It’s time to act before they review the act.

The seven decades-old New Zealand Wildlife Act — along with over 20 related environmental legislations — is due for review and Hunters For Conservation firmly believes that we need (and deserve) a seat at the decision-making table. 

We all agree that this historic piece of legislation needs updating but (at the same time) we are very aware that amendments need suitable consultation with those ‘in the know’, which certainly includes the significant NZ Hunting Community - some 405,000 New Zealanders.

We need workable legislation that protects indigenous species and ensures the sustainable management of valued introduced species for the benefit of all Kiwis and recognises and empowers people, communities, and various agencies’ conservation efforts. We get there by having our voices heard when the time comes, and so we need funds to ensure our consultation contribution.

Every day, we read about a rolling biodiversity crisis and the remediation focus is often on our indigenous species. Hunters For Conservation wants to ally with other existing agencies to give a strong voice to our introduced species. Introduced species now have an indispensable place in New Zealand's cultural heritage and ecosystems, existing in tandem with indigenous species. Sports fish and game are also valued food resources for families and communities, and our precious Mahinga Kai must be protected.

Over twenty pieces of legislation are to be reviewed within the big-picture conservation review. It’s a complex topic with many players, and, consequently, a big job requiring expert input and wise counsel to land successfully. Adjacent to the Wildlife Act review, the current government will repeal the Natural & Built Environment Act, another important piece of legislation that will likely have a knock-on effect if not considered.

The current Government has “parked“ the Wildlife Act review for now, giving us the time we need to prepare. We must educate our hunting community, as well as the people of New Zealand about what the Act governs and its effect on the nation’s outdoors. The reality is the review will happen and like good hunters, we need to be ready with a plan to ensure the safety and health of the land and people we care about.

We need funds to strengthen our relationships with all political parties and policy-makers over the next twelve months. This review is impending, and being in a persuasive position is imperative to securing a positive outcome for the hunting community.

Hunters for Conservation are keen to raise the capital to offer a collaborative advocacy platform to help bring together the many entities working in this space, e.g. GAC, Fish and Game, Forest and Bird, Wapiti Foundation, Sika Foundation, NZDA, and others.

Your donation will help us be a force for good and a voice of reason at the decision-making table. To support Hunters For Conservation click here.