About the Australian Koi Association

History
The AKA is a group of people with a common interest in koi, expressed in a diversity of preferences for types of koi and all aspects of their keeping.

In 1981 37 original members formed a new club called the Australian Koi Association. The first President of our club was Robert Yandell.

Over the years the membership has grown and all money raised has been put towards improvements in the club, such as meeting nights, shows and auctions, with the aim of developing the knowledge and breeding of koi in Australia.

Many changes have occurred since the club was formed. We currently have 21 life members who are honoured for their achievements and contributions to koi keeping in Australia. Our total membership currently stands at nearly 300 people. We have formed our AKA Mid-Northern Chapter in recent years, based in Coffs Harbour, and currently have over 50 enthusiastic members.

We have close relationships with other Australian and international koi organisations, including the Koi Society of Australia, where we jointly co-host the annual Sydney Koi Show at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park. We are also proudly aligned through our ZNA (Zen Nippon Airinkai) family in Japan with many other koi clubs, including the Koi Society of Western Australia, the South African Koi Keepers Society, the Malaysian Koi Club, the Nishikigoi Vereniging Nederland (NVN) in Holland who host the largest koi show in the world, Thailand Koi Keepers Group (TKKG), the Vietnam Koi Club, the South East England Koi Club and Singapore Koi Club, to name a few.

AKA Presidents
Robert Yandell. March 1981 – 1983
Dave Pogson. March 1983 – 1994
Colin Chaloner. January 1994 – 1996
Jim Merchant. January 1996 – 1997
Dave Pogson. November 1997 – 1999
Paul Miglionico. November 1999 – 2011
Ian Andrews. November 2011 – Present

You can download a copy of our constitution here.

Member activities and benefits
Members meet monthly and enter their koi in a monthly points score competition and in a number of special shows held throughout the year. Many of these shows have international koi judges which we bring to Australia specifically to judge our shows.

Members enjoy the spirit of competition the achievement of winning with their home grown koi. To see a competition hall filled with tanks of good quality fish is an uplifting experience and for many members this alone is sufficient reward for their effort.

Well-attended monthly meetings deal with the business of the Association and news of activities in the koi world, and usually include a raffle with either koi or other prizes, the opportunity to socialise with other koi keepers and gain many useful tips. At most meetings there is an illustrated lecture on koi culture by an expert in a particular field, as well as koi auctions, panel discussions and demonstrations.

Members can borrow from the Association`s library and also receive the AKA’s bi-monthly magazine colour magazine, AKA Reporter. There are many opportunities for involvement such as helping with our public shows or serving on the committee. There are also open days and inspections of member’s ponds and tours to see koi ponds in other districts.

Membership of the AKA offers greater pleasure from your koi, and allows you to form lasting friendships with people of similar interest from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. New members are warmly welcomed and young members and family participation are especially encouraged.