Photo: (Left to right) President of the Sika Foundation John Cook, Hunting and Fishing Minister Hon James Meager, Wildlife Biologist Cam Speedy and the Game Animal Council CEO Corina Jordan.
Today, Wednesday 15 July, the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Hon James Meager, announced in Taupo that the sika deer of the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks have been designated as the North Island's first Herd of Special Interest.
What The Designation Means
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The Minister has delegated management to the Game Animal Council, which is responsible for the herd management plan. The Central North Island Sika Foundation will carry out the operational delivery on the ground, and DOC retains lead responsibility for ecological monitoring.
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The herd will be managed for hunting while keeping numbers at sustainable levels. The plan does not seek to grow the herd. A key focus is reducing browsing pressure on young trees and improving forest regeneration, particularly in areas of high biodiversity.
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Existing access stays the same. Hunting continues under the existing permit system, and you will see a new HOSI area marked when you apply for your permit.
What Happens Next
With the first two Herds of Special Interest now in place, the focus turns to putting them into practice and proving the model on the ground.
Read More
Minister's announcement: Building the future of sika deer herd management
Sika Foundation & Game Animal Council joint release: Sika HOSI marks new era for Central North Island game animal management
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