over 550 members of the public attended the show held at the Army Hall on Saturday 16 March, travelling from as far away as Auckland and Kaitaia. Two lucky people received door prizes of a years subscription to NZ Guns magazine and many went away with bargains. Local MPs Phil Heatley (National) and Brian Donnelly (NZ First) visited the show and took time to talk to exhibitors and visitors. Brian Donnelly made the comment that having a colleague, Ron Mark MP, who was a gun owner had made his understanding of firearms issues much clearer to him. The show provided visitors the opportunity to view and buy a wide variety of fishing tackle and hunting gear, ranging from boats to rods and reels, rifles to ammo and clothing. In addition to modern sporting goods there were antique and collectable firearms and militaria on display and for sale. An impressive collection of hand made knives and edged weapons made by Baz Collis was judged to be the best display and won a years subscription to NZ Guns magazine. Baz said that while visitor numbers were slightly lower than last year his sales were up so he was well pleased with the show. Exhibitors included local sports retailers, gun dealers and shooting clubs as well as conservation groups such as Fish and Game Council and DOC. Carl from McCoy and Thomas sports shop said the second show was even better than the first for him. George from Northland Heating & Great Outdoors Centre, exhibiting for the first time, felt that the show provided good public exposure for his business. Paul Salter dressed in buckskins and full “mountain man” gear attracted a lot of interest for the Northland Black Powder Club. Northland Antique Arms Association displayed a splendid collection of old English shotguns and sporting rifles. Proceeds from the first show held last May enabled SSANZ to support local youngsters, by donating camping and shooting equipment to the Whangarei Army Cadet Unit. SSANZ Northland would like to express their thanks to all the individuals and organizations that assisted in making this second show such an enjoyable day. Phil Cregeen
ENDS. For further information contact the Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand: Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand |