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Hunters are being urged to speak up for the future of big game hunting in New Zealand, with submissions on the Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill closing tonight, July 24.
“This is a crucial moment for New Zealand,” says Game Animal Council (GAC) chief executive officer Corina Jordan.
“The Bill is a major step forward in recognising the value of New Zealand’s big game herds and giving them the legal protection they deserve, particularly in areas like national parks where their future is currently under threat and where some of the best hunter-led management is currently occurring.”
The Bill will allow the Minister for Hunting and Fishing to exempt a Herd of Special Interest from section 4(2)(b) of the National Parks Act, which currently calls for the extermination of all introduced species, as far as possible.
“This change would enable management of high-value big game herds, like deer, tahr, and chamois. It would mean that instead of elimination, a proactive and practical approach can be taken, where they are managed for conservation, recreation and economic outcomes.
“It’s about taking a balanced and sustainable approach,” Jordan says.
“Hunters have a real chance to shape how New Zealand manages valued introduced species.
“This isn’t just a technical legal change. It’s about the role of big game animals in our national identity, our recreation and the rural economy.
“Hunters care deeply about these herds, and the environment. It’s time to show that by making a submission,” Jordan says.
The GAC has published a fact sheet to help hunters understand the Bill and submit before the deadline. Submissions close at 11.59pm on Thursday, July 24.
Visit www.gac.org.nz for more information and a step-by-step guide to making a submission.
Submissions can be lodged via the Parliament website or by emailing en.legislation@parliament.govt.nz
The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working to improve the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.
