In 2018, Central Search Dogs approached the Dogs NZ Dog Obedience Committee with a proposal that Scentwork might be considered and introduced as a newly incorporated discipline. Largely through the work of three members of the Dog Obedience Committee, in conjunction with other Scentwork/Nosework Associations. This all culminated in the eventual conducting of a Novice Container Search Scentwork seminar/workshop for Dogs NZ Obedience members in July 2019.

At this point, it was merely intended to administer this new discipline under the direction of the Dogs NZ Dog Obedience Committee as a largely unregulated and separate activity from the already established Obedience codes. However, at the September 2019 EC meeting, a question was raised as to whether or not the Dog Obedience Committee should retain a monopoly over this new code when it had become clear that over the past two years a number of other International Kennel Associations were adopting it as a separate and specific code. Added to this was an awareness that there was an increasing number of non-obedience members also wishing to participate. A momentous decision was therefore made to establish Dogs NZ Scent Work, in line with other International Kennel Associations, as a unique Dogs NZ code.

Following the decision made the Dogs NZ EC. a management committee was established; Scent Work Regulations were drafted, and a training programme established in preparation for the conducting of any official Dogs NZ Scent Work Trials.

Dogs NZ Scent Work Committee

Terms of Reference
The Dogs New Zealand Scentwork Committee is a sub-committee of the Executive Council. The Committee reports directly to the Dogs New Zealand Executive Council and makes recommendations to them.

The Purpose of the Sub-Committee is:

• Furthering the development of Dogs NZ scentwork.
• Extending scentwork skills for trainers and handlers.
• Ensuring the welfare of dog participating is paramount, including all aspects of their health and safety.
• Ensuring that handlers are familiar with any risks involved while participating in Dogs NZ Scentwork.
• Dogs NZ scentwork activities and associated rules of participation are regularly reviewed.