Latest News

DOC Survey currently being undertaken on open hunting permits

The Department of Conservation (DOC) are conducting a survey to gather feedback on the open hunting permits application process and system. This is an opportunity to help improve and shape the future of the application process.

Key Information:

  • Participants have been randomly selected from those who have received an open hunting permit in the past.
  • If selected, participants will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to complete the survey.
  • The survey should only take about seven minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

WE ARE HIRING: Chief Executive Officer

Looking for a unique role to advocate for the sustainable future of game animal management and hunting? We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to play a pivotal role in shaping all facets of the organisation, including strategic direction, financial planning and performance, organisational culture, and overarching vision.

For more information visit the Sheffield recruitment website.

Predator Free Rakiura hunting community update – December 2024

Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP), who are leading the operational delivery for Predator Free Rakiura have released an update regarding their proposed predator control work from mid-2025.

Key things to note:

  • Hunting blocks will remain available for booking throughout the first operational stage of the project. DOC will be contacting those with bookings across this period.
  • ZIP is installing some trail cameras in Southern Rakiura to understand white-tailed deer numbers. If you see cameras, please leave them.
  • Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research are designing a trial to test the effectiveness of deer repellent on white-tailed deer. This will begin early next year.
  • ZIP is proposing to trial deer repellent in one area of operations, and no repellent in another area of operations (where there are no huts).

We have been liaising with ZIP, DOC, NZDA and Rakiura Hunter Camps Trust over the last six months to advocate for hunters and the white-tailed deer herd on Stewart Island/Rakiura. Our feedback so far has focused on:

  • Operational parameters and what toxins will be used.
  • The use and effectiveness of deer repellent for reducing impacts on white-tailed deer.
    The significant impact this work will have on the thousands of hunters and fishers that travel to Stewart Island/Rakiura annually.
  • The long-term impacts of this work on the white-tailed deer and those who visit the island.
  • Concern around potential use of brodifacoum and its impact on public and environmental health.
  • The importance of proper due process and transparent decision making when using public funds.
  • Ensuring research follows robust scientific process and includes independent peer review.

Read the full update from ZIP here.

2023-24 Annual Report for the NZ Game Animal Council

Our Annual Report for the year July 2023-June 2024 has been published and was presented in Parliament by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing on 25 November 2024. It was another extremely busy year with welcoming New Zealand’s first Minister for Hunting and Fishing, engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders and sector organisations, and the employment of a fifth permanent staff member. Read the 2023-24 GAC Annual Report here.

MEDIA RELEASE: CEO for NZ Game Animal Council sought

Tim Gale, General Manager of the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) is stepping away from the role at the end of January 2025. “I’m incredibly proud to have spent the last five years working alongside some amazing people both within and outside of the hunting sector,” says Gale. “The growth of the sector has been phenomenal during this time. This growth can be credited not only to hunter sector groups and organisations, but all hunters, their families and their networks.” Read the full release here.

Joint recreation groups sector submission on review of the workplace health and safety system

The GAC was one of twelve recreation groups who jointly submitted to MBIE, urging the government to amend health and safety laws to safeguard public access to New Zealand’s outdoors. An unintended consequence of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) has created an environment of perceived or actual liability risk for landowners and managers who allow public recreational access, including for hunting. The joint submission recommends a clear recreation exclusion, ensuring that landowners and managers have no risk of liability for accidents associated with recreational visitors and activities (including access to natural features) on their land. Read the submission here.

MEDIA STATEMENT: NZ Game Animal Council welcomes Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and Waters

Todd McClay, Minister for Hunting and Fishing, has announced a nationwide Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and waters. The Charter outlines principles and commitments to ensure that recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land and waters is recognised and safeguarded for current and future generations… Read full media statement here.

Predator Free Rakiura seeks feedback on planned Stewart Island/Rakiura predator control work

Predator Free Rakiura is undertaking a project to eradicate rats, feral cats, possums and hedgehogs from Stewart Island/Rakiura. Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is leading this work and is planning the first stage of predator control across 11,000 hectares at the southern end of Stewart Island. ZIP is proposing to begin aerial toxin baiting no earlier than 1 June 2025.

ZIP is seeking input on the initial plan. The Stewart Island/Rakiura white-tailed deer herd is a highly valued hunting resource, and the GAC encourages hunters to provide feedback.

Go to www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz/join-the-discussion-towards-a-predator-free-rakiura for more information about the proposed work and to provide feedback.

OSPRI National Aerial Operations Plan 2025 submission

The Game Animal Council provided feedback on OSPRI’s National Aerial Operations Plan 2025. See it here.

Herds of Special Interest process, current proposals and FAQs

Learn about the application, assessment and designation process for Herds of Special Interest (HOSI), current proposals, as well as some frequently asked questions here.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Appointment of new Game Animal Councillor

The Game Animal Council welcomes the appointment by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing of Glenn MacPherson to the Council, as well as Eugene Rewi’s reappointment. We also recognise the contributions of Steve McFall, Sharon Salmons and Kevin Eastwood…READ MORE

WorkSafe policy clarification – recreational hunting

WorkSafe has clarified that the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) only applies to recreational access when the land is affected by work activities or is part of a workplace. This means a person whose land is being accessed for recreation is only responsible for risks arising from the work or workplace and is not responsible for the risks associated with the recreational activities. This includes recreational hunting. Read WorkSafe’s Policy Clarification here.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Member’s bill to include hunter and angler representation on conservation matters welcomed

Media statement: A new private member’s bill giving hunters and anglers representation on the New Zealand Conservation Authority recognises the role they play in safeguarding the country’s wild places, says Fish & Game New Zealand and the Game Animal Council… READ MORE

MEDIA STATEMENT: Services to the GAC and hunting sector celebrated

Media statement: Around one hundred people gathered in Parliament’s Grand Hall on Thursday 1 August, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) where Garry Ottmann was presented with the GAC’s inaugural award for services to the Game Animal Council and New Zealand hunting sector… READ MORE

Clubs and ranges targeted consultation submission

The Game Animal Council’s feedback on targeted consultation for a new approach to regulating shooting clubs and ranges… READ MORE

New pig hunting course on Better Hunting

We have a new pig hunting course available for free on Better Hunting. Made possible by the generous expertise and contribution of New Zealand Pig Hunting Association members, the course explores important theory and dog handling techniques and how to get into practical training. Check out the course for free online here.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Pause in wapiti legal action a win for Fiordland

The Game Animal Council welcomes the agreement between Forest & Bird and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) to pause legal proceedings over the management of wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and looks forward to working with DOC and FWF on a Herd of Special Interest…READ MORE

NZ Game Animal Hunting Research Project

Contribute to important research to understand more about the NZ hunting sector. This will help us and other stakeholders make better decisions for hunting into the future…READ MORE