Latest news with #FiordlandWapitiFoundation
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Wapiti presence key for park: advocates
Eliminating wapiti from Fiordland National Park will end up destroying the park, a backer of the exotic breed says. Earlier this month, Forest & Bird hit out at Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager's announcement the government planned to make wapiti a herd of special interest that would allow them to live in Fiordland National Park. Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki questioned why help would be given to 512 hunters shooting 86 deer in a national park. The introduced feral species damaged the natural habitat of endangered species. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation founder and general manager Roy Sloan was baffled by the comments from Forest & Bird and said the wapiti were helping conservation efforts. He was aware Ms Toki had been into the area to see the foundation's conservation work. He also said Ms Toki's figures were incorrect. ''What about the 1200 deer that we shoot every year for the benefit of conservation outcomes? ''It's not about a big vege patch, it's about who is protecting the sanctuary.'' The foundation's ''number one purpose'' was to protect Fiordland National Park, he said. Controlling the deer numbers also managed their impact and maintained the quality of the animal. ''We're the only ones undertaking deer control in Fiordland National Park,'' Mr Sloan said. Forest & Bird said undermining the incredible landscapes and habitats of Fiordland National Park so a few hunters could shoot a small number of deer each year was catering to a handful of vested interests at the expense of all New Zealanders. ''To be clear, Forest & Bird is not anti-hunting. Hunting is part of the toolbox in tackling the out-of-control numbers of browsing animals that are causing significant damage to New Zealand's environment and many of our members are keen hunters. However, we are equally clear that putting precious time and taxpayer money into a Herd of Special Interest is not a priority.'' It said the government was looking at changing the law to let a North American deer species use the national park as a ''glorified vege patch''. Hunters also donated multiple tonnes of venison to food banks and KiwiHarvest. Doc national programmes director Ben Reddiex said the organisation monitored all deer populations and vegetation but also supported the foundation's work. The foundation managed wapiti in a designated area to limit wapiti-red deer hybrid offspring being established by the red deer that were widespread throughout the park. Mr Sloan believed if wapiti were removed and the foundation closed, the park would be decimated by the red deer population which hunters helped to keep under control. The foundation had been managing the wapiti population since 1991 and members considered themselves ''guardians''. The foundation had also managed, paid for, and operated more than 550 predator control traps in five river catchments in the Glaisnock Wilderness area to protect native birds since its predator trapping programme started in 2005. Hunters reported bird species sightings via an app and had amassed more than 40,000 hours of native bird monitoring each year or the equivalent of 20 years' work for one person, he said. Since 2005, members had seen the threatened Northern Fiordland whio (blue duck) population increase to up to 3000 birds. The ducks are particularly vulnerable to stoats. Other native bird species had also benefited from the predator control programme, he said. One of the last strongholds of kiwi was in the designated wapiti area. The foundation's goals had always been conservation first and based on having a low number of high-quality healthy wapiti that enabled the native fauna and flora to thrive — a healthy environment also meant a healthy wapiti herd, Mr Sloan said. The foundation's conservation model was attracting international interest as ''one of the top models on the planet''.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Game council lauds wapiti application
The New Zealand Game Animal Council says protecting wapiti deer would preserve an unparalleled opportunity for a hunting icon. The council, said in a statement, it congratulated the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation on successfully submitting its wapiti "herd of special interest" (HOSI) proposal. Minister of Hunting and Fishing James Meager was considering formally designating wapiti as a HOSI in Fiordland National Park. To support the wapiti HOSI, the government will also introduce a Bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. If passed, the Bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. This move was criticised by Forest & Bird, which said it amounted to letting a North American species use a national park as a "vege patch". "The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park management plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes," Fiordland Wapiti Foundation chairman Grant Dodson said. "The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, given to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. "In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer." He said the foundation actively managed the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. It also managed six back-country huts and more than 500 predator-control traps, protecting native birds such as kiwi and blue duck. It had recently established a charitable trust enabling hunters to give the venison they harvested to foodbanks. "The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. "The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported. "Designating a wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources "The minister's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the council's establishment by legislation in 2013. However, no HOSI has ever been created," he said. "The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. "The council looks forward to supporting the minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process." — APL
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Second Herd Of Special Interest Takes Step Toward Designation
Press Release – NZ Game Animal Council The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process. The NZ Game Animal Council (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. To support the Wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. If passed, the bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation management globally recognised 'The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park Management Plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes,' GAC Chair Grant Dodson says. 'The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, gifted to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. 'In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The Foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation actively manage the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. They also manage six backcountry huts and over 500 predator control traps, protecting native birds like kiwi and whio (blue duck). They have recently established a charitable trust enabling hunters to gift the venison they harvest to food banks. 'The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3 million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported,' Dodson says. 'Designating a Wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy, and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources,' he says. HOSI process established by GAC 'The Minister for Hunting and Fishing's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the GAC's establishment by legislation in 2013, however no HOSI has ever been created,' Dodson says. 'The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant amount of work that GAC staff have put into establishing systems and processes to enable the development of HOSI proposals. Without this work, there would not be two HOSI designations being considered by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. 'I'd like to also acknowledge GAC Council members past and present who have provided governance and support for the HOSI concept, which presents an opportunity to establish consistent and affordable management of game animal herds that are highly valued in New Zealand. 'The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process.' Next steps in the process includes drafting of a herd management plan with consultation on that plan to follow. The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working to improve the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Second Herd Of Special Interest Takes Step Toward Designation
Press Release – NZ Game Animal Council The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process. The NZ Game Animal Council (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. To support the Wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. If passed, the bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation management globally recognised 'The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park Management Plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes,' GAC Chair Grant Dodson says. 'The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, gifted to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. 'In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The Foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation actively manage the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. They also manage six backcountry huts and over 500 predator control traps, protecting native birds like kiwi and whio (blue duck). They have recently established a charitable trust enabling hunters to gift the venison they harvest to food banks. 'The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3 million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported,' Dodson says. 'Designating a Wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy, and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources,' he says. HOSI process established by GAC 'The Minister for Hunting and Fishing's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the GAC's establishment by legislation in 2013, however no HOSI has ever been created,' Dodson says. 'The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant amount of work that GAC staff have put into establishing systems and processes to enable the development of HOSI proposals. Without this work, there would not be two HOSI designations being considered by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. 'I'd like to also acknowledge GAC Council members past and present who have provided governance and support for the HOSI concept, which presents an opportunity to establish consistent and affordable management of game animal herds that are highly valued in New Zealand. 'The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process.' Next steps in the process includes drafting of a herd management plan with consultation on that plan to follow. The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working to improve the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Second Herd Of Special Interest Takes Step Toward Designation
The NZ Game Animal Council (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. To support the Wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. If passed, the bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. Fiordland Wapiti Foundation management globally recognised 'The value of Fiordland wapiti is recognised in the Fiordland National Park Management Plan, representing one of the few truly wild wapiti herds outside their native range, and providing an unparalleled hunting opportunity in one of New Zealand's most remote and rewarding landscapes,' GAC Chair Grant Dodson says. 'The herd holds historical significance and is a New Zealand hunting icon, gifted to New Zealand by United States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. 'In 2011, the Wapiti Foundation began managing Fiordland wapiti under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation. The Foundation has achieved sustained management of wapiti that protects Fiordland's unique biodiversity first, and provides for hunting purposes second, at near no cost to the taxpayer. 'The Foundation actively manage the wapiti population to reduce impacts on the environment. They also manage six backcountry huts and over 500 predator control traps, protecting native birds like kiwi and whio (blue duck). They have recently established a charitable trust enabling hunters to gift the venison they harvest to food banks. 'The annual wapiti hunting ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters, bringing with it an estimated $1.3 million spend per year. Additionally, wapiti hunters contribute thousands of hours to conservation initiatives. 'The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation are recognised globally for how hunters and conservationists can work together to achieve shared goals, which is something to be celebrated and supported,' Dodson says. 'Designating a Wapiti HOSI will safeguard the long-term gains already being made for conservation, hunters, the economy, and the wider community and ensure they endure, independent of shifting government priorities or resources,' he says. HOSI process established by GAC 'The Minister for Hunting and Fishing's ability to designate a HOSI has existed since the GAC's establishment by legislation in 2013, however no HOSI has ever been created,' Dodson says. 'The reasons for this are complex and include political considerations and lack of a formal process for considering proposals and developing a herd management plan. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant amount of work that GAC staff have put into establishing systems and processes to enable the development of HOSI proposals. Without this work, there would not be two HOSI designations being considered by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. 'I'd like to also acknowledge GAC Council members past and present who have provided governance and support for the HOSI concept, which presents an opportunity to establish consistent and affordable management of game animal herds that are highly valued in New Zealand. 'The GAC looks forward to supporting the Minister, the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation in the next phase of the HOSI process.' Next steps in the process includes drafting of a herd management plan with consultation on that plan to follow. The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working to improve the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.
