Advocacy Update: Select Committee Backs NZDA’s Call to Fix the Drafting of (GAC HOSI) Amendment Bill
A win for common sense - and for hunter-led conservation and hunting; National Parks Act to be amended as intended.
The Environment Select Committee has reported back on the Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill, and it has adopted NZDA’s #1 recommendation - to fix the National Parks Act 1980. This is a major advocacy success. The Committee has recommended a consequential amendment to the National Parks Act to make it clear that if a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) is designated in a national park, the long-standing requirement to “exterminate introduced species as far as possible” does not apply to that herd.
This change directly implements NZDA’s legal recommendation set out in our submission - that the conflict between the Game Animal Council Act 2013 and the National Parks Act 1980 must be resolved through an explicit statutory fix.
It shows that your voice, through NZDA, makes a difference.
Why This Matters
For decades, outdated “extermination” clauses in conservation law have blocked practical, modern game animal management within national parks.
This amendment means:
- Hunter-led conservation models can now operate lawfully - such as the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and the Sika Foundation, and will allow both the tahr and whitetail HOSIs to be next in line.
- The Herds of Special Interest framework is unlocked, allowing for sustainable, science-based management of valued game herds.
- Collaboration replaces conflict - supporting biodiversity and recreational values together.
This is proof that thoughtful, evidence-based advocacy works. When hunters engage constructively with the law-making process, we can shape better conservation outcomes for everyone.
The Full Amendment:
Public and Sector Support
The Select Committee received 2,946 submissions on the Bill - an extraordinary level of engagement.
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52% supported the Bill outright.
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20% opposed.
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28% were neutral but mostly positive toward hunting and HOSI.
Over ninety individuals and organisations, including NZDA and several NZDA branches and members presented in person - representing hunters, iwi, conservationists, and community groups.
Next Steps
The Bill now heads to its Second Reading in Parliament. NZDA will continue to monitor progress and work with the Game Animal Council and the Minister for Hunting and Fishing to ensure the Bill’s intent is carried through to law.
If you have time, we encourage all members to read our submission and the Select Committee report, both available on the NZDA website and linked below.
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NZDA Submission: Download PDF
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Select Committee Report & Amended Bill: Download PDF
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Link to the Bill’s progress - View online
Second Reading: The House debates and votes on the bill and any changes suggested by the select committee.
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/