Hunting and Fishing

Establish a coordinated wild animal management framework and formally recognise valued introduced species in law. This will include introduced species that provide recreational, economic, environmental or cultural value to New Zealanders. They will not be treated as pests by default simply because they were introduced.

Strengthen the Game Animal Council as the statutory manager of valued game animals, with a clearer role in managing herds of special interest and supporting practical hunter-led conservation. National will also pass legislation to modernise Fish & Game New Zealand. The reforms will simplify administration, strengthen accountability to licence holders and ensure resources are directed to the regions, habitats and fisheries where they are most needed.

Seek proposals for additional herds of special interest, building on the wapiti and sika models. The final selections will be evidence-based and require strong local and hunter support. National will also replace the outdated Tahr Control Plan 1993 with a modern management plan developed alongside the tahr hunting community.

Strengthen the Charter by adding the Game Animal Council, Land Information New Zealand and the Overseas Investment Office as signatories. We will change the current policy that generally prevents recreational hunting on Crown land managed by Land Information New Zealand. Suitable Crown land that would ordinarily be accessible to the public will be opened for hunting and fishing under rules similar to those applying on public conservation land. National will also ensure existing recreational access is protected when sensitive land is purchased by overseas investors and improved where practical.

Promote New Zealand’s premium guided-hunting offer in key overseas markets and simplify trophy-export permits, veterinary certification, taxidermy requirements and customs processes. National will also develop clearer rules for recreational hunting, guided hunting, aerial hunting and commercial wild animal recovery. These activities serve different purposes and should be managed in ways that reduce conflict and protect conservation, recreational and economic outcomes.