Richard Wells, Chair of the NZDA National Access Committee, has been named a recipient of an Outdoor Access Champion Award for 2026, an honour awarded by the Outdoor Access Commission to individuals who have made a significant contribution to protecting and improving public access to the outdoors.
Richard was nominated by formerNZDA Board member Tim Taylor, with the award recognising Richard’s long-standing work championing public and legal access rights, supporting trail building, and strengthening understanding of access rights and responsibilities.
Richard has played a key role in establishing the NZDA Access Subcommittee, which continues to play an important role in advocacy and practical support for hunters navigating access issues around the country.
The Outdoor Access Commission noted that Richard’s efforts have helped create opportunities for more people to access and enjoy New Zealand’s natural environment. This work closely aligns with NZDA’s commitment to hunting opportunities and lawful access.
In responding to the news, Richard was quick to turn the spotlight onto others.
“There is no ‘I’ in team,” he said. “Hats off to the rest of National Access Committee (NAC) and the Outdoor Access Commission people I’ve worked closely with."
The formal awards celebration will take place in 2026, in the meantime you can view previous year's winners here.
NZDA congratulates Richard on this recognition and thanks him, along with all those involved, for the steady, often unseen work that helps ensure hunters and the wider public can continue to access and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
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