History

It all started .......... as a postal shoot!! Between 1982 and 1988 an annual Trans Tasman postal shoot was organised and shot. Each country took it in turn to collate the results and award the certificates. The age groups were Under-18, Under-15, and Under-12.

In 1987 Alison and Royle Hutton began discussions with the Australian Junior Archery Director regarding the feasibility of an actual tournament, to be held in alternate countries.

The very first Trans Tasman Tournament was held at the Ngamotu Domain, New Plymouth, New Zealand during the Easter of 1989. It was very cold in New Plymouth that year and the Australians froze!!

In 1990 New Zealand sent a team to Adelaide - the first ever Archery NZ Junior Team. It was also proposed to hold the shoot every two years. Then in 1992 it was back to New Plymouth. The radio station in Taranaki heard about this and decided to donate a trophy. A few years on, Brian Crowley made and donated the current case to keep the trophy safe and secure.

Later on, it was decided to upgrade to medals - these were minted in Australia and used for the first time during the 1994 tournament in Sydney. That tournament was also memorable because the start was delayed by a spectacular electrical storm - as only Sydney can!! Other memorable weather events include horizontal rain and ankle deep mud in Launceston, Tasmania during the 1998 tournament. Organisers wanted to call it off, but both teams of archers wanted to go ahead and shoot - true grit and determination!

The Trans Tasman Tournament has provided a platform for archers to step up to the next level of competition - often their first international tournament experience. People in their respective archery communities have supported this event by getting involved and helping, leading to longstanding friendships between archers and archery families on both sides of the Tasman Sea.

.......Courtesy of Kathy Barclay and an informative and lively phone call with Alison Hutton ......

*Credit: Extract taken from a previous Trans Tasman Tournament Programme.

Christchurch Archery Club was established in 1948. Since that time the Club has encouraged all to try archery, irrespective of ability and/or disability, age, gender or ethnicity. From grassroots social shooting to Olympians and Para-Olympians, Christchurch has played a pivotal role in introducing archery to the wider Christchurch region and indeed NZ. Christchurch fulfils an important role in supporting Archery in the South Island. Their facilities at the domain in New Brighton are easily accessible for both domestic and international archers, excellent for both learners and competitive shooting. A family-focused Club with a current membership of 151, it runs major and minor tournaments throughout the year and is a fantastic hub for social and learning activities.