The New Zealand Game Animal Council (GAC) is pleased to announce Roger Duxfield as the second recipient of its Services to the GAC and
Hunting Sector Award, recognising his longstanding commitment and outstanding contribution to the Council and the wider hunting sector.
GAC Chair Matt Clarke says the award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the organisation and the people it represents.
“Roger has had a longstanding and significant involvement in New Zealand’s professional hunting and wider game animal management sector. His contribution spans many years and has made a real difference to the Council and the hunting community,” Matt says.
Roger’s contribution to the New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association has been recognised, and Roger was appointed as a life member in 2006. He has supported the GAC for more than 17 years, undertaking much of this work in a voluntary capacity.
His contribution to the sector spans recreational and commercial hunting, statutory governance, firearms policy, hunting tourism representation, hunter access and industry advocacy.
“Roger was appointed to the GAC Establishment Committee in May 2009 and played a pivotal role in getting the GAC up and running. He was subsequently appointed as an inaugural Council member in 2014.
“Among his early contributions was representing the Council on the working group responsible for developing the Aerially Assisted Trophy Hunting Code of Practice in 2014. This was complex work, cutting across different hunting practices and interests, and requiring careful consideration of animal welfare and the expectations of the wider hunting sector.
“Roger continued to serve on the Council until his retirement on 3 August 2020, having completed the maximum term of service.
“His commitment to the sector certainly didn’t end there. Roger has continued to contribute to hunting advocacy, hunter education and firearms safety well beyond his formal Council appointment. He represented the GAC on the Clubs and Ranges Committee, the Range Certification Engagement Group, is a longstanding GAC representative on the Firearms Consultation Advisory Forum (FCAF) and currently represents the Council on the Community Firearms Safety Trainers Working Group.”
Matt says Roger’s contribution goes well beyond his formal roles and appointments.
“Those who have worked alongside Roger know just how much time, effort and practical assistance he gives. He is invariably there when something needs doing, and nothing ever seems to be too much trouble.
“He continues to support hunters throughout New Zealand through his quiet, practical and generous approach. Year after year, he puts his hand up, works behind the scenes and advocates for improvements to hunting and game animal management.
“Roger is thoroughly deserving of this recognition. His dedication, experience and willingness to give his time for the benefit of others embody the spirit of this award.”
The GAC was pleased to be able to present this award to Roger at their award ceremony in Hamilton on 6 November 2026 with his wife Kathy in attendance alongside good friends and approximately 100 members of the wider hunting sector.
The Services to the GAC and Hunting Sector Award was first presented to Garry Ottmann two years ago, as part of the Council’s 10-year anniversary celebrations. Roger is the second recipient of the award.
Header image: Game Animal Council Chair Matt Clarke (left), Roger Duxfield (middle) and Game Animal Council CEO Corina Jordan (right)