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
NZ Game Animal Council welcomes new chair and council members
Cover image left-right: Council members Matt Clarke, Pete Swann, Eugene Rewi, Callum Sheridan, Andrew Simpson NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) welcomes the appointment of three new members to the Council by Minister for Hunting and Fishing Hon James Meager, and the appointment of current Council member Matt Clarke as Chair. The new Game Animal Council … Continue reading NZ Game Animal Council welcomes new chair and council members
Hunting sector recommendations presented to political parties
On behalf of the sector, we have recently developed the 2026 Hunting Sector Briefing on Hunting and Game Animal Management. The briefing has been informed by ongoing engagement with hunters, hunting sector organisations and sector leaders, including through a recent hunting sector leaders’ survey. It outlines the sector’s key principles and policy priorities for hunting … Continue reading Hunting sector recommendations presented to political parties
CEO Update May 2026: Hunt and Share launched to support meat donation
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council For many years, hunters have been donating recreationally harvested wild game meat to foodbanks and charities. This reflects the generosity and community spirit of the hunting sector and makes a real difference to those in need, while growing awareness that hunting can provide individual and … Continue reading CEO Update May 2026: Hunt and Share launched to support meat donation
Joint initiative launched to increase wild game meat donations
The NZ Game Animal Council and the Wild Game Recovery Trust have teamed up to support an increase in wild game meat being donated to foodbanks and families in need. The initiative, Game Changer NZ, is led by the Wild Game Recovery Trust and is supported by the Game Animal Council, using their free voluntary … Continue reading Joint initiative launched to increase wild game meat donations
CEO Update April 2026: HOSI plans benefit from hunter input
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