Mauger’s heading whippet cross was one of nearly 400 pooches across New Zealand vying for titles in the Frog Recruitment NZ Top Dog competition.
Fifty, including Indiana Bones, were from Christchurch.
While Indiana Bones didn't get an award, a Christchurch pooch named Koozer was named as one of two runner-up dogs in the top dog office dog category.
Indiana Bones was also in the top office dog category. Mauger takes her to Rowwdy Ltd where she ‘works’ as a film set dog.
Mauger made headlines when he chose Fleur Verhoevan as the winner of The Bachelor NZ in 2016, but dumped her soon after the announcement was made, later revealing he didn’t feel a connection with anyone but had to continue with the show.
“At a very young age (Indiana Bones) worked with me on various productions,” said Mauger, who is the son of Mayor Phil Mauger.
“She will come with me on location, scout the area, hang out at unit base and excitingly greet crew and actors arriving at work. Sometimes she’ll even find herself in front of camera as an extra or a lead dog. One time she even had her own trailer! Maybe one day she’ll be on the red carpet at a premiere.”
Another Christchurch hopeful was kelpie border collie Maximilian.
He has been going to work at CNS with owner Emily Steele since he was a pup.
“Max gets the team out for mental health breaks and walks during the day,” said Steele.
“He provides stress relief by gently placing his chin on the knee of the team member that needs it the most and is so chivalrous! He’s learned to open the boardroom door or everyone. The team love him.”
Now in its eighth year, the competition salutes not only office canine colleagues but dogs with extraordinary commitment to their communities, from biosecurity detection dogs, therapy dogs and even a Ministry of Justice court dog, our pooch partners have become vital workforce members.
Here are the winners and runners-up:
NZTOPDOG - Dog with a Job Award:
Winner – Wink: Invercargill
Runner up – Bobby the Blue Heeler x Cattle dog from Auckland Council
Runner up – Mabel the Golden Retriever from Tauranga District Court
NZTOPDOG – Office Dog Award:
Winner – Terry: Taupo
Runner up – Koozer the Huntaway from Airpark Christchurch
Runner up – Jess the German Short haired Pointer from Taipa’s Far North Tropicals
