Fresh from being named the most popular mayor in the country, Mayor Dan Gordon came nose-to-nose with another champion – Waimakariri’s Dog of the District 2025.
In the competition’s second year, run on Council’s Facebook page, Hunter the Husky gained the most public votes to take the title.
Chosen from more than a hundred entries, six dogs made it to the final round – but it was 14-year-old Hunter, a Siberian Husky from Rangiora, who led the pack. He pulled well ahead in the public vote, finishing with a commanding 100-vote lead over his closest rival, a Rottweiler named Bruce.
Hunter’s owner, Georgia Buckley, said much of his support came from the wider Husky community.
“I shared the competition in the New Zealand Husky Owners group on Facebook, which is where a lot of the votes came from. Husky owners are a committed bunch!”
Georgia adopted Hunter as a retired show dog when he was six years old. He travelled all the way from Auckland on the pet bus and has been enjoying a relaxed life in Waimakariri ever since.
Though he now prefers sunbathing on the deck to posing for the camera, Hunter still sports the occasional bandana – a nod to his show dog days.
“We have a whole container filled with bandanas and bow ties from a local lady in Rangiora,” Georgia says. “He still likes to show off a different one now and then.”
“He’s also very chill for a Husky. We like to think of him as a ‘beginner Husky’,” she laughs.
Hunter was presented with his prize on Sunday afternoon: free dog registration for a year, a 10kg bag of Black Hawk dog food, treats, and a certificate of achievement.
Mayor Dan Gordon said it was a joy to meet Hunter. “He’s a beautiful dog, and I can tell he’s a much-loved member of Georgia’s family.”
“Waimakariri is full of proud dog owners, and this competition really highlights the special bond people have with their pets. It’s a fun way to bring the community together, and a great reminder to make sure your dog is registered.”
The easiest way to register your dog is online at waimakariri.govt.nz/dogs
(Mayor Dan Gordon was crowned most popular mayor in the country according to the Taxpayers' Union - Curio Mayoral Poll)
Hunter with his owners Georgia Buckley and Mark Woodcock