Latest news with #SouthlandFish&Game
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Reform to ‘modernise' Fish & Game organisation
Southern Fish & Game councils say they broadly welcome proposed improvements to the organisation's operations, signalled by the government yesterday. Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced proposed new legislation governing Fish & Game, aimed at streamlining and compartmentalising the roles of the national body and its 12 regional councils. He said it would "modernise and strengthen" the organisation. "I want to make it as easy as possible for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing in New Zealand. This long overdue reform to Fish & Game will refocus the organisation on its core job of managing our sport fishing and game bird resources and implement a more professional approach to national decision making," he said. Key changes would include clarifying council and national body roles; shifting to a nationalised fee collection and funding distribution system; and voting changes. The proposed new act would also "require Fish & Game councils to better consider the interests of other stakeholders such as farmers and the aviation sector in decision-making". New national advocacy policy would restrict court proceedings to within that policy. Southland Fish & Game chairman David MacGregor said the minister had provided further clarification on that last point during interviews yesterday. "The minister has clarified that Fish & Game can still advocate for the health of waterways where it improves fisheries, which is entirely consistent with Southland Fish & Game's involvement in the Water & Land Plan, where the court found there were significant adverse effects on aquatic life," he said. Federated Farmers Southland clashed with Fish & Game Southland last year following a Court of Appeal decision regarding effluent discharge Federated Farmers claimed would prevent them farming. "Fish & Game has never taken frivolous court action, and funding for much of the Southland case came from the New Zealand council, so I can't see our advocacy function changing," Mr MacGregor said. Otago Fish & Game Council chairman Adrian McIntyre said he welcomed modernisation. "Making it easier for New Zealanders to go hunting and fishing is something we all support, and it's encouraging to see a proposal that retains strong regional decision-making — close to where the action is happening. "Regional autonomy is essential to what we do. It's great to see that the minister has preserved the ability of regional councils to make decisions based on local knowledge and direct engagement with hunters, anglers, landowners, iwi and scientists. That connection is one of our biggest strengths." A Federated Farmers spokesman said his organisation remained concerned about Fish & Game's political advocacy functions. "We're welcoming a review of Fish & Game's advocacy function, something Federated Farmers have been vocal in calling for, but we have serious concerns changes won't go far enough."
Otago Daily Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Ex-councillor's claims false; legal advice being sought: Fish & Game
David Linklater. Photo: Samuel White Southland Fish & Game has struck back against claims by a former councillor, calling his accusations false and unfair, and is seeking legal advice. Former Southland Fish & Game councillor David Linklater made claims about the organisation and specifically manager Zane Moss earlier in the month, stating they did not represent anglers and were supporting their own agenda. In a statement provided to the Otago Daily Times, Southland Fish & Game said it had engaged a lawyer and denied these claims. Chairman David MacGregor said the organisation was standing behind its staff, both past and present. "Mr Moss and his team have done an incredible job through a difficult period on behalf and at the direction of the council. "Further to that, our previous chairman, Lindsay Withington, had the unwavering support and confidence of the governors." Mr MacGregor said there were previous issues with Mr Linklater's conduct on the council, several occasions leading to him being censured and him apologising, and then resigning, and he was not happy to see him join the attack against Fish & Game. "It is disappointing that Mr Linklater has now joined what has become a sustained misinformation and attack campaign on our manager through the media." Mr Linklater served briefly on the Southland Fish & Game executive committee, which was responsible for ensuring management met organisational expectations, and at no stage raised any concerns to the committee about Mr Moss's performance, Mr MacGregor said. He and the council fully supported Mr Moss and his staff to follow policy directions set out by the democratically elected Southland Fish & Game council, and the organisation as whole, to represent the anglers and hunters in the region, he said. "Southland Fish & Game Council is firmly committed to promoting fishing and hunting on behalf of our licence holders and advocating for healthy habitat to support their activities, that benefit all New Zealanders."
