The NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) and Sika Foundation are inviting recreational hunters to take part in the first targeted management hunt under the Sika HOSI (Herd of Special Interest), from 27 - 30 November 2026. This is an opportunity for hunters to play an active role in game animal management by harvesting hinds and … Continue reading Sika HOSI targeted management hunt
CEO Update October 2026: Bringing knowledge, science and practical management together
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council The new Sika HOSI (Herd of Special Interest) in the Central North Island is all about supporting a healthy and sustainable sika herd, providing high-quality recreational hunting opportunities, and enabling hunters to participate in management, while reducing pressure on the forest environment. Sika in the … Continue reading CEO Update October 2026: Bringing knowledge, science and practical management together
Operational notice: Sika management in Southern Kaimanawa
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
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