The 15th annual Police Sport Hunting Championships wrapped up in style in Hamilton in late May, with strong participation and impressive results across both adult and junior categories.

Favourable weather and high levels of commitment from competitors contributed to an excellent turnout at the event’s weigh-in and prizegiving. Notably, every registered entrant attended, with most competitors bringing in one or more animals for weighing.

The family-friendly atmosphere remained a standout feature of the championships, with a large number of children and families in attendance. Among them was Andrew O’Reilly, who introduced his grandchildren to the event, with the young participants also achieving success in the field.

In the junior division, Wiremu Bunting claimed top honours by securing the largest possum of the competition, weighing in at 3.7kg. Wiremu also nabbed the only rabbit.

Another highlight came from Sun-Ah Choi, 10, daughter of competitor Sean Choi, who won the Maungahau Lodge prize – a two-night family hunting trip.

In the adult categories, competitors presented a combined total of 39 pigs and deer for weighing, reflecting both a productive hunt and strong participation levels. – Nigel Keall