Management operations under the new Sika Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) will get underway in Southern Kaimanawa from 20 October to 6 December. This work will be combined with other recreational hunting management activities, including working closely with hunters on herd management and seeking hunter information on the health of the herd, hunter satisfaction, and … Continue reading Operational notice: Sika management in Southern Kaimanawa
Management priorities for year one of the Sika HOSI
In July 2026, the Sika HOSI (Herd of Special Interest) was formally designated by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. This means that sika in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks are now legally recognised as game animals that are managed for hunting purposes as well as conservation outcomes, under the Game Animal Council Act … Continue reading Management priorities for year one of the Sika HOSI
CEO Update September 2026: Putting our RHAs back on the map
By Corina Jordan, CE, NZ Game Animal Council The Game Animal Council (GAC) has recently published a new information resource focused on New Zealand’s recreational hunting areas (RHAs). This is the first time that information on all eight of our RHAs can be found in one spot. RHAs cover around 178,000 hectares of public conservation … Continue reading CEO Update September 2026: Putting our RHAs back on the map
Opinion: Moving beyond the deer debate
By Corina Jordan, CE of the NZ Game Animal Council There’s been growing media and community attention on wild deer and their management lately. Deer are a valued introduced species. Unfortunately, though, their place in New Zealand has remained contentious. Deer populations have surged between boom-and-bust cycles, and we are yet to land a sustainable … Continue reading Opinion: Moving beyond the deer debate
Who’s got your vote in 2026?
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