Latest news with #HuntingandFishing
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Road Safety Week: Crash survivor urges smart driving after near-fatal accident
Papera said he remembered talking with his colleague about how he was going to spend his first pay cheque. Instead, his plans to splurge on a new jacket at Hunting and Fishing were thwarted. As Papera's co-worker turned onto a rural Glenbervie road on the outskirts of Whangārei, he was blinded by sunstrike. Unbeknownst to him, a cattle truck and trailer had been approaching and smashed into the left side of the vehicle. Papera bore the brunt of what should have been an unsurvivable crash. He has no recollection of the days and weeks that followed, but information from others has supplied him with the basics. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, a broken jaw, a punctured lung, facial fractures, a fractured T1 at the upper part of his spine, broken ribs, a fractured sternum and intra-oral injuries. Papera was rendered unconscious, and doctors placed him in an induced coma. Family and friends were unsure he would survive. Instead, almost four years later, he is walking, talking and eating – all things he had to learn to do again. 'It was hard because I was happy as I made progress, that really sort of cheered me up, but then at the same time, I did get sick of it because I just wanted to be back to normal.' Papera said that within a few weeks, he was planning his return to work. But the process would turn out to be much more challenging and prolonged than he could have expected. 'Once I recovered a bit more, I think I did realise how bad it was and how lucky I am,' he said. The shocking images of the accident that police shared with him also brought it home, he said. Papera said his experience inspired him to become a road safety advocate. It took so much effort from family, doctors and more to bring him to where he was today, he said. 'It's not worth going through it.' 'I don't want to see other people go through the same thing, because it's not nice. It's not nice for anyone.' Papera believes it is the fact that he cannot remember the crash that he is able to not only be in a car, but drive around. But that doesn't stop him from being a 'pretty cautious' driver, he said. His message to people this Road Safety Week is to be a smart driver. 'There is a lot to it. And when you've got so many risks and so many dangers, and then you put other stuff like drugs and alcohol or don't wear your seatbelt - you're just making those risks so much higher.' Papera is now 20, and he's desperate to get back to work. At the moment, he is still unable to return. But he said it was the drive of wanting to get his life back that kept him going. 'You definitely need an end goal.'
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
Otago Daily Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Stark contrast between conferences
Political parties always try to put their best face forward for conferences, but it can be difficult to paper over discord and dissension. No such worries for National at its Mainland Regional Conference, held in Dunedin on Saturday: you would be hard-pressed to find a happier bunch of delegates if you tried. In fact, the only grumble around the conference — and it was an oft-repeated one — was that the event had coincided with the first day of duck-shooting season. Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager did manage to get out on Lake Waihola in the morning though, purely as an exercise in ministerial responsibility no doubt. This conference was quite a contrast from the last time Dunedin held it. Back then National was in Opposition, had recently changed to an as yet untested leader, and opinion polls were not indicating it was a government in waiting. Christopher Luxon was greeted with polite applause three years ago and struggled to muster anything like an ovation, let alone a standing one. The welcome for him this time, and for Finance Minister Nicola Willis, was warm and, on this occasion, delegates needed little prompting to rise to their feet. Mr Luxon's rhetoric is seldom stirring, and he opened on a perilous note, reminding delegates that the Crusaders had been triumphant in the local Super Rugby derby the previous week. After that unrepentant opening, Mr Luxon gave each of his Southern MPs a shout out, before settling down for a rousing chorus of "National good, Labour bad". "We have reversed Labour's harmful and frankly delusional policies and prioritised a very ambitious programme that restores your freedom and also enhances your opportunities," Mr Luxon said. "Success doesn't just fall out of a tree. "It has to be cultivated, it has to be protected, and it has to be upheld. "And it only takes a few dumb decisions and thoughtless policies to unravel the whole thing. "I've got to say, didn't we see some doozies from the last government as a result of all that? "So after consigning the very worst of those policies to the trash heap, we initiated an ambitious programme of reforms." Ambition is in the eye of the beholder of course, and Mr Luxon was making sweeping claims of greatness in the same week that Ms Willis had been extolling fiscal prudence and reducing the amount of new spending that will be announced in the May 22 Budget. "Despite this narrative that the media will run for us making cuts, it's nothing further from the truth. "We have actually put record investments into health and education and transport and defence," he argued. Mr Luxon proclaimed National was rebuilding the economy, lifting incomes and lowering the cost of living, as well as passing 52 Bills in its first 12 months in government. "The armchair economists and media said it would be inflationary. And they were both wrong. We delivered a tax relief at no extra cost." Extra and record spending on health services — complete with yet more lines such as "the media will never tell you this story" — Mr Luxon was on a roll as he extolled the fast-track legislation, RMA reform, educational changes, and a law-and-order crack down. "We are not the party of just nice platitudes and empty actions. "We are the party who gets things done and delivers. That's what we are here for." Unsurprisingly, this was joyfully received — especially a re-heat of last week's announcement that financial literacy would be added to the school curriculum. "I have to say, getting us back on track is like turning around a supertanker. "It doesn't happen overnight, but I hope that you feel, and you can sense that the momentum is building. "And I have to say, 18 months into this job, I've never been more ambitious, more excited for the potential of this great country of ours, New Zealand." Neither were the party faithful, who were delighted with what they had heard. The dig at the Highlanders might even, just, have been forgiven.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Hunters Across The Country Get Set For Opening Weekend For Game Bird Season
Tens of thousands of Kiwis from the Far North to the Deep South are preparing for the start of the 2025 game bird season this Saturday (May 3). Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan said a strong breeding season has set the stage for an exciting Opening Weekend for hunters. "We know the anticipation is building in communities nationwide as hunters gear up for the big day. Opening Weekend is a popular event on the calendar for New Zealanders from all walks of life." Jordan, who will join Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager at a maimai in Otago on Saturday, says New Zealand offers a wide range of hunting opportunities beyond just the Opening Weekend. "New Zealand is a haven for game bird hunters, offering more than just the Opening Weekend. Hunters in many parts of the country have the opportunity to go game bird hunting all through winter. "As much as game bird hunting is about the challenge, it's also about the camaraderie with friends and family, the connection to nature, and the valued tradition of hunting, which has been passed down through generations. "There's nothing quite like the feeling of standing alongside fellow hunters on Opening Weekend and the opportunity to provide wild, sustainable food for family, friends, and communities up and down the country." The forecast for the Opening Weekend shows cloudy skies and mild temperatures across many regions, says Jordan. "While the dry summer had raised concerns for game bird hunters in some parts of the country, recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief. This should lift the spirits of the approximately 60,000 hunters heading out this weekend. "We also want to thank those farmers who are generously opening their farms to hunters -- many of whom are hunters themselves. Their support helps ensure that the tradition of game bird hunting continues." Game bird hunting regional wrap Region Details Northland Region In the last two weeks of April, some areas of Northland received three times the average expected rainfall for the month. Heavy and persistent falls have landed on much of the region's east coast, causing widespread flooding. The west coast has been less affected but has still received some rain. This has been a relief for some who have had their wetlands and duck ponds replenished after a long dry spell but it is a cause for frustration for others. Hunters that have been feeding ponds may find that the ducks have dispersed around the floodplains to take advantage of the floodwater and the abundance of protein rich food that it brings. Many hunters are also unable to reach their maimai due to floodwater submerging their access tracks and, in some cases, their entire maimai. Whether the floodwater will subside by the weekend will depend on how much rain remains to fall. Opening Weekend is forecast to be fine and sunny, although a reasonable wind on Saturday will help keep the ducks moving. Hunting prospects are expected to be reasonable this season. Mallard/grey numbers look good, although there is likely to be a higher proportion of adults and fewer juveniles than last year, considering that the dry spring period will have resulted in lower-than-usual juvenile recruitment. Paradise duck numbers remain high, and with an increased bag limit of 25 birds, there will be an opportunity for some exciting hunting and taking home lean protein. Swan numbers are significantly lower than in previous years due to the large population from Lake Ōmāpere dispersing, with many leaving the region. Shoveler numbers remain stable, and pūkeko are as prevalent as ever. Upland game numbers are good this season and will provide an excellent opportunity to add some diversity to hunting activities and get more value out of the licence purchase with the longer season that is offered for pheasant and quail. Hunters that adapt to the change in conditions will do well this Opening Weekend. Those hunters whose maimai is unreachable are encouraged to hunt the margins of floodwater on or near the main flight lines of the river systems. Tactics normally used mid and late season -- such as scouting for shallow floodwater and bird concentrations, will pay off -- particularly for evening hunting. Fish & Game rangers will be out both days and look forward to seeing hunters enjoying the great tradition that is opening weekend. Eastern region The Opening Weekend weather is looking promising for hunters in the Eastern Region. Given the forecast, the region predicts that Opening Weekend bags should be similar to last year. Eastern Council has decided to increase the season length for the 2025 mallard, grey, and shoveler duck season to six weeks, providing keen hunters with an additional opportunity. Paradise shelduck and black swan populations are on par with the last few years and pukeko are plentiful. Upland game hunting should be better than last year. Rangers will be out and about checking hunters' bags and will be accompanied by police and Firearms Safety Authority staff in areas. Hawke's Bay region With a good amount of rain forecast in the days leading up to opening day, windy, cold conditions for Saturday and Sunday, and a good chance of more rain on Saturday morning, the prospects are good for Opening Weekend. There are good numbers of mallards and high numbers of paradise ducks; the rain should help keep the birds flying, the wind should keep them from flying straight out to sea, and the cold weather should make them hungry -- maximising hunting opportunities for all hunters, particularly those who have put in good pre-season work. The upland prospects are looking equally good. The local Fish & Game team has seen good numbers of Quail and Pheasants on river margins and in forested areas, no doubt helped by a large number of donated cock pheasants released after last year's upland season and the great breeding season with no major rain events, minimising juvenile mortality. We expect a good season with game birds in great condition. We wish all licence holders a happy and successful season while reminding them to carry their hunting licence and read and comply with the regulations. Taranaki region Summer drought periods have finally broken with recent rainfall, which has been happily received throughout the region. As water returns to ponds and wetlands that have been dry or at a low ebb over summer, birds will be congregating in these areas to feed on concentrations of worms and bugs. Recent trend counts have shown gamebird numbers are strong throughout Taranaki, Wanganui and the Waimarino. As we head into the wetter months and water starts to accumulate in paddocks of maise stubble and newly sown grass, productive hunts can be had, particularly for paradise shelduck, which, according to January moult counts, are currently in record-high numbers throughout the Taranaki ring plain. As a result of these higher numbers, the bag limit has been increased from 10 to 15 shelduck for opening weekend in Area C, with the rest of the season returning to the usual 10 birds. Recent monitoring has shown that mallard, black swan, and pūkeko populations remain stable in good numbers, providing plenty of hunting opportunities. The weather forecast is a mixed bag for the weekend, with sun and clear skies forecast from Saturday onwards, with strong southerly winds that ease on Sunday. Nelson Marlborough region The regions mallard monitoring programme indicates numbers in the Marlborough area are up 20 percent the average. Also the regions paradise shelduck numbers are very v strong in the Tasman and Golden Bay area. This bodes well for hunters in the region in the coming months. West Coast region West Coast game bird populations are in excellent shape. A wet spring provided ideal breeding conditions, leading to strong duckling and chick survival rates. Recent monitoring confirms that mallards, grey ducks, paradise shelducks, pūkeko, shoveler, and black swans are all in healthy numbers across the region. Though summer has been dry, the strong start to the breeding season means bird numbers remain high. Waterfowl have adapted to the changing conditions, with many concentrating around the most reliable water sources. This makes preseason scouting crucial, as identifying where birds are feeding and roosting offers hunters the best chance of success. Farm ponds and spring-fed creeks are often key feeding areas, while wetlands, riverbeds, and estuaries are expected to continue holding significant numbers of roosting birds. North Canterbury region Hunters in North Canterbury should have plenty of opportunities this opening weekend. This week's rain, however, will disperse birds by providing plenty of new habitat for the ducks to feed on so be prepared to move around to hunt your ducks. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, regarded as one of New Zealand's Waterfowlers' bucket list hunting locations is looking fantastic. The Lake will be opened to the sea in the coming weeks, but it is at a perfect level for opening weekend. Elsewhere in the region, duck numbers are good following a mild summer, and with a three-month-long season, hunters will have lots of opportunities to hunt over the coming weeks. Central South Island region Overall, the relatively wet summer on the Plains and foothills has set up water levels nicely at hunting ponds; however, further inland, it has been much drier. Central South Island Fish & Game's game bird population surveys suggest that, in general, the relatively wet summer on the Canterbury Plains has supported a productive breeding season, which bodes well for the 2025 season. A Canterbury Plains survey of mallard duck and paradise shelduck population undertaken in March observed healthy numbers -- the third highest count since records began for mallard duck and the highest on record for paradise shelduck. Annual population monitoring shows black swan numbers are currently high in the Wainono Lagoon area and the Mackenzie Basin. The Central South Island Region game bird season is open until July 27th for waterfowl species: mallard duck, grey duck, NZ shoveller duck, black swan and pūkeko. Otago region Game bird hunters across the Otago region are gearing up for what looks to be an encouraging start to the 2025 season. Despite a change in monitoring approach this year, Otago Fish & Game officers are optimistic about duck numbers throughout the region following favourable breeding conditions. Anecdotal reports from across the region suggest promising populations in multiple areas. Reports from South Otago and West Otago note substantial bird numbers, while good numbers have been observed in the Taieri and the Maniototo areas. Five ranger teams will be checking compliance at both private and public hunting locations across Otago on Opening Weekend. Hunters are reminded to make firearms safe, present game bird licences when requested and follow rangers' instructions. Wellington region A period of settled conditions across the lower North Island will come to an abrupt end just in time for the start of the season with rain and a strong southerly moving through late on Friday. While Opening Weekend weather looks a little calmer - cloudy with showers and westerlies - the forecast big southerly system will certainly stir birds up and get them moving for Opening Day, which is excellent news for hunters in the lower North Island. Our recent aerial trend counts for mallards in the Wellington Fish & Game region reveal a strong population, with higher numbers recorded in both the Wairarapa plains and Manawatu areas than this time last year. Large congregations of birds have been observed on small ponds and dams near recently harvested maize crops. The later-than-normal harvest means there is plenty of crop still to come in, and this will likely have kept ducks localised. Good numbers of mallards have also been holding on the big water, such as Lake Wairarapa, and loafing on the larger rivers in the region, like the Manawatu. Southland Region The Southland region is expecting a strong season this year. The spring breeding season was productive, with favourable conditions leading to higher duckling survival. This has resulted in a good number of younger birds in the population, which are generally easier to hunt. Southland Fish & Game has recently completed pre-season mallard monitoring flights. While some areas, particularly Northern Southland, showed higher counts, mallard numbers across the region are sitting around the long-term average. This is good news for hunters, as it points to a typical Southland season with steady numbers, plenty of opportunity, and the prospect of a memorable opening weekend followed by a rewarding season overall. At this stage, the forecast is pointing toward still, calm conditions.
