National Board Reports November 2025

NZDA 2025-26 National Board, photographed at the 77th Conference and AGM in July 2025, Invercargill. (Absent S. Langslow, and W. Iglesias)

Dear members,

I hope you are all making the most of the spring hunting and warmer weather. NZDA has been flat out as usual advocating for New Zealand hunters and shooters.

The firearms reform has been announced and as far as I can see it not all that bad. Minister Mckee always said there would be some compromise. For the average bolt action hunter or shooter nothing has really changed. We are still able to get out and do what we enjoy despite a few small changes to transport etc. Dealers licenses have had some common sense applied as well as pest controllers, so it is not all doom and gloom.

The HOSI proposals for Wapiti and Sika are in full swing, and I’m hoping we see both of these completed soon. I headed to Te Anau for the live Wapiti ballot draw, there was a good turn out and again the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation showcased the great work they do for the wapiti heard and conservation outcomes in Fiordland. The minister of hunting and Fishing also attended along with local MP Joseph Mooney.

My party was lucky enough to draw a block, getting the Edith 4th period, a block I have been in before so I am looking forward to having a good explore with a bit of prior knowledge.

Finally branch constitutions are due to be updated, to continue being an incorporated society and operate as a legal entity please make sure your branch completes theirs, national office is providing support so please reach out if you need anything.

Callum Sheridan

It’s been another busy month for the head office

• HOSI Public Consultation
  The Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal is now open for public consultation. This is an important step toward formal recognition of these herds. Guidance from the National Office on how to make submissions will be available soon, please keep an eye out for updates.
• New Arms Act Details Released
  The details of the new Arms Act have been published. This will require submissions from our community to help address some of the issues created by previous legislation. Your input will be critical in ensuring fair and practical outcomes for hunters.
• Sika Show Success
  The Sika Show was a massive weekend! With over 11,000 visitors through the doors, this was the largest show to date and a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we do.
• Acknowledgement of Volunteers and Sponsors
  We want to extend our sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who contributed their time and energy at the sika show. From setting up our stand too engaging with the public to measuring the mountain of antlers that came through the doors, Your efforts make a real difference in promoting hunting and conservation. A special thank you also goes to our sponsors for their continued support, without you, events like the Sika Show wouldn’t be possible.

Your involvement matters. Whether it’s making a submission on HOSI or the Arms Act, volunteering at events, or simply spreading the word, every contribution strengthens our voice and our community. Let’s keep the momentum going, together we can make a real impact for hunters and conservation in New Zealand.

Stuart

Well, Christmas came early for the sector with Minister for Hunting & Fishing, James Meager announcing in early November, the HOSI for the Wapiti herd & SIKA herd and calling for submissions on the Herd Management Plans. This is a sensible and positive move for conservation and game animal management.

The 2nd Reading of the Bill happened last week while the House was sitting under urgency. Guidelines will be forthcoming to assist with your submissions on Herd Management Plans.The week finished with Wapiti with Callum and me attending the Wapiti Weekend in Te Anau over 22nd  / 23rd  Nov.. The Live Ballot Draw Dinner on the Saturday night was a huge success with the 100 strong crowd "roaring" into life, when a successful ballot entrant was drawn who was on the room. 

A few days after the HOSI announcement, the Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee announced the Arms Act Amendment Bill. This was a lolly scramble of things for a range of firearms users and retailers. Great progress has been made and credit to the Minister for what she has achieved, under a complex coalition government arrangement. It would have been nice to have seen the reintroduction of semi automatic centrefire rifles, especially as the National Goat Competition comes to a close. 

Locally, the Upper Clutha Branch held a combined branch, 2 day goat hunt over 22nd  / 23rd  Nov. on Kawarau Gorge Station, Southern Lakes were heading into Macetown to hunt for goats on Coronet Peak Station and 2 weeks earlier the North Otago Branch had a successful goat hunt on Lochindorb Station, near Clinton. In addition to a few hundred goats, over a dozen pigs were also in the tallies from these and earlier hunts. Thanks to the Branches and members that have  been out hunting in the National Goat Competition.

Well, it's finally happened...and what a great result! Marlborough NZDA in collaboration with DoC have carried out a goat and pig control operation on Molesworth Station (Turks Head area) 29 Oct to 3 Nov 2025. If you haven't seen National Office Facebook post, then check it out. With 1060 goats and 72 pigs removed both parties are extremely happy. Lots of volunteer hunting hours and kms travelled to achieve the goal. There with a few other pests removed too, like hares, rabbits and geese.

Marlborough Branch (supported by Nelson) - have been successful in securing NZDA research funding for deer count and monitoring project on the Molesworth. Work will start on this early 2026.

Malvern - had to postpone their annual centre fire shooting competition ''The Lanz Cup'Due to new process for securing a temporary range certification which was just too complex to complete in time. They have secured community funding for a 6-person Tipi tent with firebox from Points South for use by their members.
Westcoast - Work is progressing on the Westcoast Anniversary celebrations in 2027 at Shanty Town Miners Hall. Had a recent trip to the Lame Duck Hut replacing the old wood shed and other maintenance required.

Nelson - A recent hunt by members produced a massive feral beef donation to local food banks.

The Kuhurangi 1080 (battle for birds) operation has recently been completed.

Thanks to all who supported the Ute raffle, as a volunteer organisation with very few options for funding it is critical we get this support. It enables to behind the scenes operations to continue to be successful.