The Game Animal Council is a statutory body established on 28 November 2013 under the Game Animal Council Act 2013.

It represents the interests of the hunting sector and will improve the management of hunting resources while contributing to positive conservation outcomes.

Key functions of the council include:

• • advising and making recommendations to the Minister of Conservation on hunting issues,
  • providing information and education to the sector,
  • promoting safety initiatives,
  • conducting game animal research,
  • undertaking management functions for designated herds of special interest.

On April 17 2014 The Minister appointed members to the council who  collectively have knowledge and experience relating to game animals, recreational and commercial hunting, deer farming, hunting-related tourism, farming generally, forestry, kaitiakitanga, nature conservation, and scientific disciplines.

The term of the appointment commenced 1 May 2014.

The GAC mission statement is:

“Sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, commerce and conservation”

The objectives are to:

• Enhance the quality of game animal herds while remaining consistent with conservation values
• Develop positive relationships between the Game Animal Council and stakeholders
• Promote hunter safety
• Reduce conflict among stakeholders
• Improve the acceptance of hunting as a safe and legitimate activity
• Promote standards for hunting and management of game animals

The 2017 Council