Status: Phase two-statutory consultation

In phase two of the HOSI process, the Minister will receive advice from key parties on whether the animals are of special interest to hunters and can be managed for hunting purposes. A draft herd management plan that is consistent with existing conservation legislation will be prepared and key parties will be consulted as part of this development. The draft herd management plan will be released for public consultation and revised accordingly. Learn more about the HOSI process here.

Latest update: In November – December 2025 the Minister for Hunting and Fishing consulted on a draft herd management plan for the Sika Foundation’s Sika HOSI.

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Comment from the Sika Foundation

Key architects of the Sika HOSI Proposal – Tom Loughlin (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/ Nga Puhi Te Rarawa) & Cam Speedy, wildlife biologist from the Sika Foundation. Photo supplied

Since its inception in March 2015, the Sika Foundation has been actively involved in the research, data collection and management of sika deer in the Central North Island, to gain a better understanding of the herd and help educate hunters and the wider community on protecting the special nature of sika and their habitat.

Wildlife biologist and Sika Foundation spokesperson Cam Speedy explains that the intent of the Sika HOSI is based on an unwavering responsibility to, and respect for, the whenua.

“The adoption of a Sika HOSI management plan will hopefully encourage a collective sika management approach by recognising and providing for a range of values – especially cultural values held by Mana Whenua, conservation, community and recreation,” says Cam.

The Sika Foundation is confident that recognising these values through a Sika HOSI designation will enable wider, more tangible management that provides quality hunting experiences and food for whānau and communities from a quality environment that ensures conservation values continue to be protected.

“Sika HOSI management will help protect the health of the most special places in the Forest Parks, for all users to enjoy into the future. It is practically and financially achievable, and will provide substantial benefits for conservation, recreational hunters, and the wider community.”  

Timeline

Phase one (completed):

  • January 2024: The GAC met with the Sika Foundation to outline the draft process for establishing a HOSI.
  • February 2024: The GAC received a letter from the Sika Foundation of their intent to develop a Sika HOSI proposal.
  • March 2024 – August 2024: The GAC worked with the Sika Foundation, and with advice from DOC, to explore a what a Sika HOSI might look like and to support the preparation of their application to develop a full HOSI proposal.
  • August 2024: The GAC endorsed the Sika Foundation’s application to develop a full Sika HOSI proposal.
  • August 2024 – January 2025: The GAC worked with the Sika Foundation, and with advice from DOC, to support the preparation of a full Sika HOSI proposal.
  • February 2025: The GAC endorsed the Sika Foundation’s full HOSI proposal, sending a letter of support for this HOSI proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing.
  • April 2025: The Minister for Hunting and Fishing announced his acceptance of the Sika HOSI proposal and decision to enter the proposal into the statutory consultation phase of the HOSI process.

Phase two (estimated timeline):

  • April 2025 – August 2025: Advice from key parties and development of draft herd management plan.
  • November-December 2025: Public consultation on the draft herd management plan.
  • November 2025 – March 2026: Revision of herd management plan.
  • April 2026 – July 2026: Ministerial decisions.

Learn more about HOSI

Page last updated 12 December 2025