New Zealand Community Trust has awarded a $6880 grant to the Thames Valley branch of the NZ Deerstalkers Association for the acquisition of 3D archery targets and additional 3D inserts.
The funding enables them to host the National Bowhunters Tournament on King’s Birthday weekend, providing a significant boost to the local archery community.
Branch president Maureen Coleman said the tournament will see dedicated archers and bowhunters from all around the motu travel to the Thames Valley venue on the outskirts of Paeroa.
“Adults and juniors alike all mix and mingle together, the expanded learning opportunities are immense and it’s a fantastic way of helping to instil many social skills in the process of learning the finer techniques of the sport,” she said.
The club was founded in 1956 and since then, it has branched out to welcome several other sporting codes.
Amateur archer Dilwyn Jenkins said the new 3D targets and inserts would “be great” for the upcoming tournament and the club in general.
“We host all manner of events at TVDA (including club days, practice days, inter-club events, coaching days, and open days), as well as helping out at school galas, fun days, corporate events, and team building days throughout the year.”
New Zealand Community Trust’s general manager grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the trust was “delighted to support this club bustling with enthusiasts of a range of outdoor pursuits”.
“NZCT is grateful for our fundraising partnership with The Royal Oak Hotel that made our grant possible.”
New Zealand Community Trust is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand.
In 22/23, it awarded more than $40 million in grants throughout the country for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the arts and cultural activities.
