As the oldest society in New Zealand for registering Highland Cattle, the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society has been the initiator of many new initiatives in the Industry.

One of the first was to hold an A & P style show in the winter for Highlands, when the long shaggy coats of the animals are at their best.

The first show of this type was held in Pukekohe in June 1999, in conjunction with the Societies AGM.  The year 2009 marks the 10 year anniversary of that show, and the popularity of the winter show with breeders has grown since then.

Set as one of two Highland showcases per year, the North Island Winter Show sets its classes along Royal Agricultural Society rules, to which the Society is affiliated to. Entry numbers in the classes are high, which provides a wonderful exhibition of this ancient and magnificent breed. This year the show is being held at the Claudelands Showgrounds on the 29th of May.

The New Zealand Highland Cattle Society was formed in 1993 to develop and maintain the purity of the breed.  Members numbered 52, and one of the Society’s first aim was to open a Herdbook to allow registrations of cattle.

Since then, member numbers have grown to over 450 nationwide, and that first Herdbook now boasts over 5000 animals.  All animals registered with the Society can be searched on via the Societies online Herdbook, which can be found at www.highlandcattle.org.nz.