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
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
CEO secondment continued
Chief executive Corina Jordan will continue to lead both the Game Animal Council (GAC) and Fish & Game New Zealand throughout 2026 under an extended secondment agreement. Jordan, who was chief executive of Fish & Game from 2022 to 2025, joined GAC in September 2025 and was seconded part-time to Fish & Game to provide … Continue reading CEO secondment continued
GAC submission on Conservation Amendment Bill
The GAC has submitted on the Conservation Amendment Bill. You can read it here. This consultation is the first time in 40 years that New Zealanders have an opportunity to improve how public conservation land across the country is managed. Hunters have been advocating for a review of conservation legislation for some time now, and … Continue reading GAC submission on Conservation Amendment Bill
GAC welcomes Herds of Special Interest Bill
The New Zealand Game Animal Council welcomes the Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill being passed into law, describing it as an important milestone for modern game animal management in New Zealand. The Bill enables Herds of Special Interest to be designated and managed in national parks, while ensuring conservation values continue … Continue reading GAC welcomes Herds of Special Interest Bill
CEO Update June 2026: Hunting in kea country
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council Most of those who have hunted tahr, chamois, red deer or wapiti in the South Island high country will have a kea story. It can be the enjoyment of seeing one of our most distinctive native birds riding the updrafts, calling across a valley or … Continue reading CEO Update June 2026: Hunting in kea country