By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council
Making sure firearms reform works for hunters
The Government’s Arms Bill represents the most significant overhaul of firearms legislation in decades. Because firearms are an essential tool for hunters these changes will directly affect how we hunt and manage animals in New Zealand.
The Game Animal Council (GAC) recently made a submission on the Bill. Overall, we support the intent to modernise firearms law and strengthen public safety while ensuring responsible firearm owners can continue to operate practically and lawfully.
Hunters have a strong interest in preventing firearms ending up in the hands of criminals. At the same time, regulation must reflect the realities of firearm use in New Zealand.
In our submission we supported several elements of the Bill, including separating regulatory and enforcement functions within Police, retaining the minimum licensing age of 16, maintaining the 10-year licence term, and provisions that make it easier for businesses that deal with firearms and are involved in hunting tourism.
However, we have also raised concerns about aspects of the legislation that could unnecessarily restrict game animal management, such as unnecessarily limiting access to restricted firearm, and the ability for government agencies outside of Police to access the Firearms Registry. We are also concerned that overly complex or impractical regulatory settings discourage participation in hunting and bringing on the next generation of hunters.
We want to see legislation that reduces regulatory barriers including cost for legitimate firearms ownership. And which supports new firearms users to get into hunting by providing learning pathways in safe environment such as through clubs and ranges and firearms safety training courses. You can read our full submission on the Arms Bill here.
Preparing for a safe roar
Many of you will already be planning your roar trips. It remains one of the highlights of the hunting calendar and a time when many hunters head into the hills.
As with previous years, the GAC’s roar messaging is simple, understand and follow the 5 Ps:
- Plan for the best – know where you are going, carry the right food and equipment, and check the forecast.
- Prepare for the worst – carry a beacon and first aid kit and be prepared to wait out bad weather or high river levels.
- Provide your intentions – let others know where you are going and when you plan to get out.
- Positively identify your target – be 100% sure of your target and treat every firearm as loaded.
- Pick the right animal – help improve future roars by targeting mature animals and leaving younger males.
New international hunter module
We have recently launched a new ‘Welcome to Hunting in New Zealand’ education module on our Better Hunting platform. The module is designed to help international hunters understand the challenges of New Zealand terrain and weather, rules and regulations, and conservation context before heading into the hills.
The module is aimed at both self-guided overseas hunters and those that come here and connect with a guide. Hunting in New Zealand is unique and it’s important, particularly from a safety perspective, that that is better understood.
The new module is available on Better Hunting here (no login needed).
Herds of special interest
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released a summary of submissions from the Sika and Wapiti HOSI herd management plan (HMP) consultation late last year.
More than 700 submissions were made across both HMP consultations. Majority supported the HMPs in part or in full.
Some key themes emerged in hunter submissions including the need to recognise sika and wapiti as significant herds in their own right, for food gathering, recreation, connection to place, community identity, economic, heritage, and cultural values. All of which were not adequately reflected in the draft HMPs. Hunters sought clearer and more measurable ecological, herd health, and hunter outcomes, with concerns that the HMPs did not represent the intent of HOSI.
Hunters also want to be recognised as partners and stewards in management, not simply as a funding or labour source, and to be actively involved in management, through increased collaboration and coordination.
Hunters raised concerns around fair access to hunting opportunities, and the need to change language in HMPs so they reflect sustainable herd management as opposed to control narratives.
It was great to see many hunter submissions reflect the successful current management work of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and Central North Island Sika Foundation.
From now until the end of March, Sika and Wapiti HOSI HMPs will be revised based on the submissions and stakeholder engagement undertaken by DOC. The Minister expects to decide whether to approve the plans and designate the herds by July, and is currently making decisions on where the statutory (legal) management of these herds will sit if designated.
Have a great roar and look after yourself and your mates.
Corina