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Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
The wapiti exception
At first glance, the plan to grant wapiti deer special status in Fiordland National Park seems inappropriate. Wapiti damage the forest understorey through browsing. When deer, tahr, and goats proliferate unchecked, the destruction across forests, valleys, and alpine pastures becomes severe. Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki said this week that the proposal to designate the wapiti as a herd of special interest (Hosi) amounts to the government "looking at changing the law to let a North American deer species use the national park as a glorified vege patch". She argued it was "eating away at the very natural heritage that these sanctuaries have been legally designed to protect. What next? A sanctuary for stoats?" The plan was catering to a handful of vested interests at the expense of all New Zealanders, she said. Ms Toki said Forest & Bird was baffled by the prioritisation of government time and energy into helping 512 hunters shoot 86 deer in a national park. Scepticism surrounding the move is heightened by widespread concerns about the government's alleged tendency to cater to vested interests, as well as Act New Zealand's connections to the gun and hunting lobbies. Cementing the place for a non-native species in a national park raises concerns, particularly given the National Park Act stipulates: "Introduced plants and animals shall as far as possible be exterminated." As a matter of principle, Forest & Bird would struggle to support the planned status for the wapiti. Last year, the organisation sought a judicial review of an agreement between the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, arguing that the agreement did not comply with the National Parks Act. The review has since been paused. Under the agreement, the foundation is permitted to manage a wapiti herd while undertaking pest control and other conservation efforts in the area. Whatever the concerns over principle and precedent, strong pragmatic and practical arguments support the Hosi designation and the government's parallel plan to amend the law, clarifying that a herd of special interest can be established in national parks. The foundation manages six back-country huts and more than 500 predator-control traps in the wapiti area. Its annual ballot attracts thousands of domestic and international hunters. Wapiti, known as elk overseas, were given to New Zealand by United States president Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. They have since interbred with red deer, and wapiti remain prized trophy animals. Ecologist Cam Speedy, who works with the foundation, said the wapiti efforts over 200,000ha of Fiordland had yielded positive outcomes for both the environment and hunters. Wapiti density was only two to four per hectare, the lowest deer density in almost all Fiordland. Combined with the pest control that Doc could never undertake, the environment and native birdlife were thriving, more so than in almost all the rest of the park. By harnessing hunters' energy, the initiative enhanced environmental, cultural, social, and economic values, Mr Speedy said. It is in the foundation's interests to maintain relatively low numbers and ensure healthy forests — an approach that ultimately improves the quality of the stags and their antlers. There are occasions when the Department of Conservation can collaborate with hunters to manage deer or tahr populations. More often, however, hunters alone cannot be relied upon to keep numbers sufficiently low, and the resulting ecological damage is serious and enduring. The Wapiti Foundation's efforts in Fiordland, now firmly established, represent an exception and should be regarded as such. Nevertheless, periodic reviews and independent monitoring could add another layer of long-term assurance. Wapiti could never be fully "exterminated" from the national park. Instead, a controlled approach has emerged, offering multiple benefits. Formally designating the population as a herd of special interest should help secure these advantages.
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
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Wapiti Herd Of Special Interest Process Begins
Press Release – New Zealand Government The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America. Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April. 'The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. 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 says. '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 have 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. 'Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. 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 phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards. 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 legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,' Mr Meager says. '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. '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 and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.' Notes: The Fiordland Wapiti herd were established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gifted 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. HOSI are a tool to maintain a quality population of animals that hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. They 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.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Wapiti Herd Of Special Interest Process Begins
Press Release – New Zealand Government The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America. Minister for Hunting and Fishing Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April. 'The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. 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 says. '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 have 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. 'Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. 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 phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards. 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 legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,' Mr Meager says. '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. '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 and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.' Notes: The Fiordland Wapiti herd were established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gifted 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. HOSI are a tool to maintain a quality population of animals that hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. They 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.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Wapiti Herd Of Special Interest Process Begins
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April. 'The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. 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 says. '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 have 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. 'Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. 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.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The next phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards. 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 legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,' Mr Meager says. '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. '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 and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.' Notes: The Fiordland Wapiti herd were established after United States President Theodore Roosevelt gifted 18 wapiti deer to New Zealand in 1905. HOSI are a tool to maintain a quality population of animals that hunters value as well as reducing the environmental impacts of these animals. They 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.
