DU’s new co-patron - Diane Pritt 

Ohakune farmer and long time DU member, Diane Pritt is the new co-patron of Ducks Unlimited New Zealand (DUNZ). She replaces Diana, Lady Isaac, who died in November 2012. 

The position, shared with Jim Campbell of Wairarapa, had been vacant while the DUNZ board decided on the best person to fill the role.

Diane (known to most members as Di) has been involved with DUNZ since a year after its formation in 1975, when she and her father, Bill, became members.

“Dad was a very keen duck shooter and followed Roy Cavanaugh’s (Wildlife Service) creed that ‘without water you have nothing’. Hence, the 40odd dams and wetland areas here at Mitredale.”

Di was on the DUNZ board from 1978 to 1993,running the AGMs. The annual board meetings  in May started during her time on the board andDi says: “Thank you to the guys for their effortsas directors.” Apart from her farm Mitredale, Di has many other interests, including Women in Farming, duck and pheasant shooting, simulated field (claytarget) shooting, amateur dramatics, reading, Labrador dogs, wine and cooking. Her MitredaleDuck Club Cookbook was published in 2001.

She has run the 125 hectare sheep and beef farmsince 1982 and, with her mother also manages ahomestay and boarding kennel.

Di said it is an honour to be selected as co-patron.