The Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill is a significant opportunity for hunters to have their voices heard by the Environment Select Committee, and shape New Zealand’s future legislative framework for the benefit of hunting and conservation.

The Game Animal Council Act 2013 (GAC Act) is the is the first piece of legislation in New Zealand to recognise game animals as a valued introduced species and enable them to be sustainably managed while also achieving conservation outcomes.

This is achieved through the establishment of Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) in the GAC Act. This approach to recognising and valuing special game animal herds, is very different to the current management approach, which focuses on control or eradication of game animals across all public conservation land.

The Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill aims to make the law clear, in that the Minister for Hunting and Fishing can establish a HOSI in a national park and therefore exempt the herd from extermination or eradication requirements in other pieces of legislation.

What is a HOSI?

A HOSI is a legal tool in the Game Animal Council Act 2013. HOSI is used to manage highly valued game animal herds in specific locations to improve hunting, conservation and community outcomes.

The Game Animal Council Act is the is the first piece of legislation in New Zealand to recognise game animals as a valued introduced species and enable them to be sustainably managed while also achieving conservation outcomes.

Purpose of HOSI

To enable hunter-led management of valued introduced game animals and their habitats.

To use monitoring and data to:

  • Understand the impact of herds on the environment.
  • Maximise benefits for hunters.
  • Reduce negative ecological impacts.

What’s being proposed?

The Government is currently consulting on a change to the Game Animal Council Act 2013 through the ‘Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill’.

The Bill aims to make the law clear, in that the Minister for Hunting and Fishing can establish a HOSI in a national park.

Why is this important?

If the Bill is passed it means highly valued game animal herds in national parks can be sustainably managed through HOSI, providing benefits to both hunting and conservation.

Is this just about the Wapiti HOSI?

Not exactly. The current consultation is for a law change that makes it clear the Minister for Hunting and Fishing can establish a HOSI in a national park.

If the Bill passes, there will be a separate consultation on the Wapiti HOSI herd management plan.

What can you do?

This Bill is a significant opportunity for hunters to have their voices heard by the Environment Select Committee, and shape New Zealand’s future legislative framework for the benefit of hunting and conservation.

Help enable sustainable, hunter-led game animal management in New Zealand, including national parks. Have your voice heard. Submit on the Bill before 24 July.

Timeline for the Bill

Government’s Environment Select Committee is leading this process. Their role is to consult on the change (the Bill) and prepare a report on the feedback and any recommended changes. The report is due by 30 October this year.

The Bill follows this process:

  1. Bill introduced (12/05/2025).
  2. First reading (24/06/2025).
  3. Select Committee (24/06/2025 – WE ARE HERE).
  4. Second reading.
  5. Committee of Whole House.
  6. Third Reading.
  7. Royal Assent (this is when the Bill becomes law).

Context

Why does NZ need HOSI?

The current approach to game animal management doesn’t recognise valued introduced species and their importance to New Zealand as a hunting resource or their contribution to supporting recreation, communities, commerce and conservation outcomes.

HOSI represents a shift towards a future management framework that recognises the value of game animals and supports and empowers hunter and community led conservation efforts. By shifting from a model focused solely on control or eradication, we can promote sustainable, respectful, and collaborative environmental stewardship of New Zealand’s natural environment while benefitting from these species.

Benefits of game animal hunting

National parks are also managed to preserve public use, enjoyment and benefit. For many people, this is hunting of game animals. Hunting of game animals supports public enjoyment of national parks and provides:

  • Recreational wellbeing.
  • Connection with nature.
  • Wild food (meat).
  • Conservation volunteerism.
  • Economic benefits (local and tourism-related).

The Big Picture

Introduced game animals are part of New Zealand’s landscape, including in national parks. The key question is, how do we manage them to reduce harm and increase their value to people and nature?

Updates

Resources

Useful links

Page last updated 15 July 2025