Book proposal: Help preserve the history of the NZ Deer Cullers Incorporated Society.
No book has been written on the NZDC Inc. and its history. I aim to get this done.
Nationwide
My rallying cry to you is: this is a book for all New Zealanders. Particularly those interested in our outdoors and wilderness regions. The history of hunting in New Zealand, and our backcountry huts, many were established in the 1950s-60s as bases for the government shooters. The deer culling industry has left a legacy that is available and enjoyed by many trampers in our great outdoors.
In 2023, my first book Finding Frank: The Life of Frank Erceg – New Zealand Deer Hunter, Mountaineer, Photographer was published to critical acclaim, with the first print run of 2000 copies quickly selling out initiating a reprint. For that book I undertook extensive research into the history of deer in New Zealand. This included research on the New Zealand government deer cullers.
The NZDC Inc. was founded in 1966. The society represents a significant period in the history of deer hunting in New Zealand – the era of the iconic government deer culler 1930-1987 when the Department of Conservation took over deer management.
Of the few surviving earlier deer cullers, there are precious archives that need preserving and proper housing. I aim to travel throughout New Zealand, to undertake interviews and assess these collections. These treasured artefacts and materials will be permanently re-housed to the NZ Deer Stalkers Heritage Museum in Wellington. To be available to the public, and for other writers and historians to view.
I graciously ask you to support me in getting this book completed.
Use of funds
Funds raised will be used for travel and accommodation throughout New Zealand. For professional manuscript development, including transcription services, editing, and getting the book publisher ready. For promoting the book once published.
Other page links
Latest update
An afternoon at the Croatian Club, west Auckland. 1 April 2025
The givealittle fundraiser has now raised $6337. The campaign will run through to August, making that a rounded 12 months of promotion. Along with the researching, writing, cataloguing all the images and materials into a digital archive, I’m out there promoting the book project, talking to as many people as possible. I had a lovely time recently at the Croatian Club in west Auckland, selling Finding Frank books and handing out givealittle flyers. I’m happy to say it was a successful afternoon. I sold some books and had a donation come in the next day. There’s still a way to go to reach the goal. I ask you, please share the givealittle page with others, so far, the support has been tremendous. It warms my heart, my soul, to know I have this amazing community backing me.
As always, thank you and be well.
Louise
Latest donations
Dear Brian, thank you so much for your kind donation and words of support. Louise x
Thank you so much for your awesome donation. Best wishes Louise
Who's involved?