HUNTING TO HOUNDS IN NEW ZEALAND . OPENING HUNT AT WAITEMATA.1998 Hello this is page dedicated to the very traditional sport of Hunting To Hounds In New Zealand. I will have heaps of pictures; history and events going on in New Zealand so read on. HOW IT BEGAN IN NZ In 1868 it was that Sir George Grey, then Governor, imported beagles which he sold to a Mr McLaughlin who used them to hunt rabbits.