Welcoming Mark Heath to the Game Animal Council
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association welcomes the appointment of Mark Heath as Senior Policy and Project Advisor at the New Zealand Game Animal Council.
Mark will be a familiar name to many NZDA members. He has been involved with the NZDA Wellington Branch for nearly a decade and currently serves as Vice President. As a HUNTS instructor he has helped train new hunters, organised branch hunts, and supported the management of Roaring Stag Lodge and Cattle Ridge Hut in the Tararua Range.
Originally from Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand, Mark grew up immersed in outdoor recreation, spending time fishing the Pātea River and along the coast. That early connection to the outdoors would later shape both his professional and personal path.
After moving to Wellington to study Environmental Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, Mark completed a PhD in Ecology and Biodiversity and has spent the past 15 years working as a freshwater scientist. His work has included freshwater monitoring, limit-setting processes, and supporting science-based environmental decision-making.
Alongside his scientific career, hunting has remained a central part of Mark’s life. He sees hunting as both a privilege and a responsibility — providing sustainable wild food, connecting people to the landscape, and creating opportunities to pass on skills and values to the next generation.
His appointment comes as the New Zealand Game Animal Council strengthens its capability to engage in policy, legislative work and practical delivery for sustainable game animal management. The role will support engagement with hunters, project delivery, and the development of national frameworks for managing game animals.
NZDA congratulates Mark on the appointment and looks forward to continuing to work alongside the New Zealand Game Animal Council to support responsible hunting and the sustainable management of game animals as part of New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Read the full update from the Game Animal Council here.
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