The country of New Zealand can probably boast of the most field trial champion curly-coated retrievers than any other. The requirements for obtaining the title of Field Trial Champion (FTCH.) or Grand Field Trial Champion (GFTCH.) are explained here. They might not be quite what the average U.S. field retriever enthusiast would expect.

This is an article written by Gill Wise of Toakaha Kennels about the New Zealand FT. CH. and Show Champion Pukemere Mura Kuri. (New Zealand field trials are more like U.S. hunting tests than U.S. field trials. One major difference is New Zealand trials are competitive but U.S. hunt tests are not. I plan an article on what New Zealand trials are like soon.)