The Government has released two significant discussion documents aimed to modernise how conservation land is managed. These proposals could bring changes that directly impact hunters, including:
- Charging for access to some public conservation areas.
- Streamlining land use rules for concessions, exchanges, and disposals.
While these updates aim to enhance conservation and support tourism, they raise critical questions about maintaining fair and equitable access for hunters who are active conservationists and net contributors to New Zealand’s natural heritage.
NZDA’s Position:
We believe hunters play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and managing species. Hunters with DoC permits should be recognised for their contributions and exempt from access charges. Furthermore, we are closely monitoring any changes to land use and concessions to ensure they align with conservation objectives and preserve valued hunting areas.
A fundamental purpose of the NZDA is to strenuously oppose commercial exploitation of New Zealand’s wildlife, public lands, and natural resources wherever and whenever such activity is deemed to jeopardise, exclude, restrict, or conflict with public usage of, or access to New Zealand’s wildlife, public lands or natural resources, or where commercial exploitation is contrary to sound conservation practice or the interests of the sport or recreational hunters’ interests.
You can find our full policies here.
Next Steps:
- NZDA is submitting a formal response to the proposals and is advocating for fair policies that recognize the value hunters bring to conservation.
- We’ll share our submission in due course and encourage all members and clubs to submit their views.
Take Action:
We urge all members to review the proposals and have their say before the deadline on 28 February 2025. Submissions can be made online or via email through the links below.
Links:
Ministers Statement: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/proposals-modernise-conservation-released
Access Charges Overview and Discussion Document: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2024-consultations/exploring-charging-for-access-to-some-public-conservation-land/
Concessions and Planning System Overview and Discussion Document: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2024-consultations/help-us-modernise-conservation-land-management/
Join and Support NZDA
Find and join a branch to get involved with promoting and protecting hunting in New Zealand! Search here.
https://www.deerstalkers.org.nz/join-and-support-us/branch-finder/