Kennel Association celebrates 90 years
A trail-blazing kennel club is celebrating a milestone birthday this weekend.
Marlborough Kennel Association (MKA) was established in 1931 – chartering planes to travel to shows around New Zealand in what is thought to be a world first and inspiring their winged dog emblem.
And the storied club is inviting the public, and their furry companions, to help celebrate their 90th with a family fun day at their club grounds in Omaka.
President Trina Nichols says the milestone is quite an achievement.
“We’re a very strong club. We have a lot of support from our life members,” she says.
MKA was the first regional club to bring a national dog show to the regions, with the 2019 Black Hawk National Dog Show having one of the best attendances in recent years.
They were also instrumental in the bid to bring dogs back Blenheim’s town centre.
Trina says council deserve recognition and thanks for the help they provided to bring the show to Marlborough.
“The national show was a big thing for us to get to Marlborough.”
“It was the biggest show we’ve had in years. The community really got on board.
“Our location here saw people enter from all over the country,” she says.
Trina credits their longevity to the incredibly supportive life members that enabled them to purchase their Omaka club grounds.
“Without the Rennie and Ford families, I don’t think the club would have lasted,” Trina says.
“They’re the stalwarts of the club.”
Third generation club member Larissa Rennie says she’s been part of the group since she could walk.
“It’s my first year on the committee, but I’ve been in the club all my life,” Larissa says.
She says Whippets have been their primary breed, but they also have border collies and rough coat collies.
Unfortunately, dog showing has been cancelled due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, which has made it hard for the club, Larissa says.
“Our championship shows would usually have 400 or 500 dogs,” she says.
Trina says the club has pivoted to running puppy and dog socialising classes on Sundays while showing has been paused.
“It’s been really popular,” she says. “It’s something we’ve been able to do during Covid.”
“We’ve had a lot of new members – people want to get out and socialise, learn about grooming and caring for their animals with likeminded people.
“We do constantly change. As society dynamics change, we change and grow,” Trina says.
“There are a lot of clubs that have folded, we keep going.”
Trina says an important part of the community-oriented club is inclusivity.
In another New Zealand first, MKA were the first club in the country to have a physically disabled person show their dog in a championship show.
Trina says they’re especially keen to get young children involved.
“It’s such a good thing for kids, and we really foster that.
“Kids from the age of four come along and show dogs.”
Fundraising and purchasing the land at Omaka and owning their own club room is one of the secrets to their success, Trina says.
“We’re proud and lucky we own our own grounds,” she says.
Formerly an old, burnt-out Picton railhouse, the associations clubhouse was moved to the current site from Koromiko in the 70’s.
Trina says, unfortunately, it reflects in their subs which are also some of the highest in the country – at $35 per year.
“Normally, clubs pay a hiring fee to a local council.
“It adds expenses – but you get a lot for your money.”
This weekend’s celebrations will feature a Christmas twist, and the public are welcome to attend.
Bring a plate for morning high tea and your dog for some fun games and wear something festive.
The celebrations begin at 10am at the Marlborough Kennel Association grounds on Aerodrome Road, Omaka.