2026 Annual General Meeting

Saturday 18 July 2026

Taupō Cosmopolitan Club
​​​​​​​5 Taniwha Street, Taupō

The Distance Riding New Zealand Committee warmly invites all members and supporters to join us for the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

The AGM is a great opportunity to reflect on the past season, celebrate our members, discuss the future of our sport, and connect with the wider distance riding community. Whether you're a long-time member or new to DRNZ, we'd love to see you there.

The day will include a Member Forum, Committee updates, lunch, the Annual General Meeting, Annual Awards presentations, and an evening dinner.Programme

TimeActivity

11:00am Meet & Greet

11:30am Member Forum & Committee Updates

1:30pm Lunch

2:30pm Annual General Meeting

Following AGM Annual Awards Presentation

6:30pm AGM Dinner

Member Forum

The Member Forum is your opportunity to hear Committee updates, ask questions, share ideas, and discuss topics that are important to our sport.

If there's something you'd like included on the agenda, please email distanceridingnz@outlook.co.nz by Sunday 5 July 2026. This helps the Committee prepare and ensures productive discussion.

We encourage all members to come along and have their say.

Rule Proposals & Remits

Members wishing to submit a rule proposal or remit are invited to do so by 5:00pm Friday 19 June 2026.

Please include the current rule reference, details of the proposed amendment, and the reason for the change.

The Rule Proposal & Remit Form is available below.

Committee Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2026/27 DRNZ Committee.

This year we have several Committee positions to fill and are looking for enthusiastic members who are keen to help shape the future of Distance Riding New Zealand. Whether you've been involved in the sport for years or are looking to get more involved, we'd love to hear from you.

If you'd like to contribute to the future of Distance Riding New Zealand, we encourage you to put your name forward. We welcome members from all backgrounds and experience levels, and value new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Nominations close Sunday 5 July 2026.

Please see the nomination information and nomination form below.

If you'd like to find out more about what is involved, please contact:

Angela Makara Chairperson: chairperson@distanceridingnewzealand.co.nz
027 470 0399

Scholarships

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 DRNZ Senior and Youth Scholarships.

Each year, DRNZ awards one Senior Scholarship and one Youth Scholarship to riders who demonstrate outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship, and commitment to the sport.

Successful applicants receive free entry to all DRNZ events throughout the season and are paired with an experienced mentor for support and guidance.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 8 July 2026.

Scholarship information and application forms are available below.

Mentor Expressions of Interest

We're also seeking expressions of interest from experienced members who would like to mentor and support scholarship recipients throughout the season.

If you'd like to help develop and encourage the next generation of riders, we'd love to hear from you.

Further information is included with the scholarship documents below.

Annual Awards

Help us recognise the people who make our sport such a great community.

Nominations are now open for:

  • Volunteer of the Year

  • Sportsmanship Award

  • Personality of the Year

  • Horse's Ass Award

To submit a nomination, please email distanceridingnz@outlook.co.nz by 5:00pm Wednesday 8 July 2026, including the nominee's name and a brief reason for your nomination.

2026/27 Ride Calendar

The draft 2026/27 Ride Calendar is now available.

The upcoming season features a great mix of returning favourites along with exciting new rides and series. While the calendar remains in draft form and may be subject to minor changes, it gives members the opportunity to start planning for the season ahead.

The draft calendar can be viewed and downloaded below.

AGM Dinner

Following the AGM and Annual Awards Presentation, join us for dinner from 6:30pm.

It's the perfect opportunity to relax, celebrate the season, catch up with friends, and enjoy an evening of good food, great company, and plenty of distance riding stories.

Dinner booking information and menu options are available below.

AGM Documents

The following documents are available to download:

  • AGM Notice

  • Draft 2026/27 Ride Calendar

  • Committee Nomination Information

  • Committee Nomination Form

  • Scholarship Information

  • Scholarship Application Form

  • Rule Proposal & Remit Form

  • Annual Award Information

  • AGM Agenda (available closer to the meeting)

  • Committee Reports (available closer to the meeting)

We Look Forward to Seeing You in Taupō

Distance Riding New Zealand is a member-led organisation, and every member has an important role in helping shape the future of our sport.

We encourage all members and supporters to attend the AGM, connect with fellow riders, celebrate the season, and be part of the conversations that will guide DRNZ into the future.

We look forward to welcoming you to Taupō.