The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) has welcomed the recent announcement by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden to reform the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). The significant change announcement is seen as clarifying landowner responsibilities and limits their liability for outdoor recreation and volunteering and signalling a win for hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts across New Zealand.
NZDA Chief Executive Officer Gwyn Thurlow praised the reform, and stated, “The recreational sector has pushed for this fix since Workplace Health and Safety law started stifling access. For too long, vague rules and landowner fears have shut gates—today restores common sense.”
He said NZDA hopes once the law is changed, it will open or re-open areas closed to recreation and volunteering.
“NZDA sees this as a return to practical, common-sense law-making that supports positive outcomes for all New Zealanders. For too long, overly cautious health and safety settings have stifled access to recreational land and dampened the spirit of adventure that defines our nation. Today’s announcement lifts that burden and restores balance.”
Gwen Thurlow said landowners should not “cop flak” for natural hazards or hunting risks.
“This reform puts responsibility back on us—where it belongs—and frees up farmers, forestry blocks, and land managers to say yes to access. That’s the Kiwi way,” he said.
The changes also mark a return to the fundamentals of self-responsibility, a principle NZDA Board Member and Access Committee Chair Richard Wells says is vital to the New Zealand outdoor experience.
“Hunting, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits come with inherent risks—that’s part of what makes them rewarding. This reform rightly places responsibility on those undertaking the activities, rather than unfairly burdening landowners who generously allow access. It’s a step back to the Kiwi way of enjoying nature on our own terms.”
Council of Outdoor Recreation Association’s of New Zealand Andi Cockroft also welcomed the reform.
“It’s a win for commonsense, a practical approach and for the public’s outdoor estate and traditions,” he said.
