On September 16, 1970 the New Zealand Arabian Breeders Society was born and has grown in strength from that time. As well as a central governing body located in Auckland, New Zealand also has regional Arabian Clubs that regularly stage saddle and halter shows and fun days. International judges often comment that winning horses would stand well against any overseas.

Arabs in New Zealand are very much 'doing' horses - working in pony club, harness, hunting and dressage. A dash or two of Arabian blood is often found in many of the winning stock and whilst partbreds abound. purebreds are no slugs and feature regularly in the winning bracket.

Arabian horses in New Zealand are often raised alongside other agricultural pursuits and are found in a number of disciplines including pony clubs, endurance, hunting, dressage and harness, along with halter events.

The largest New Zealand Arabian stud (until its dispersal earlier this year), was Waimeha. located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Established over 30 years ago by the late Allan Sisam, the purebreds were recently dispersed to begin for their new owners whole new beginnings.

Imported horses have always been important to the New Zealand Arabian scene, if only for injecting new vigour into the existing domestic lines and a glance at the new stud books will show imports from Australia, America and England.
 

Courtesy of Jacquie Webby.
Acknowledgements:

The Classic Arabian Horse - Forbis
Arabian Horse in Australia Today 1.