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Scoop
6 days ago
- 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
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Game council lauds wapiti application
The New Zealand Game Animal Council says protecting wapiti deer would preserve an unparalleled opportunity for a hunting icon. The council, said in a statement, it congratulated the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on successfully submitting its wapiti "herd of special interest" (HOSI) proposal. Minister of Hunting and Fishing James Meager was considering formally designating wapiti as a HOSI in Fiordland National Park. 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. If passed, the Bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. This move was criticised by Forest & Bird, which said it amounted to letting a North American species use a national park as a "vege patch". "The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park management plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes," Fiordland Wapiti Foundation chairman Grant Dodson said. "The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, given to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. "In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer." He said the foundation actively managed the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. It also managed six back-country huts and more than 500 predator-control traps, protecting native birds such as kiwi and blue duck. It had recently established a charitable trust enabling hunters to give the venison they harvested to foodbanks. "The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. "The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported. "Designating a wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources "The minister's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the council's establishment by legislation in 2013. However, no HOSI has ever been created," he said. "The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. "The council looks forward to supporting the minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process." — APL
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Second Herd Of Special Interest Takes Step Toward Designation
Press Release – NZ Game Animal Council The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process. The NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) congratulates the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on successfully submitting their Wapiti Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, who is now going to consider formally designating wapiti as a HOSI in Fiordland National Park. 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. If passed, the bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation management globally recognised 'The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park Management Plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes,' GAC Chair Grant Dodson says. 'The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, gifted to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. 'In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The Foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation actively manage the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. They also manage 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. 'The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3 million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported,' Dodson says. 'Designating a Wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy, and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources,' he says. HOSI process established by GAC 'The Minister for Hunting and Fishing's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the GAC's establishment by legislation in 2013, however no HOSI has ever been created,' Dodson says. 'The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant amount of work that GAC staff have put into establishing systems and processes to enable the development of HOSI proposals. Without this work, there would not be two HOSI designations being considered by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. 'I'd like to also acknowledge GAC Council members past and present who have provided governance and support for the HOSI concept, which presents an opportunity to establish consistent and affordable management of game animal herds that are highly valued in New Zealand. 'The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process.' Next steps in the process includes drafting of a herd management plan with consultation on that plan to follow. 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.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Second Herd Of Special Interest Takes Step Toward Designation
Press Release – NZ Game Animal Council The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process. The NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) congratulates the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on successfully submitting their Wapiti Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, who is now going to consider formally designating wapiti as a HOSI in Fiordland National Park. 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. If passed, the bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation management globally recognised 'The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park Management Plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes,' GAC Chair Grant Dodson says. 'The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, gifted to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. 'In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The Foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation actively manage the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. They also manage 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. 'The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3 million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported,' Dodson says. 'Designating a Wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy, and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources,' he says. HOSI process established by GAC 'The Minister for Hunting and Fishing's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the GAC's establishment by legislation in 2013, however no HOSI has ever been created,' Dodson says. 'The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant amount of work that GAC staff have put into establishing systems and processes to enable the development of HOSI proposals. Without this work, there would not be two HOSI designations being considered by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. 'I'd like to also acknowledge GAC Council members past and present who have provided governance and support for the HOSI concept, which presents an opportunity to establish consistent and affordable management of game animal herds that are highly valued in New Zealand. 'The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process.' Next steps in the process includes drafting of a herd management plan with consultation on that plan to follow. 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.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Second Herd Of Special Interest Takes Step Toward Designation
The NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) congratulates the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on successfully submitting their Wapiti Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, who is now going to consider formally designating wapiti as a HOSI in Fiordland National Park. 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. If passed, the bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation management globally recognised 'The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park Management Plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes,' GAC Chair Grant Dodson says. 'The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, gifted to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. 'In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The Foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation actively manage the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. They also manage 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. 'The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3 million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported,' Dodson says. 'Designating a Wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy, and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources,' he says. HOSI process established by GAC 'The Minister for Hunting and Fishing's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the GAC's establishment by legislation in 2013, however no HOSI has ever been created,' Dodson says. 'The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant amount of work that GAC staff have put into establishing systems and processes to enable the development of HOSI proposals. Without this work, there would not be two HOSI designations being considered by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. 'I'd like to also acknowledge GAC Council members past and present who have provided governance and support for the HOSI concept, which presents an opportunity to establish consistent and affordable management of game animal herds that are highly valued in New Zealand. 'The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process.' Next steps in the process includes drafting of a herd management plan with consultation on that plan to follow. 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.
