Matt Gunn
Having ski patrolled for 15 years Matt has
retired from full time patrolling to pursue his dream of
setting a New Zealand first in Aspiring Avalanche Dogs
and to spend more time with his young family. Matt and
partner Em also own and operate an events lighting
company based out of Wanaka.
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Rocket
Handler: Matt Gunn
3/4 Border and 1/4 Rough Collie cross, Rocket is a friendly hound with a
loving nature is a real character! Full of energy with a strong desire to
please and love of playing games he is a real weapon Rocket is proving to be
very popular at our fundraising events!
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Callum Grant
The Big CG is a senior patroller at TC,
with years of experience and is a mountain guide during
the summer months. These skills make Cal a real asset to
our group. Having a skill for resurrecting old bicycles
from the grave Cal has started a flourishing business
renting pushbikes to tourists in the Wanaka region.
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Zeffer
Handler: Callum Grant
An energetic and curious both at home and at work in the snow. He has
shown excellent drive and natural ability to search and work with his
handler. He also loves a long swim and singing along to Italian opera. His
friendly nature makes him a ‘pat magnet’ with the kids and adults alike.
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Andy Wardell
After a number of years as a full time ski patroller, Andy now works part
time at TC while pursing a building career. A jack of all trades and a
legendary, Andy remaining - to putting in the hard yards to keep Tuki fit and
maintain his operational status.
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Tuki
Handler: Andi Wardell
Part Long Haired Pointer and part Black Lab Tuki comes from gun-dog stock
and is proving to be quite the character. A steady as she goes without much
fuss kinda hound with a great nose and a keen disposition, Tuki is the Jonny
Cash of the gang!
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Brendan Kearns (Doons)
As a part of the local hardcore having skied at TC since Adam was a cowboy,
Brendan nows with his young family in the home he helped to build in
Luggate. Second in charge on Treble Cone ski patrol and a consummate
mountain professional he is a huge asset to the team. Now on the lookout
for a pup to take Millie's place, Doon will be back in the game soon…watch
this space!
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Blizzid
The Matriarch of AAD, Blizzid retired at the end of the 2011 season and is
now living out her senior years in front of the log fire and on the sunny spot
on the deck at Matts place. She still tries to round up the odd frisbee and
keeps the young dogs in line. 2015 will probably be her last time around the
sun but she will go down in history as Treble Cones first every avo-dog…good
Blizz!
Avalanche Dog Retires to Light
Duties, The News 6/10/11
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Millie
No longer with us, Millie was a strong and determined hound with
unstoppable drive. She was a real asset to the team in her ten years as an
operational search dog. Doons’s was deployed on six occasions and in all
situations was able to determine that there was no one to find… a real asset
indeed! Millie loved people almost as much as she loved search and was
often seen outside the Patrol hut at Treble Cone in her Doggles lapping up
the attention. She is missed but her memory lives on.
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In memory - Zeppelin (2007-2011)
Tragedy struck on November 2011 with the sudden loss of Zepp. His death
struck a significant blow to our team, not only in the loss of a team member
but the tragic circumstances in which Zepp died. It serves as a reminder to
us all to be vigilant about keeping our dogs safe and secure. Zepp is dearly
missed by Callum and us all, he was such an affectionate dog with huge
personality and was an exceptional avalanche dog.
"Dog's death a warning" Wanaka Sun, 4/11/11).
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