Latest News
Next Council meeting
The next meeting of the Game Animal Council will be held online on 26 June 2025 commencing at 8am. Members of the public are welcome to attend. See information about the meeting, draft agenda and meeting papers here.
Second Herd of Special Interest takes step toward designation
The GAC congratulates the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on successfully submitting their Wapiti Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, who is now going to consider formally designating wapiti as a HOSI in Fiordland National Park. Read the full GAC media release here.
Sika Herd of Special Interest one step closer
The GAC congratulates the Central North Island Sika Foundation on successfully submitting their Sika Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. The Minister has decided to begin the process to explore formally designating a Sika HOSI in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks. This is made possible under the Game Animal Council Act 2013. A herd management plan will be drafted, and consultation on that plan will follow. See the full release from the GAC here.
Predator Free Rakiura project update (May 2025)
See the latest update from the GAC regarding Predator Free Rakiura here.
New Tahr Ballot Briefing coming soon to Better Hunting
With support from the Department of Conservation and NZ Tahr Foundation, the GAC has developed a Tahr Ballot Briefing through Better Hunting, our online hunter training platform.
The briefing is designed to help hunters achieve the goals of the tahr ballot and make the most of this unique hunting opportunity. It covers key information on tahr selection, conservation, safety and more. We are trialling the briefing in March 2025. All 2025 successful ballot applicants and their hunting parties are being asked to complete the briefing prior to entering their ballot. The briefing will be made public later this year to support the tahr ballot application process.
Find more information about the tahr ballot here.
The Stalk email newsletter
See the autumn 2025 email newsletter from the GAC.
Didn’t receive it? Sign up here.
The roar, rut and bugle
From mid-March to the end of July, the roar, rut and bugle attracts many hunters into New Zealand’s back country to experience the ultimate animal interaction.
To make the most out of hunting, particularly during this busy time in the hunting calendar, proper preparation is crucial.
Media statement: Prepare for a safe and successful roar this year
The March and April roar period is an exciting time of year for many hunters and it’s important to prepare for a safe and successful hunt, says GAC Acting General Manager Kaylyn Pinney. Coupled with some long weekends, this is the time of year when there are lots of hunters and non-hunters sharing what New Zealand’s backcountry has to offer. If you’re exploring the backcountry and cross paths with a hunter, have a chat with them. Let them know where you’ve been so they know where animals may have been disturbed, and let them know where you’re heading, so they can ensure safety all round.
Council member nominations
The Minister for Hunting and Fishing is seeking nominations for the Game Animal Council.
Nominations are sought from those with knowledge and experience relating to nature conservation, natural earth sciences, mātauranga Māori, farming, kaitiakitanga, recreational hunting, commercial hunting, Māori hunting interests, and tourism.
Any person can apply to be a Council member. Nominations close 14 March 2025.
Find out how to apply and access the forms here.
Preparation tools for the busiest time in the year for hunting
As we approach the busiest time in the year for hunting it’s a good time to make sure you’ve done your prep.
- If you’re planning to hunt on public land, make sure you have your hunting permit from DOC and know about any restrictions such as dogs. If you’re planning to hunt on private land, make sure you have access sorted and agreed with landowners/managers.
- Find out where pesticides are being used on public conservation land that might impact your harvest through DOC’s pesticides summary map.
- Check your gear, carry out any repairs or maintenance. Especially your first aid and safety gear.
- Plan where you’re going, how long you’ll be and make sure someone knows your plans. Better Hunting has lots of great tools to help you prepare including an intentions form and a multi-map to give you useful information about the location you’re planning to hunt.
DOC Survey currently being undertaken on open hunting permits
The Department of Conservation (DOC) are conducting a survey to gather feedback on the open hunting permits application process and system. This is an opportunity to help improve and shape the future of the application process.
Key Information:
- Participants have been randomly selected from those who have received an open hunting permit in the past.
- If selected, participants will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to complete the survey.
- The survey should only take about seven minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.
WE ARE HIRING: Chief Executive Officer
Looking for a unique role to advocate for the sustainable future of game animal management and hunting? We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to play a pivotal role in shaping all facets of the organisation, including strategic direction, financial planning and performance, organisational culture, and overarching vision.
For more information visit the Sheffield recruitment website.
Predator Free Rakiura hunting community update – December 2024
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP), who are leading the operational delivery for Predator Free Rakiura have released an update regarding their proposed predator control work from mid-2025.
Key things to note:
- Hunting blocks will remain available for booking throughout the first operational stage of the project. DOC will be contacting those with bookings across this period.
- ZIP is installing some trail cameras in Southern Rakiura to understand white-tailed deer numbers. If you see cameras, please leave them.
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research are designing a trial to test the effectiveness of deer repellent on white-tailed deer. This will begin early next year.
- ZIP is proposing to trial deer repellent in one area of operations, and no repellent in another area of operations (where there are no huts).
We have been liaising with ZIP, DOC, NZDA and Rakiura Hunter Camps Trust over the last six months to advocate for hunters and the white-tailed deer herd on Stewart Island/Rakiura. Our feedback so far has focused on:
- Operational parameters and what toxins will be used.
- The use and effectiveness of deer repellent for reducing impacts on white-tailed deer.
The significant impact this work will have on the thousands of hunters and fishers that travel to Stewart Island/Rakiura annually. - The long-term impacts of this work on the white-tailed deer and those who visit the island.
- Concern around potential use of brodifacoum and its impact on public and environmental health.
- The importance of proper due process and transparent decision making when using public funds.
- Ensuring research follows robust scientific process and includes independent peer review.
Read the full update from ZIP here.
2023-24 Annual Report for the NZ Game Animal Council
Our Annual Report for the year July 2023-June 2024 has been published and was presented in Parliament by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing on 25 November 2024. It was another extremely busy year with welcoming New Zealand’s first Minister for Hunting and Fishing, engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders and sector organisations, and the employment of a fifth permanent staff member. Read the 2023-24 GAC Annual Report here.
MEDIA RELEASE: CEO for NZ Game Animal Council sought
Tim Gale, General Manager of the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) is stepping away from the role at the end of January 2025. “I’m incredibly proud to have spent the last five years working alongside some amazing people both within and outside of the hunting sector,” says Gale. “The growth of the sector has been phenomenal during this time. This growth can be credited not only to hunter sector groups and organisations, but all hunters, their families and their networks.” Read the full release here.
Joint recreation groups sector submission on review of the workplace health and safety system
The GAC was one of twelve recreation groups who jointly submitted to MBIE, urging the government to amend health and safety laws to safeguard public access to New Zealand’s outdoors. An unintended consequence of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) has created an environment of perceived or actual liability risk for landowners and managers who allow public recreational access, including for hunting. The joint submission recommends a clear recreation exclusion, ensuring that landowners and managers have no risk of liability for accidents associated with recreational visitors and activities (including access to natural features) on their land. Read the submission here.
MEDIA STATEMENT: NZ Game Animal Council welcomes Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and Waters
Todd McClay, Minister for Hunting and Fishing, has announced a nationwide Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and waters. The Charter outlines principles and commitments to ensure that recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land and waters is recognised and safeguarded for current and future generations… Read full media statement here.
Predator Free Rakiura seeks feedback on planned Stewart Island/Rakiura predator control work
Predator Free Rakiura is undertaking a project to eradicate rats, feral cats, possums and hedgehogs from Stewart Island/Rakiura. Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is leading this work and is planning the first stage of predator control across 11,000 hectares at the southern end of Stewart Island. ZIP is proposing to begin aerial toxin baiting no earlier than 1 June 2025.
ZIP is seeking input on the initial plan. The Stewart Island/Rakiura white-tailed deer herd is a highly valued hunting resource, and the GAC encourages hunters to provide feedback.
Go to www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz/join-the-discussion-towards-a-predator-free-rakiura for more information about the proposed work and to provide feedback.
OSPRI National Aerial Operations Plan 2025 submission
The Game Animal Council provided feedback on OSPRI’s National Aerial Operations Plan 2025. See it here.
Herds of Special Interest process, current proposals and FAQs
Learn about the application, assessment and designation process for Herds of Special Interest (HOSI), current proposals, as well as some frequently asked questions here.
MEDIA STATEMENT: Appointment of new Game Animal Councillor
The Game Animal Council welcomes the appointment by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing of Glenn MacPherson to the Council, as well as Eugene Rewi’s reappointment. We also recognise the contributions of Steve McFall, Sharon Salmons and Kevin Eastwood…READ MORE
WorkSafe policy clarification – recreational hunting
WorkSafe has clarified that the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) only applies to recreational access when the land is affected by work activities or is part of a workplace. This means a person whose land is being accessed for recreation is only responsible for risks arising from the work or workplace and is not responsible for the risks associated with the recreational activities. This includes recreational hunting. Read WorkSafe’s Policy Clarification here.
MEDIA STATEMENT: Member’s bill to include hunter and angler representation on conservation matters welcomed
Media statement: A new private member’s bill giving hunters and anglers representation on the New Zealand Conservation Authority recognises the role they play in safeguarding the country’s wild places, says Fish & Game New Zealand and the Game Animal Council… READ MORE
MEDIA STATEMENT: Services to the GAC and hunting sector celebrated
Media statement: Around one hundred people gathered in Parliament’s Grand Hall on Thursday 1 August, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) where Garry Ottmann was presented with the GAC’s inaugural award for services to the Game Animal Council and New Zealand hunting sector… READ MORE
Clubs and ranges targeted consultation submission
The Game Animal Council’s feedback on targeted consultation for a new approach to regulating shooting clubs and ranges… READ MORE
New pig hunting course on Better Hunting
We have a new pig hunting course available for free on Better Hunting. Made possible by the generous expertise and contribution of New Zealand Pig Hunting Association members, the course explores important theory and dog handling techniques and how to get into practical training. Check out the course for free online here.
MEDIA STATEMENT: Pause in wapiti legal action a win for Fiordland
The Game Animal Council welcomes the agreement between Forest & Bird and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) to pause legal proceedings over the management of wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and looks forward to working with DOC and FWF on a Herd of Special Interest…READ MORE
NZ Game Animal Hunting Research Project
Contribute to important research to understand more about the NZ hunting sector. This will help us and other stakeholders make better decisions for hunting into the future…READ MORE