Animals have been part of my life since early childhood when I spent countless, happy hours on my grandparents' farm in one of NZ's top scenic spots, Akaroa. In the 1960's I began breeding Burmese and Persians under the CHUNTAO and RIVERAIN prefixes, having been coerced into it by my brother!

In the 1970's I read about the (at that time) new Burmese colours, and soon imported stock from England which became the foundation stock for my multiple Best in Show and National Best in Show winners, the Chuntao Creams.

In the later 1980's a 4th generation Exotic girl joined the Skilling household. Although she wasn't show quality she did become the ancestress of NZ's first Grand Champion Blue Cream Exotic as well as being a much loved pet!

NZCF Roles - Past and Present

• All Breeds Judge
• Member of the History Portfolio Panel
• Former Shorthair Tutor Judge
• Former National Executive Member and Editor of NZ Cats
• Former Judges Registrar, Provisional and Siamese/Oriental Registrar
• Former Chairman of the Genetics Advisory Panel

Club Affiliations

• Life Member of the Canterbury All Breeds Cat Club and the New Zealand Burmese Cat Club

International Judging Career

• Australia - have accepted and enjoyed judging beautiful felines in most Australian states
• United Kingdom - whilst living in the UK was privileged to judge at both GCCF and Fife Shows
• Europe - I was honoured to judge at several Irish shows