The NZPHGA Professional Hunter Academy
The NZPHGA is committed to ensuring members meet the standards appropriate to professionalism.
We do this via the Professional Hunter Academy (PHA).
NZPHGA Professional Hunter Academy - Course Objective:
"To provide a benchmark level of training and standards to new and existing members of the New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association and to ensure consistently high standards are observed for the betterment of all; the guide, their employer, their clients and the guided hunting industry in New Zealand."
The NZPHGA is committed to ensuring members aspire to meet the highest standards demanded of their profession. One of the ways to achieve this is the conducting of Professional Hunter Academy (PHA) courses by the Association.
These popular courses are an intensive seven-day formal training program, conducted on select NZPHGA member hunting properties. The PHA provides practical and theoretical training and assessment on NZPHGA guide standards.
‘Professionalism’ underpins all aspects of the PHA training program, with the focus on safety, vision and people skills.
It is expected that entrants will have moderate to high level of hunting skills before attending a course.
Basic Training
Course participants receive basic training in many aspects of the New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides role – Including:
The NZPHGA Code of Ethics
The NZPHGA Safety Management System
Role and attributes of a Professional Hunting Guide
Compliance, Permits, Licenses and Law
Hosting and Lodge skills
Client care
Hunt planning
The many facets of conducting a hunt
Rifles, Shooting and Practical Field Ballistics
Firearms Code
Familiarisation around Helicopters
Safety in the Mountains and river crossing
Equipment
Trophy Field Dressing, Skinning, Caping and Recovery
Head Skinning and Trophy Care
Meat recovery and basic butchery
Food safety
Introduction to Trophy Measuring
Trophy Photography
Course participants are assessed in these roles and successful members are issued with a Certificate of Completion of the PHA.
THere’s a clean, professional version you can copy and paste directly into your website:
The New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association (NZPHGA) runs a 7-day Professional Hunter Academy (PHA) Guide Standards Course each spring. The course is typically held at High Peak Station (Rakaia Gorge) or Glen Dene Station (Lake Hāwea).
Course fees are set annually on a cost-recovery basis. As a guideline, the 2026 course fee is $4,000 + GST. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place.
The course is supported by members of the NZPHGA Executive and wider membership, who assist the Chief Instructor on a voluntary basis. Typically, one course is run each year with a maximum of 10 participants. In years of high demand, a second course may be offered.
The PHA Guide Standards Course is a prerequisite for NZPHGA membership and is available to members only. The first step is to apply for membership via the NZPHGA website:
https://www.nzphga.co.nz/membership
To apply for membership, you will need:
A current New Zealand Firearms Licence
A current Workplace or Outdoor First Aid Certificate (Unit Standards 6400, 6401, and 6402)
Two references (preferably from NZPHGA members or individuals within the hunting industry)
Applications can be submitted without a current First Aid Certificate; however, this must be completed before membership is granted.
The Guide Standards Course is designed for experienced hunters looking to enter the guided hunting industry. It focuses on guiding skills and industry knowledge rather than basic hunting techniques. Applicants are expected to already have a solid foundation of hunting experience.
Membership Types
NZPHGA membership is granted to individuals and includes the following categories:
Outfitter Membership
For individuals who own, operate, or represent a guided hunting business.
Guide Membership
For individuals guiding as employees or contractors, without operating their own business.
Both Outfitter and Guide members have full voting rights within the NZPHGA. Only Outfitter members may be listed under the NZPHGA–DOC Collective Guided Hunting Concession.
Outfitter membership is granted to individuals with proven industry experience. New members without sufficient experience are encouraged to follow a mentoring pathway under Guide membership before applying for Outfitter status.
Associate Membership
Available to non-New Zealand citizens or residents who complete the PHA. If residency or citizenship is later obtained, membership can be upgraded.
Only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Outfitter and Guide membership. Non-residents attending the course must obtain a New Zealand Visitor Firearms Licence and should note that preference is given to New Zealand applicants.
Annual Subscription Fees (GST inclusive)
Outfitter: $635.38
Guide: $198.38
Associate: $189.75
Applicant Expectations
Applicants should have several years of regular hunting experience, including backcountry hunting. You should be confident leading a hunt and capable of guiding both experienced international hunters and beginners across varied terrain.
Expected skills include:
Backcountry navigation
Bushcraft and survival skills
Safe and competent backcountry travel
Knowledge of New Zealand game animals, including their behaviour and habitats
Ability to set up and manage a basic field camp, including cooking
While prior experience in caping and trophy preparation is beneficial, it is not required.
The course focuses on developing the practical skills and knowledge required to operate as a professional hunting guide within the New Zealand industry.
Contacts
Chief Instructor
James Cagney
jamescagneynz@gmail.com
Membership Officer
Shaun Allison
membership@nzphga.co.nz
