ACT wants hunters in charge of game animals on conservation land, not DOC
New Zealand's ACT party is proposing to transfer management of game animals on conservation land from the Department of Conservation to the Game Animal Council. The policy aims to empower hunters, designate specific herds for special interest, and protect hunting activities from interference.
Why it matters
This proposal represents a significant shift in conservation policy, potentially prioritizing recreational hunting interests over traditional state-led environmental management.
The ACT party wants to give hunters a "real stake in managing and looking after our conservation estate".
The party wants to transfer the responsibility for game animals on conservation land from the Department of Conservation (DOC) to the Game Animal Council.
ACT's spokesperson for conservation, Cameron Luxton, said the party's policy for hunters is about recognising them as the " conservationists they are ".
The party would also recognise game animal and game-bird species as "natural resources to be sustainably managed" in legislation, and designate certain game herds, such as Stewart Island whitetail deer, as " Herds of Special Interest ".
The party would reward hunters for verified conservation outcomes, improve hunting access to public land and protect lawful hunting by creating infringement offences for interfering with hunts. Interference could include the use of drones and helicopters.
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