By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) is New Zealand’s first opportunity in decades to change the way we manage game animals by recognising the value that they provide to the nation. HOSI is focused on hunters and hunting. It seeks to provide high quality hunting opportunities … Continue reading CEO Update April 2026: HOSI plans benefit from hunter input
CEO Update March 2026: Firearm reform and safety highlight busy time for GAC
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council There is a lot happening in the hunting space at the moment – from firearms law reform to the upcoming roar, and herds of special interest (HOSI). Making sure firearms reform works for hunters The Government’s Arms Bill represents the most significant overhaul of firearms … Continue reading CEO Update March 2026: Firearm reform and safety highlight busy time for GAC
Welcoming Mark Heath to GAC staff
Mark Heath brings a strong mix of environmental science expertise and practical hunting experience to his new role as Senior Policy and Project Advisor with the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC). Raised in Stratford, Taranaki, Mark grew up immersed in sport and outdoor recreation. Whether it was rugby and swimming or fishing for trout in … Continue reading Welcoming Mark Heath to GAC staff
GAC launches education module for international hunters
‘Welcome to Hunting in New Zealand’, a new online learning module to upskill international hunters travelling to New Zealand, has been launched by the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC). GAC Chief Executive Corina Jordan says hunting tourism is a high-value, low-impact activity that provides significant economic benefit for New Zealand. “While international hunters often arrive … Continue reading GAC launches education module for international hunters
GAC urges hunters to make good decisions and ‘master the roar’
The roar is an exciting time of the year, and people will be looking forward to reconnecting with New Zealand’s wild places, excitement and adventure, and a bit of time alone or with friends and family. “Hunting benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. It gets kids outside, and teaches practical skills, in addition to providing … Continue reading GAC urges hunters to make good decisions and ‘master the roar’
Rakiura white-tailed deer significantly impacted by predator control operations
17 February 2026 Rakiura/Stewart Island white-tailed deer have been significantly impacted following aerial toxic control operations. These operations were undertaken to protect the pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel and investigate the feasibility of possum, rat and feral cat eradication on the island, across 43,100 hectares of Rakiura. The operations trialled the use of deer repellent and … Continue reading Rakiura white-tailed deer significantly impacted by predator control operations
Have your say: Arms Act consultation
The Government is repealing and replacing the Arms Act 1983 through the Arms Bill. The Justice Committee is currently seeking feedback on the Arms Bill. Submissions closed 11.59pm, Monday, 16 February 2026. The Arms Act is the legislation at the heart of New Zealand’s firearms laws. Firearms are an essential tool that enables hunters, those … Continue reading Have your say: Arms Act consultation
Nominations open for the Game Animal Council
We are on the lookout for new people to join the Game Animal Council. The Minister for Hunting and Fishing is seeking nominations to fill vacancies on the Council. Appointments will take effect from 1 July 2026 and will be for a term of up to three years. The Minister is seeking individuals who collectively … Continue reading Nominations open for the Game Animal Council
Tahr management – an update
By Corina Jordan, NZGAC CE There are some difficult conversations happening across the country right now about the place of game animals in New Zealand, their presence in national parks, and the role of hunters in their management. Rising deer numbers across several regions show that the current system for managing game animals is not … Continue reading Tahr management – an update
Hunter role in deer management recognised through national oversight group
Over the last six months the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) has been engaging with Minister Hoggard, Minister Meager, and directly with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), about the need for meaningful hunter involvement in any national wild deer management planning. Today, the Government has announced a pilot project for wild deer management on … Continue reading Hunter role in deer management recognised through national oversight group