My prefix “Askari” was registered with the New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc (NZCF Inc.) in 1980 where Persians were my love, a few years later the Exotics came into my life. I am privileged to have had great success with showing Persians and Exotics, taking out many National Awards as well as the NZCF Inc. “Breeders Awards of Merit” a coveted award in recognition of the work a breeder has put into a particular breed.

In the mid 1980’s I was accepted onto the NZCF Inc Longhair Judges School, moving up through the ranks to become a Tutor Judge. I have always admired the beauty of the Shorthair breeds, so in 1995 I attended the Shorthair Judges School.   My then Tutor ensured no stone was left unturned especially when it came to the differences between Long and Shorthaired breeds, also learning the best ways to handle each of the different breeds was equally as important in her. This is something I will always be grateful for as the welfare and security of each exhibit is of primary importance to me as a Judge.

 I become a fully qualified All Breeds Judge and later a Tutor. My involvement with the NZCF Inc. has included being an All Breeds Tutor Judge involved in both Long and Shorthair schools, taking Handlers and Stewards Schools as well as supervising and mentoring new Judges coming up through the ranks, which I have thoroughly enjoyed over the years.  

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and being with many well respected Overseas Judges through the years. Like all breeders both in NZ and overseas we have had the interruption that COVID-9 brought into our lives making us all so aware of how precious life is and to treasure our freedom where we can enjoy getting together and carrying on with the hobby we all so enjoy and cherish.

I enjoy the challenge that judging brings especially with the many different breeds on the show bench now days and the changes in the standards between Countries and even Councils within Countries. It is important to keep up with the subtle changes that breeds go through over the years, when it comes to style and type.  These days, what we see on the show bench is a more modern version of breeding, with health and the nature of each breed being a high priority for the concerned breeder.