This was originally published in the August/September edition of the NZ Hunter magazine. With the 2026 General Election fast approaching, the Game Animal Council (GAC) has provided hunters with an insight into the policy positions of New Zealand’s political parties. In May the GAC wrote to the hunting and fishing or conservation spokespeople of ACT, … Continue reading Who’s got your vote in 2026?
Better Hunting Tahr Ballot briefing – complete before you fly
Hunting tahr in a wilderness area is a unique experience and a rare opportunity for many hunters. This opportunity is only made available because of the contribution that you make to conservation through your hunting activity. The decisions you make while in the mountains are important. The Tahr Ballot Briefing on Better Hunting has information … Continue reading Better Hunting Tahr Ballot briefing – complete before you fly
CEO Update August 2026: Game animal management – where are we headed?
By Corina Jordan, CE, NZ Game Animal Council Hunting is an integral part of New Zealand's identity, weaving together our cultural heritage and the stewardship of our natural resources. It provides a source of food for many communities, has a positive economic impact, supports physical and mental wellbeing, and encourages participation in community-led conservation. More … Continue reading CEO Update August 2026: Game animal management – where are we headed?
Consultation on proposed TB control in Sika HOSI area
A proposal to carry out two aerial toxic control operations in the Kaweka Forest Park in 2027 is currently being consulted on. The proposed operations fall within part of the Sika Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) area and are part of New Zealand's bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication programme led by OSPRI. These operations are targeting … Continue reading Consultation on proposed TB control in Sika HOSI area
New firearms law
The Government has replaced the 1983 Arms Act, which represents the most significant overhaul of firearms legislation in decades. The new law received Royal Assent on 5 August 2026. It reduces complexity and compliance around aspects of licensing and firearms ownership. Firearms are an essential tool for hunters, so these changes are welcome. Hunters have … Continue reading New firearms law
Council member vacancies
The Minister for Hunting and Fishing is seeking applications for up to two Council member roles on the Game Animal Council. The Minister is specifically seeking applicants with strong knowledge of, and connections to: Sika deer and hunting in the central North Island, and/or The Fiordland, Southland, and wider South Island hunting communities. Additional knowledge, … Continue reading Council member vacancies
Hunters deliver high-quality protein to Wellington foodbanks
Nearly 100kg of high-quality wild venison, equivalent to approximately 775 meals, has been donated to Wellington foodbanks and social supermarkets through a joint project involving the hunting sector, community organisations and local businesses. The donation has been made possible by the NZ Game Animal Council, Game Changer NZ (an initiative of the Wild Game Recovery … Continue reading Hunters deliver high-quality protein to Wellington foodbanks
CEO Update July 2026: Realising the vision of herds of special interest
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council We have recently updated the Game Animal Council’s organisational strategy, setting out where we are heading over the next few years and the role we need to play as the independent statutory voice for hunters. At the heart of that strategy is a clear vision … Continue reading CEO Update July 2026: Realising the vision of herds of special interest
Sika HOSI marks new era for Central North Island game animal management
Joint statement from the NZ Game Animal Council & Central North Island Sika Foundation The designation of the Sika Herd of Special Interest marks a new era of hunter-led management for one of New Zealand’s most valued game animal herds. The Game Animal Council and Central North Island Sika Foundation welcome the announcement by the … Continue reading Sika HOSI marks new era for Central North Island game animal management
GAC celebrates historic HOSI designation
The New Zealand Game Animal Council is celebrating the designation of New Zealand’s first herd of special interest. The designation follows more than two years’ worth of collaboration between the Game Animal Council and Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, and the Department of Conservation. “This is a historic day for hunters, and for modern game animal management … Continue reading GAC celebrates historic HOSI designation