The Elk and Wapiti Society (EWS) is to mark its 30th anniversary and celebrate its contribution to New Zealand's deer industry, in Wanaka in January next year.
In a press release, president John Falconer said he expected more than 150 people from throughout the country to attend, including many who had been involved with the society and the industry for the past 30 years.
''It's not a huge membership but a passion for the breed has been the over-riding driver,'' Mr Falconer said.
''The activities and achievements are many and varied and while they have been breed-focused, there has been a healthy spillover into industry good.''
He said there had been many colourful individuals involved in the society, including founding president Sir Tim Wallis, scientist Dr Ken Drew and Deer Industry New Zealand's Tony Pearse, all of whom were early members and who now had life memberships.