2026 Taranaki Gun Show Wrap Up

By Andrew Edgcombe, Taranaki Gun Show Convenor

The Taranaki Gun Show is done for 2026. We had a number of our regulars unavailable this year, with some undergoing medical procedures, or recovering from the same. Our thoughts are with these people. We wish them well with their respective recovery journeys and look forward to sharing in their company at next year’s show.

As always, the success of any of the shows held relies on participation, be that vendors, exhibitors or visitors. Gun shows in general provide opportunities to showcase what we do as an organization, what we do as individuals and responsible licensed firearms owners. Greg, one of the Taranaki Security team, was doing a sterling job of introducing people to the environment, including an interesting lady that came in with a fairly strong anti-firearms attitude and left with a fresh perspective, acknowledging the importance of preserving our history and heritage. It was an interesting yet positive interaction.

Vendors and exhibitors

Our vendors, as always your support is truly appreciated and it was good to see such a broad range of items on offer. Like any show, it’s hard to predict how sales will go. I for one noticed a reasonable amount of items changing hands including some very nice items going into Taranaki collections.

Our exhibitors did well with some great displays from locals and visitors. Thank you to those that were able to contribute to the displays. Your time and effort was much appreciated.

Display awards

Displays were judged by Zac and Ron, results as follows:

• Best Visitor: Tony and Chrissy Matthews, Early New Zealand

• Best Military: Craig Langlands, German Military

• Best Non Firearms: Gavin Bennett, ANZAC display

• Best Individual: Dennis Lally, Winchester & Swiss Military displays

• Best British Military: Ray Pope, British Military Long Arms

• Best Taranaki Branch: Chris Hickey, Cowboy Action

• Best Overall: Chris Hickey, Cowboy Action

• Best Non Military: Dave Frandsen, Schultz and Larsen

• People’s Choice: Ray Pope, British Military Long Arms

Congratulations to everyone, your recognition is well deserved. Note, this was the first time displaying for Chris and he put on a spectacular display.

More displays from the show

Thank you to the team

Of course the show doesn’t happen without help. Thank you to Zac for organizing the administrative aspects. Even if you don’t see what goes on, Zac does a lot of the behind-the-scenes work. Our guys looking after the signage did a great job and had signage out. Thank you to Adrienne for her help and support with the show and being front of house, welcoming visitors, dealing with queries and ensuring everyone was well stocked with sweets.

Thanks to the Taranaki Team that came along on Friday to help get the show tables laid out and give our vendors and exhibitors a hand to load in and out.

Our awesome security team, Greg, Alex, Ron and Gareth, were their usual fantastic selves, keeping a good eye on everything and lending a hand wherever they could. Great work, gentlemen.

Support from Firearms Safety and Education

Firearms Safety and Education Arms Officers, Kelly and Oceana, were on hand to deal with permit requirements and provide advice and guidance. We are privileged to have such knowledgeable, helpful and friendly Arms Officers. They made the permitting process an efficient and stress-free process. Thank you ladies, your presence and professionalism was much appreciated.

I think having FSE on site is a positive PR opportunity for FSE. It’s an opportunity for them to be seen by the public and interact with those firearms owners that would normally only be seen for their licence renewal, and also help out some of us old dogs who may struggle with navigating the new systems!

Our venue and looking ahead

We have been at the current venue, The Plymouth International Hotel, for an estimated 30 years. The venue is first class, the restaurant is great and the service we receive from the staff is excellent. Events coordinators Victoria and Mel really go out of their way to meet our specific requirements. Thank you to the Plymouth International team.

Thanks again everyone, I hope I have it all covered. It’s been a great show, and let’s hope we can continue the tradition and focus on positive public interaction and education.

Regards to all

Andrew Edgcombe

Taranaki Gun Show Convenor