A Milestone for Hunter-Led Conservation
8 November 2025
NZDA Welcomes Consultation on Herds of Special Interest – A Milestone for Hunter-Led Conservation
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) welcomes the Government’s announcement that public consultation will shortly open on management plans for New Zealand’s first two Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) – sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, and wapiti in Fiordland.
NZDA Chief Executive, Gwyn Thurlow, says the consultation marks a landmark moment in modern game animal management and a significant step toward recognising hunters as partners in conservation.
“This is a pivotal milestone for New Zealand’s hunting community and conservation future.”
“HOSI represents a balanced and science-based approach that protects biodiversity while valuing our game animals and the role hunters play in New Zealand’s backcountry. We strongly support the process and encourage all hunters, clubs, and conservation-minded New Zealanders to participate in this consultation.”
For too long, the hunting sector has been sidelined by successive governments and a conservation framework overly influenced by ideological positions rather than evidence-based policy. That approach has failed both our herds and our forests. This announcement marks a positive and overdue shift, representing an improvement to a system that requires deeper reform at its legislative core. It must be the first in a sequence of changes to modernise game management in New Zealand, embed hunter involvement in decision-making, and ensure our valued big game species and ecosystems are managed collaboratively and responsibly. Hunters are ready to play their part, and this process recognises their value.
The draft HOSI plans were developed by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and Central North Island Sika Foundation, with support from the Game Animal Council and Department of Conservation. We hope that marks the start of advancing responsible, sustainable game animal management.
“These plans formalise what hunters have been doing for years – removing low-quality animals, improving herd structure, monitoring ecological health, and delivering real conservation gains,” says Thurlow.
“In recent years, our hunting community wants to be one of New Zealand’s most dedicated conservation partners. This framework recognises that, and we commend the Government, foundations, and the Game Animal Council for their collaboration.”
NZDA emphasises this as an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, civility, and unity across the outdoor and conservation sectors.
“Constructive stakeholder input will help refine a long-term, world-leading model for managing big game animals while achieving our biodiversity goals. We invite all hunters to engage in good faith and help shape the future of responsible, hunter-led conservation.”
The draft plans are now published on DOC’s website (links below), with public submissions opening Monday, 10th November 2025.
ENDS
Links:
Read Minister Meager’s Announcement Here
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