Left: Callum Sheridan. Right: Trevor Dibben
The NZDA Board advises members that National President Callum Sheridan has stepped aside from his role, effective today, after confirming he will stand as an ACT Party candidate in the 2026 General Election.
As New Zealand's leading organisation representing recreational hunters and shooters, NZDA is proudly apolitical. We support good public policy, not political parties. To achieve the best outcomes for our members, NZDA works constructively with Governments, Ministers and Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum.
In keeping with this long-standing principle, Callum has appropriately stepped aside while seeking elected office in the General Election on 7 November.
The NZDA Board extends its sincere thanks to Callum for his outstanding leadership, dedication and service to the Association during his six years on the National Board, including the past two years as National President.
Throughout his presidency, Callum has been a passionate advocate for recreational hunters, helping strengthen NZDA's national voice, champion public land access, build relationships across the hunting sector, and ensure hunters are represented professionally at the highest levels of Government, including on the Game Animal Council. His leadership has helped position the Association strongly for the future.
While we are naturally disappointed to see Callum leave the role, we are immensely proud that one of our own has chosen to seek elected office. We wish him every success in the campaign ahead and thank him for his significant contribution to NZDA and its members.
The National Board has appointed Trevor Dibben, Marlborough Branch and South Island Rep, as Interim National President until the Association's Annual General Meeting and Conference on 24–26 July 2026.
The Board thanks Trevor for accepting this responsibility and providing continuity during this transition. Trevor has served NZDA with distinction through the Marlborough Branch and as a South Island Rep on the NZDA Board, and his experience will ensure the Association continues its work without interruption.
Delegates will elect the Association's next National President at the Annual General Meeting in July. In the meantime, members can be assured that NZDA's advocacy, member services, branch support, competitions, training programmes and national initiatives will continue unchanged.
On behalf of the NZDA Board, we thank both Callum and Trevor for their leadership and service, and we thank our members for their continued support of NZDA's mission to be the voice of recreational hunters.
Trevor Dibben, Interim National President, says:
"Callum has served NZDA and New Zealand's hunting community with integrity, dedication and a genuine passion for protecting the interests of recreational hunters. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his leadership and wish him every success as he seeks to serve New Zealand in Parliament.
It is a privilege to step into the role of Interim National President. My focus over the coming month is to provide continuity for our members and support the Board as we prepare for our Annual General Meeting and Conference. NZDA remains united, apolitical and firmly focused on advocating for recreational hunters and shooters across New Zealand."
Photos: New Interim National President, Trevor Dibben
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