Latest news with #GACAct
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Hunters – Have Your Voices Heard On The Future Management Of Highly Valued Game Animal Herds
The Game Animal Council Act 2013 (GAC Act) is the first piece of legislation in New Zealand to recognise game animals as valued introduced species and enable them to be sustainably managed while also achieving conservation outcomes. This is made possible through Herds of Special Interest (HOSI), whereby the Minister for Hunting and Fishing can delegate management responsibilities to the Game Animal Council (GAC). GAC Chair Grant Dodson says HOSI is a legal tool that enables management of a high value game animal resource, for hunting and conservation outcomes. 'HOSI is only made possible under the GAC Act,' he says. GAC CEO Corina Jordan says that hunters are passionate boots-on-the-ground conservationists who contribute significant efforts to environmental initiatives. 'Not only that, but hunting benefits physical and mental wellbeing, gets kids outside and off devices learning practical skills, while providing free-range meat for whānau and communities. 'When HOSI is fully implemented, it will empower hunter-led management of valued introduced game animal herds in a way that recognises and protects their values at the same time as achieving conservation outcomes,' Jordan says. What's the issue? 'Current law for national parks focuses on exterminating game animals as far as possible with the aim to achieve natural state. Natural state means unmodified by human activity or introduced plants or animals. Essentially that national parks are the same as they were before people arrived in New Zealand,' Dodson says. Natural state also precludes climate change. 'Since the law was put in place almost 50 years ago, we have learnt that the dream of exterminating valued introduced species from national parks is not practically or financially feasible, and that hunters play an important role in protecting biodiversity and responsibly managing game animals, including in national parks. What's being proposed? 'The Government is currently consulting on a change to the GAC Act through the Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill,' Dodson says. 'The Bill aims to make the law clear, in that the Minister for Hunting and Fishing can establish a HOSI in a national park. If the Bill is passed, it will enable sustainable management of highly valued game animal herds in national parks, benefitting both hunting and conservation,' he says. 'This will enable continued volunteerism from the hunting sector that has proven itself able to contribute much more than just managing deer, with substantial predator trapping and hut and track work being undertaken in many areas. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation provides a living example of the benefits of hunter led conservation. They have achieved sustained management of wapiti in an area of Fiordland National Park, protecting Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and providing for hunting purposes second. All done at minimal, or no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation also manages six backcountry huts and over 500 predator control traps, protecting native birds like kiwi and whio (blue duck). They have recently established a charitable trust enabling hunters to gift the venison they harvest to food banks. 'This is a proven conservation model that has been working for 20 years, and the GAC believes should be empowered and enabled across other areas of New Zealand. It provides an effective and economically efficient tool to aid conservation outcomes while managing game animals on public conservation land,' Dodson says. What's the opportunity? 'This Bill is a significant opportunity for hunters to have their voices heard by the Environment Select Committee, and shape New Zealand's future legislative framework for the benefits of hunting and conservation,' Dodson says. 'HOSI is the first game animal management tool that incorporates hunter values alongside conservation goals. 'So, we encourage you to make the most of this opportunity, to submit, and to help enable sustainable, hunter led game animal management in New Zealand, including national parks. 'Have your voice heard. Submit on the Bill before 24 July.' The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working to improve the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.
Otago Daily Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
‘Herd of special interest' status possible
A wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Wapiti deer, an introduced breed, may become a "herd of special interest" (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager said the wapiti HOSI represented an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. He also confirmed it would allow an introduced animal to be left to live in a national park. "Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America," Mr Meager said. "The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The foundation has been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. "A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna." The next step in the process is to consult with interested parties. The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025. To support the wapiti HOSI, the government will also introduce a Bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. The Bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. "The National Parks Act's requirement to 'exterminate' introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes," Mr Meager said. "The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this Bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand's wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features." The public will have the opportunity to submit on the Bill at the select committee stage. The Fiordland wapiti herd was established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gave 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. A HOSI designation is a tool to maintain a quality population of animals hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. It can also help raise New Zealand's profile as an international hunting destination. The GAC Amendment Bill does not change the National Parks Act. It also does not establish a HOSI. The process to do so will remain unchanged, including the requirement to go through public consultation. — APL
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Wapiti Herd Of Special Interest Process Begins
Press Release – New Zealand Government The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America. Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April. 'The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America,' Mr Meager says. 'The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The Foundation have been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. 'Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna.' The next phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards. The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025. To support the wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. The bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. 'The legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,' Mr Meager says. 'The National Parks Act's requirement to 'exterminate' introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes. 'The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand's wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.' 'The public will have the opportunity to submit on the bill at the select committee stage and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.' Notes: The Fiordland Wapiti herd were established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gifted 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. HOSI are a tool to maintain a quality population of animals that hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. They can also help raise New Zealand's profile as an international hunting destination. The GAC Amendment Bill does not change the National Parks Act. It also does not establish a HOSI. The process to do so will remain unchanged, including the requirement to go through public consultation.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Wapiti Herd Of Special Interest Process Begins
Press Release – New Zealand Government The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America. Minister for Hunting and Fishing Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April. 'The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America,' Mr Meager says. 'The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The Foundation have been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. 'Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna.' The next phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards. The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025. To support the wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. The bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. 'The legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,' Mr Meager says. 'The National Parks Act's requirement to 'exterminate' introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes. 'The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand's wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.' 'The public will have the opportunity to submit on the bill at the select committee stage and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.' Notes: The Fiordland Wapiti herd were established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gifted 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. HOSI are a tool to maintain a quality population of animals that hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. They can also help raise New Zealand's profile as an international hunting destination. The GAC Amendment Bill does not change the National Parks Act. It also does not establish a HOSI. The process to do so will remain unchanged, including the requirement to go through public consultation.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Wapiti Herd Of Special Interest Process Begins
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April. 'The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America,' Mr Meager says. 'The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The Foundation have been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. 'Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The next phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards. The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025. To support the wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. The bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. 'The legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,' Mr Meager says. 'The National Parks Act's requirement to 'exterminate' introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes. 'The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand's wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.' 'The public will have the opportunity to submit on the bill at the select committee stage and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.' Notes: The Fiordland Wapiti herd were established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gifted 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. HOSI are a tool to maintain a quality population of animals that hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. They can also help raise New Zealand's profile as an international hunting destination. The GAC Amendment Bill does not change the National Parks Act. It also does not establish a HOSI. The process to do so will remain unchanged, including the requirement to go through public consultation.
