NZDA makes submission for and on behalf of members and recreational hunters.
NZDA has made a submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries on its review of the rules for homekill and recreational catch, the legal term for the meat you hunt. These rules sit under the Animal Products Act 1999 and have not been reviewed in more than 20 years.
The current wording says hunted meat can only be eaten by the hunter, the hunting party and their households. MPI has acknowledged this has been applied inconsistently, and the uncertainty has left many hunters unsure whether they can give meat to foodbanks and charities.
We see the review as a step in the right direction. Meat is the most requested item at foodbanks, and initiatives like Game Changer NZ have shown there are plenty of hunters willing to give. Clearer rules and a proper pathway for wild venison to reach those who need it would put more of what hunters harvest to good use, and give hunters and branches the confidence to donate without second-guessing the law.
Thank you to every member who took the time to make their own submission. We will keep you updated as MPI works through the feedback.
You can read NZDA's full submission below.
Read NZDA's Submission
