At both a regional/branch level and nation-wide/National Office level we are advocating on behalf of NZDA members and non-members alike.
NZDA is at the forefront of protecting the hunting heritage.
Below you can find copies of our recent submissions.
What Does NZDA Advocate for?
NZDA focus' on four key subject matters/categories:
- Firearms
- Game Animal Management
- Land Access and Management
- Hunting Opportunities
Firearms - we cover any issues linked to firearms access, use, licensing and etc. Generally, submissions are addressed to Police and/or Parliament, official correspondence to the Minister of Police or other relevant MPs and research data links to the use of firearms and the needs of licensed firearms owners.
Game Animal Management - we cover any issues linked to game animals and wildlife management. Generally, submissions are addressed to the Department of Conservation, LINZ or OSPRI and official correspondence to the Minister of Conservation, other relevant MPs and research data links to the number of game animals taken by members/hunters. There is also some specific species-related content, particularly in relation to tahr.
Land Access and Management - we cover any issues linked to general public access and land management. Examples of topics include the Stewardship Land Reclassification Process or the Conservation Management Plans and Processes consultations run by the Department of Conservation. Generally, submissions are addressed to the Department of Conservation, LINZ or OSPRI and official correspondence to the Minister of Conservation, other relevant MPs and research data links to the number of game animals taken by members/hunters. The National Association typically does not comment or submit on specific local access issues.
Hunting Opportunities - we cover any issues related to specific hunting opportunities, access and other related topics. Examples include information on ballots, permits and etc. There is also more member-specific information (e.g. this is where the NZDA Annual Member Survey reports can be accessed). There are very few submissions under this section and most work is official correspondence addressed to hunting related MPs and Officials as well as research data and reports.
Other
During the year we have also represented NZDA and recreational hunters and shooters on the following key advocacy issues affecting our members:
- Firearms issues, FCAF meetings, representation on Police range user groups and continue to hold them accountable through OIAs, our ministerial correspondence, and by engagement with other agencies.
- Meeting politicians regularly at Parliament to meet with them on firearm laws, access and hunting issues. We hold regular standing face to face meetings with Ministers. We host a number of MPs at the National Office to discuss issues of importance to members.
- Building alliances with other hunting organisations and groups to present a united front on issues, including firearm laws. We host meetings for NGOs at our head office, including COLFO events and functions.
- Hut and track projects with Backcountry Trust.
- Press releases on a variety of issues around firearm legislation and hunting.
- Responding to news/media inquiries.
- Radio interviews.
- Background briefings for journalists on issues of importance to NZDA.
- Liaising and discussions with DOC.
- Discussions with OSPRI, ZIP and DOC and GAC on poison operations.
- Collaboration with GAC and other organisations over tahr and deer control and management operations.
- Supporting the Tahr Foundation, Sika Foundation and Wapiti Foundation when possible.
- Representing recreational hunters on the Land Safety Forum.
- Collaboration with COLFO over the Arms Regulations and firearms licencing issues.
- Hosting AGMs of other kindred organisations at Deerstalkers House.
February 2025
| Arms Act Rewrite Consultation | NZDA submits on behalf of all recreational hunters and shooters, covering all of the issues relevant to recreational hunting and shooting as part of the government's multi-phase Arms Act reforms. |
| 'Modernising Conservation Land Management' Consultation Submission | 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 go hand-in-hand with the management of big game animals and hunting opportunities. |
| ‘Exploring Charging for Access to Some Public Conservation Land’ Submission | NZDA submitted our stance to DOC opposing any proposal to charge New Zealand’s recreational hunters for access to public conservation land, to protect the Kiwi hunting heritage we all cherish. |
| Advocacy Update: Shooting Clubs and Ranges (Arms Amendment) Passes Second Reading | The Clubs and Ranges Amendment Bill passed its Second Reading in Parliament following three debates held on 11th, 12th, and 18th February. |
| Land Safety Forum | NZDA attended the Land Safety Forum to represent the view of recreational hunters in matters concerning safety and shared land use. |
| Hunting and Shooting Museum Official Opening | Guests and officials gather to officially open the Heritage Museum at Wellington. |
January 2025
| Advocacy Alert: NZDA Submits on Tahr Control Operational Plan 2025-26 | NZDA’s position is to preserve the right of recreational hunters in New Zealand to be able to hunt Tahr sustainably on public conservation land now and forever. |
| Advocacy Alert: James Meager appointed as new Hunting & Fishing Minister | Announcement of James Meager's appointment as the new Minister for Hunting and Fishing, including his participation in the 2024 Parliamentary hunt. |
| Advocacy Alert: Make Your Submission on the Rewrite of the Arms Act | NZDA led the charge to encourage recreational hunters and shooters to make submissions in partnership with COLFO. This led to multiple videos from members speaking about their concerns about the Arms Act and encouraging others to make submissions. |
| West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Conservation Management Strategy Review Survey Submission | NZDA submits detailed recommendations to improve the West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Conservation Management Strategy (CMS), advocating for the inclusion of hunters as key stakeholders in conservation and recreation. |
December 2024
| Major Proposals to Modernise Conservation in New Zealand | The Government released two significant discussion documents aimed at modernising how conservation land is managed. This included charging for access to some public conservation areas. And streamlining land use rules for concessions, exchanges, and disposals. |
| NZDA Members Represent Hunting on Conservation Boards | Several of our members were appointed to Conservation Boards across New Zealand, representing the vital role hunters play as conservationists. |
| Setting the Record Straight: Legal Hunting vs Illegal Hunting and Poaching | The Platform NZ talks to NZDA CEO Gwyn Thurlow about rural crime & poachers. |
| NZDA's Letter to the Prime Minister and Minister of Hunting and Fishing | NZDA's National President, Callum Sheridan, and Immediate Past President Craig Benbow spent time at Parliament with Minister for Hunting & Fishing Todd McClay discussing multiple issues. These ranged from recreational access to public land and recreational hunters' concerns with possible predator control on Rakiura-Stewart Island by DOC and ZIP, which would impact our valued white tailed deer herd. |
| Research Grant for Chamois Horn Rot Study | NZDA Board awards grant to support an international study on Chamois Horn Rot, a condition impacting chamois populations in New Zealand and alpine regions abroad. |
| Government Announces Arms Act Rewrite to Start January 2025 | The government announces the commencement of the Arms Act rewrite process, with public consultation set to begin in January 2025. |
| Media Release: NZDA Celebrates National Goat Hunting Competition Success | Outstanding results of the 2024 National Goat Hunting Competition, a key event in our hunter-led conservation efforts. |
November 2024
| NZDA Makes Verbal Submission on Arms Amendment Bill |
NZDA recently made a verbal submission to the select committee on the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. This was in support of the written submission NZDA made on behalf of members. |
| Break the Monopoly on Firearm Safety Training and Save Lives |
The NZDA is calling on Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms) Nicole McKee to put more focus on firearms education and safety. Now is the time to consider breaking the current monopoly on firearm safety training for licensing. Police currently outsource the firearms safety course to one contractor. |
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Media Coverage: Gwyn Thurlow speaks on Access Charter with Michael Laws |
Discussion of access issues. |
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Sika Show |
NZDA attends Sika Show. |
October 2024
| NZDA Submits on the Review of the Workplace Health and Safety System | Submission to MBIE to remove liability on landowner for recreational activities and volunteering by clubs and the public. |
| NZDA Submission for Consultation on Clubs and Range | NZDA submitted on the Arms Amendment Bill. This is related to the regulation of clubs and ranges, but also moving policy making to Justice from Police. |
| New Conservation Management Strategy for Te Tai Poutini West Coast | NZDA encourages submissions on the conservation management strategy. |
| Land Safety Forum Meeting | NZDA participated in the Land Safety Forum, representing recreational hunters and making sure their use of shared public land was considered when making decisions around Huts and tracks. |
| Government commences Firearms Registry review | Information on the government's initiation of a review of the Firearms Registry, fulfilling a commitment from the National-ACT coalition agreement. |
| NZDA submission on TBfree National Aerial Operations Plan 2025 Consultation | NZDA submits feedback on the proposed TBfree National Aerial Operations Plan for 2025, focusing on disease management and hunter access considerations. |
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Government Introduces Revised Clubs and Ranges Rules |
The government introduces changes designed to simplify administrative processes for non-pistol shooting clubs and adjust oversight for pistol clubs. |
September 2024
| Molesworth Game Animal Management | NZDA is now working in collaboration with PĀMU Farms, DOC, and the GAC to agree on a 'pest control plan' that provides opportunities for recreational hunters while ensuring future operations on Molesworth reflect hunters' values and aspirations, or potentially make such operations unnecessary in the future. | |
| Response to Proposed Clubs and Ranges Firearms Legislation and Parliamentary Debates | NZDA's official response to the proposed Arms Amendment Bill, addressing concerns and implications for shooting clubs and ranges. | |
| NZDA submission on proposed cancellation Hira Forest public access easements | Formal submission opposing the proposed cancellation of public access easements in Hira Forest, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hunter access. | |
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Whanganui Branch Becomes 49th NZDA Club |
NZDA is thrilled to announce the addition of our 49th branch, the NZDA (Whanganui Branch) Inc., to our nationwide network of clubs. |
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August 2024
| Love our Huts and Tracks | NZDA Joins the ‘Love our huts’ campaign to help encourage care and maintenance of our back country huts. |
| NZDA Submits on Firearms Register Stakeholder Questionnaire Consultation | NZDA submits views on the Firearms Registry Review stakeholder questionnaire. |
| Advocacy Update: Predator Free Rakiura | NZDA confirms with Predator Free Rakiura that deer are not a target species in the upcoming predator removal operations scheduled for Autumn 2025. |
| Media Release: New Zealand Deerstalkers Association to be Formally Acknowledged as Conservationists |
NZDA welcomes a member's bill proposing the inclusion of hunter and angler representation in conservation decision-making processes. |
| National Goat Hunting Competition 2024 | Announcement of the nationwide goat hunting competition running from August to November 2024. |
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GAC 10 Year Anniversary function |
NZDA attended parliament and hosted a function to celebrate GAC’s 10th Anniversary. |
July 2024
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GAC and MPI host CWD leaders meeting |
NZDA attended a workshop to discuss CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) in deer. |
June 2024
| Submission for Consultation on a New Approach To Regulating Shooting Clubs and Ranges | NZDA submits feedback on the government's proposed new approach to regulating shooting clubs and ranges. |
| Government to overhaul firearms laws | Broader firearms law reform announced; focus includes registration and compliance burdens. |
| DOC Releases 2024/25 Tahr Control Operational Plan | The Department of Conservation releases its annual plan outlining strategies for tahr control in partnership with various groups. |
| Government commences Firearms Registry review | Information on the government's initiation of a review of the Firearms Registry, fulfilling a commitment from the National-ACT coalition agreement. |
| Hand-held thermals and Hunting Permit Updates |
Notification that hunters are now permitted to use hand-held thermal technology during daylight hours, with existing permits automatically updated to reflect this change. |
| New guidance on disposal of unwanted or illegally held firearms |
NZDA shares advice from FSA on disposing of unwanted firearms and ammunition responsibly and legally. |
May 2024
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Recreational hunters |
NZDA Challenged Forest and Bird’s claim to be “NZ’s leading independent conservation organisation” by highlighting that our volunteer hours significantly outnumber theirs. |
| Land Safety Forum Meeting | NZDA met with other outdoor safety groups to represent the perspective of recreational hunters. Key speakers: Deputy Director-General - Biodiversity, Heritage & Visitors, and Cat Wilson (Director – Heritage & Visitors) were in attendance. |
| Government to consult on regulation of shooting clubs and ranges | NZDA shares information about the Clubs and Ranges consultation and encourages members to make submissions. |
April 2024
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Molesworth Hunting Access |
NZDA seeks assistance from hunters regarding access to Molesworth Hunting Blocks, led by the Marlborough Branch. |
March 2024
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NZDA submission to DOC: 2024/25 Tahr Control Operational Plan |
NZDA submits feedback to the Department of Conservation on the proposed Tahr Control Operational Plan for 2024/25. |
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| Hunters urged not to rely on luck to keep everyone safe this Roar |
NZDA emphasises the importance of preparation and caution during the Roar hunting season |
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| Politics of Owning Firearms |
NZDA discusses the political landscape surrounding firearms ownership and anticipated legislative changes in 2024-25. |
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NZDA Donates 4x Sika Tracking Collars to The Sika Foundation |
NZDA announces a $20,500 grant to the Sika Foundation to support sika deer tracking efforts. |