A number of years ago a group of judges felt that the structure for training and administering Dog Judges in New Zealand could be improved as it tended to lose focus within NZ Kennel Club with all the other functions that body has to cover off.
A steering committee was formed with the then Chair of Judges, Brian Harris, at the helm. After many iterations the Constitution of the NZDJA was approved at its first AGM in June 2013 and the Association was formed.
The Vision of the NZDJA is:
The education, promotion and representation of New Zealand Dog Judges
Our Core Values are:
- Integrity
- Upholding the Code of Conduct
- Consistency
- Fair and Ethical Treatment
- Impartiality
Governance is provided by the Board which consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Chair of each of the five Regions. The Board meets regularly via both teleconference and face to face meetings each year.
The Association is organized by Branches and Regions who are charged with the assistance and training of judges in their local branch or region.
Even though NZDJA is autonomous and is responsible for the training and administration of the conformation dog judges, the link with NZKC remains strong and the judging panel remains a New Zealand Kennel Club panel. Judges promotions are still confirmed by Executive Council after recommendation is received from NZDJA.
