Latest news with #HOSI
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.
Otago Daily Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
‘Herd of special interest' status possible
A wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Wapiti deer, an introduced breed, may become a "herd of special interest" (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager said the wapiti HOSI represented an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. He also confirmed it would allow an introduced animal to be left to live in a national park. "Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America," Mr Meager said. "The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The foundation has been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. "A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna." The next step in the process is to consult with interested parties. The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025. 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. The Bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation. "The National Parks Act's requirement to 'exterminate' introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes," Mr Meager said. "The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this Bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand's wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features." The public will have the opportunity to submit on the Bill at the select committee stage. The Fiordland wapiti herd was established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gave 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. A HOSI designation is a tool to maintain a quality population of animals hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. It can also help raise New Zealand's profile as an international hunting destination. The GAC Amendment Bill does not change the National Parks Act. It also does not establish a HOSI. The process to do so will remain unchanged, including the requirement to go through public consultation. — APL
