Special Report
The National Party’s Plan for Hunting and Fishing, which was announced at the New Zealand Deerstalker’s Association Conference last weekend, is a major step forward for the rights of hunters and the management of game animals in New Zealand, says NZDA Chief Executive Gwyn Thurlow.
“Hunting and fishing are not merely pastimes,” Gwyn says. “They represent integral components of our nation’s cultural heritage.”
National’s proposal to establish a dedicated Minister for Hunting and Fishing demonstrates the party’s understanding of the profound impact that these activities have on our society. This dedicated role will serve as a strong representative for hunters and fishers and ensure the sector’s voice will be heard at the Cabinet table, he said.
Game Animals Recognised
NZDA is pleased to see National’s commitment to formally classifying deer tahr, chamois and wild pigs as game animals.
“The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 has determined these are valued introduced species alongside others such as trout and salmon. Unfortunately, there is a high degree of inconsistency across legislation and planning documents, which not only disregards the value of these animals to New Zealanders, but hinders their management, says Gwyn Thurlow.
National’s approach rightly recognises that hunters are the key to the future management of these animals and sets the stage for a more harmonious coexistence between conservation, commercial, mahinga kai and recreational activities.”
Special Herds
NZDA also welcomes proposals to strengthen the Game Animal Council and provide for the designation of ‘herds of special interest’ .
“Empowering hunters to actively participate in hunter-led management is a key component of modern, progressive game animal management, and where it is already happening, is making a tangible difference in preserving biodiversity,” he says. “Hunters are true conservation volunteers, with hunting organisations dedicating thousands of hours to conservation programmes on top of the role they play in game animal management through recreational hunting.”
Access
Guaranteeing free and enduring access to public lands for hunting and fishing is of paramount importance to NZDA.
NZDA also commends National’s steadfast support for Fish & Game New Zealand.
“Fish & Game is an essential organisation dedicated to protecting trout and salmon fishing for future generations. Many NZDA members are also fishers, and value these introduced species. Preserving the health of our aquatic ecosystems is a responsibility we all share and National’s commitment in this regard reflects their understanding of the delicate balance between recreational fishing and conservation.”
“National’s policy, if implemented, can go a long way to preserving our hunting and fishing heritage, while helping to manage game animal numbers and safeguard the future of our native species,” says Gwyn Thurlow. “This would leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Despite National’s poor record with environment, i.e. with previous National governments, the move by National to set up a Hunting and Fishing ministry should be seen as positive. It is up to the outdoors public to hold them to this proposal and make it work.
Well, well. National finally waking up to the size and power of the outdoors voting block, better late (as in very late) than never I guess! You would have thought they would have learnt from the beating they took back in 2002 under Bill English, where they lost, for a decade, the trust of the Hunters and Fishers as well as the election. Proof is in the pudding but glad to see that they “trending” in the right direction. Now to get them to cancel the expensive and pointless Gun Register.
That is certainly positive news from the National Party but we need ACT alongside them to make certain they action this. Their track record isn’t great in this area but with the way Labour are heading, they may well have a good chance to help us out.