Mr Ernest Reid Formed a Great Dane club in 1948 and this first club folded in 1958 with its assets and trophies being held by the New Zealand Kennel Club ( the country's governing body) until a new club was formed. Some of these trophies are still competed for at shows throughout New Zealand today.
The new Great Dane Club became a reality on 2nd May 1968 with Mr P Ford as President, Mr M McBride as Vice President, Mrs Alexander as Treasurer and just 2 commitee members: Mr and Mrs Praast. With just 20 people owning or interested in Great Danes at the time, the clubs in New Zealand owe much to those enthusiasts.
In its initial stages The Great Dane Club Incoroparated was responsible for all operations throughout New Zealand but as things prospered, sub-committees were necessary and in 1973 a South Island committee was formed, followed by a Wellington committee in 1977.
As the popularity of our breed increased, running all activities from Auckland was no longer viable and in 1978 a The Wellington Great Dane Association was formed, followed by the Southern Great Dane Club. This cut New Zealand into three areas: South Island, Wellington to Taupo, and The Great Dane Club Incorporated covering all areas north of Taupo. Unfortunately operations in the South Island ceased and was taken over by the Wellington Great Dane Club Association which has recently become the Central North and South Island Great Dane Club.
Membership and interest in Great Danes has grown and both remaining clubs have continued to prosper. Many of the first members have either died or found new interests but a few of the original members are still in touch.
The first Newsletter of The Great Dane Club Inc went to print in May 1968 and is still in production bi monthly: there is little comparison between the first editional and the current one and we now have a very professional product.
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