Latest News
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.
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.
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
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.
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