Meet The Team
Nicole Adams - President
I have been involved in showing dogs since I was 4 (48yrs). Starting out with Labradors, and then helping my mum with her Norwich. 29 years ago I purchased my first Bull Terrier and I was hooked on this amazing breed. I also have Australian Terriers with one of my daughters and Angus the beautiful Bulldog. I love my dogs, showing and my show friends, I have been active on many committees over the years and am now working my way into judging and I am 3 yrs. in and currently on the Open Show panel. I love seeing new people out having fun with their dogs enjoying our hobby. I have twin daughters and a very patient partner.
Kathryn Joyce - Secretary/Treasurer
I am a long-time owner, exhibitor and breeder of Bull Terriers under the NZKC registered prefix of Raiden. Despite the Bull Terrier being my breed of choice I can often be found helping and supporting friends with other breeds – it is certainly funny to see people’s faces when Dachshunds, Bull Terriers, Poodles & the odd Neapolitan Mastiff get out of the vehicle for a toilet break on a weekend away. I enjoy both the competitive and social aspects of the dog world and UBBA excels at both. Being part of a fun and positive committee is very rewarding.
Diane Riley - Vice President
I have a Boxer, but I am better known for my Australian Terriers which I breed under the Tasdale Prefix. I also own an Irish Terrier and 2 cats. In the past I have also owned Bull Terriers, Border Terriers and Lakeland Terriers. I was born into the dog world, with my parents having bred and shown Bull Terriers. I am licenced to Judge Utility, Gundogs and Terriers and with my husband, own and operate Eyrewell Park Boarding Kennels and Cattery in North Canterbury.
Nora Edmondson –I have shown and bred Boxers for approximately 28 years, and still love them. My daughter Leana has the Stafford’s and of course I have also joined in with her as I now find the boxers are too fast for me. I now show (and am owned) by Maddie, who is my loving girl and do very well in the ring with her, she is a champion many times over. The Stafford’s temperament is very similar to the boxers and are very loving, they just come in a smaller package. I have been showing the Stafford’s now for about 12 years.
Jan Torkington – I was first introduced to pedigree dogs and dogs shows approx. 50 years ago. My mum started with Welsh Pembroke Corgis, then Cardigan Corgis. She also owned and bred Golden Retrievers & Flat Coat Retrievers. We still have four Cardigan Corgis at home with us now. I purchased my first Pedigree Dog (Golden Retriever) when I was 15 yrs. old. My interest in Bullmastiffs started about 25 yrs. ago when we rescued a Bullmastiff cross which we had for 14 Years. He was the most adorable, sweet natured boy ever. When he passed I promised myself that I would own a pedigree Bullmastiff, this is when my Harriet arrived and so it started. That is where most of my dogs I have owned have originated from. I don’t think I could be without them now, that is providing I am still on my feet.
Leana Bartle – I got my first pet pedigree Staffordshire Bull Terrier in 1990 after being introduced to them by a friend. I was hooked. 16 years later I decided I would like to get into the showing so I was lucky enough to add to my family a beautiful red Stafford. My prefix is Oakamoor and we have been very successful in breeding and showing good quality Stafford’s. We have made up 4 New Zealand Champions over the last 10 years. We have just taken our current girl NZ Ch Oakamoor Mystical Spell on to win Best In Show at the Southern Cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier Speciality show in Wellington. This fine wee girl is following in her mother’s footsteps. Life wouldn’t be complete without a Stafford.
Sean & Anne Deery- We share our Amberley home with our 3 Bullmastiffs (Ruby, Fanny and Murphy) 2 cats, my parents and whoever else happens to have dropped in and stayed a while. Ruby is retired from the show ring now but the youngsters, Fanny and Murphy strut their stuff at the many beautiful Sth Island shows. Our dogs are very much a part of our family and we are proud of their calm, loving temperament.
Norma Shelley- I have been asked to write a little something about myself. I am 51, and have 3 children. I have owned and bred Mastiffs since 1986 and was the first Mastiff breeder in the South Island. My prefix is Hessenfield. I currently have 4 Mastiffs. My interests include, dog shows, clothes, cooking, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. I like to help with fundraising for the club; if I am available you will often find me helping with the food side of things. I really enjoy being part of this committee
Tony Hitchens - I have worked for the Christchurch City Council for the last 5 years as a corridor manager, I live in burnside with my wife and step daughter and our family would not be complete with out our bull terrier Skyla. Skyla and I like to go out tramping so we can enjoy quality time together and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Linda Phillips - Most of you know me from dog shows darting about taking pics of everyone’s dogs. I love being a dog photographer although I prefer the title ‘Canine memory maker’. I grew up with pedigree Shelties, from there my passion grew for all pedigree dogs. I acquired my first Bull Terrier from Boltec Kennels age 17. Today I have 1 Bullmastiff, 1 Boxer and 3 Neapolitan Masstiffs. I am besotted with the Bullmastiff breed and I aim to have more than 1 in the not too distant Future. My Occupation is a professional dog groomer (7 years now) which I LOVE and aim to have my own grooming business near future. If you ever see me clicking away at a dog show come up and say hi .
Lisa Bearne