More than 53,000 hunting permits have been issued through a new self-service online system, surpassing projections and slashing administrative staff work, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says.
Mr Meager says the milestone shows DOC’s digital upgrades are delivering real results for those applying to hunt on the 7.8m hectares of Public Conservation Land available.
“The new system has exceeded expectations and proved a real success story, with nearly 10,000 more permits issued than the project team had originally predicted when it launched in late 2024,” Mr Meager says.
“Hunters have embraced the change, with an average of 2500 people getting permits online each month. Active permits are also up 10 per cent on this time two years ago, to 36,000.
“The system is doing exactly what it was designed to do. With 99.5 per cent of permits now issued through self-service, DOC staff are spending around 70 per cent less time on permit admin and more time on conservation. That is estimated to have saved more than $130,000 in resources.”
Mr Meager says the digital upgrades streamlined
open permit regions from 54 to eight, making it easier for hunters to understand where they can go and what is required. It also removed requirements for different applications for different areas.
“Permits were extended to from four to 12 months, while d
igital versions improved compliance by removing the need to carry printed copies,” Mr Meager says.
“In 2023, National campaigned on improving outdoor access for Kiwi hunters, and this milestone is proof that we have listened and delivered.
“The momentum is not stopping, with six balloted hunting areas set to move onto the online system across October and November, ahead of draws for next season.
“This will support fairer allocation for high-demand areas and continue our work to fix the basics and build the future of hunting in New Zealand.”
Balloted areas moving onto the online system include the Catlins, Coastal Otago, Murihiku, Greenstone-Caples, Wānaka and Molesworth. This follows the successful pilot of the Blue Mountains ballot, added in May. Further details will be released in due course.
Permits for the recently announced Sika Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) are already loaded onto the system, with two new areas added to the Lower North Island region where the HOSI applies.
Access arrangements for Wapiti Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) remain the same, including a ballot system operating during the bugle season. These ballots will be added to the new permit system ahead of next bugle season.