We have just submitted on DOC’s proposed changes to how public conservation land is managed. This is the second submission this week, the first submission was on DOC’s fee proposals.
In our submission, NZDA expressed serious concerns about the lack of recognition for recreational hunting in this discussion document. The management and use of conservation land goes hand-in-hand with the management of big game animals and hunting opportunities.
The laws governing hunting on public land need to be modernised, and that fact can’t be ignored.
View our submission below and keep reading for more context.
Why This Matters
Recreational hunters are among the largest and most engaged user groups of New Zealand’s public conservation land (PCL). We play a vital role in conservation, big game management, and maintaining access to our backcountry heritage. However, the proposed reforms fail to acknowledge this, focusing instead on commercial and administrative efficiencies.
NZDA is committed to ensuring that any changes to land management uphold public access, hunting opportunities, and the balance between conservation and recreation.
NZDA’s Position
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Recognising Recreational Hunting – DOC must explicitly acknowledge recreational hunting as a legitimate and valuable activity in all conservation policy discussions.
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Ensuring Hunting Access – Any changes to land management must not diminish public access for hunters or lead to commercial interests taking precedence over recreational use.
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Balancing Conservation and Recreation – We support modernising conservation policies but insist that they integrate sustainable big game management rather than reinforcing outdated eradication models.
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Stakeholder Engagement – DOC must engage with NZDA and other hunting organisations as key stakeholders in land management discussions.
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Science-Based Decision Making – Conservation policies should incorporate hunter participation and data collection to ensure informed and effective wildlife management.
Take Action: Submit by 28 February 2025
Submissions on the DOC proposal close 28 February 2025. We urge all members to have their say and support NZDA’s position on maintaining recreational hunting rights.
Make your submission by 28th Feb:
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Read the Discussion Document: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2024-consultations/help-us-modernise-conservation-land-management/
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Complete your Submission Online Now: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2024-consultations/help-us-modernise-conservation-land-management/submission-form/
Let’s ensure that recreational hunters are recognised and protected in New Zealand’s conservation policies.
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/