2023 - 2024 Advocacy Work

Huts of Recreational Importance meeting with DOC

Attending a meeting with other recreational NGOs with an interest in backcountry huts to discuss a partnership and funding maintenance, including BCT, FMC, Trail Fund, and Te Araroa Trail Trust.

Hunting Permit feedback

Providing input to DOC regarding improving the hunting permit system.

Meeting with the Firearms Authority regarding the Arms Code and Manual

Liaising regarding NZDA feedback to improve the code.

Survey on Tahr Hunting Preservation

NZDA urged members to fill out a survey aimed at preserving tahr hunting for future generations. The survey is a tool for advocacy efforts to ensure the future of tahr hunting.

Firearms Safety Authority meeting

Meeting to discuss annual roar safety messaging and coordination.

Visit by Minister of Hunting and Fishing and Game Animal Council

NZDA hosted the Minister of Hunting and Fishing, Todd McClay, and members of the Game Animal Council. The visit focused on discussions about game animal management, access, conservation, huts, and responsible wildlife management. Highlights the importance of dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers.

Land Safety Forum Meeting

Representing recreational hunters’ safety at the forum.

DOC hunting permit conditions regarding thermal imaging

Providing feedback on NZDA fair chase policy and safety issues to DOC regarding thermal technology use on DOC land and inclusion in permit terms.

Tahr TPILG meeting

Attending a meeting at DOC’s office in Christchurch regarding the outcome of the annual operational plan.

Recreation sector hui with DOC senior leaders

Attending this sector meeting to give recreational hunter input and raise issues, including huts and access.

AATH Meeting with DOC

Workshop to support the systems analysis of Aerially Assisted Trophy Hunting (AATH) in New Zealand. This workshop is for those involved in AATH, stakeholders who may be affected by its operation, and Department of Conservation staff. The systems analysis is not a review of AATH policy but will develop recommendations for DOC on what can be done to resolve issues within current policy settings. If a formal review is later commissioned the findings of the systems analysis will feed into this.

DOC Ruhaine Access Meeting

Attending a meeting of lower North Island stakeholders to discuss and prioritise access.

Submission to DOC on its Discounts Policy Review for huts and tracks

NZDA submitted on DOC’s review of hut fees and discount policies. The review aimed to adjust backcountry hut fees while managing maintenance costs. Our submission focused on the potential removal of the 30% legacy discount, emphasising the importance of affordable hut access for our members. Key points in our submission included Maintaining affordable hut access, recognising volunteer contributions, implementing a tiered discount system, and addressing administrative challenges faced by volunteer organisations.

Survey on Heli-Hunting for Trophies (AATH)

NZDA encouraged recreational hunters to participate in a survey regarding their views on AATH (Heli-Hunting for trophies). The survey was aimed at gathering hunters' opinions on Heli-Hunting which was used to help draft a submission to DOC as part of its review of AATH.

FCAF meeting

Hosting and representing recreational hunters at the forum.

Submission and interview with DOC on its AATH Systems Analysis.

NZDA presented its perspectives on Aerially Assisted Trophy Hunting (AATH). Conducted on 12 October 2023, this analysis involved interviews with our President Craig Benbow, CEO Gwyn Thurlow, and members Snow Hewetson and Shawn Maloney. The genesis of this submission arises from our persistent concerns about the ethical implications, environmental impacts, and inherent inequities of AATH. Over the years, many of you have reported significant non-compliance with the AATH Code of Practice, insufficient enforcement by regulatory authorities, and negative consequences for public land access and wildlife conservation. These collective observations compelled NZDA to formally articulate our position through this detailed analysis. Our advocacy is clear: we call for legislative reform, enhanced management by the Game Animal Council, and a definitive end to heli-hunting on public lands. This document underscores our unwavering commitment to ethical hunting, fair chase principles, and the preservation of New Zealand's natural heritage for future generations of recreational hunters.

Land Safety Forum meeting

Representing recreational hunters’ safety at the forum.

Letters to Forest and Bird, Institute of Forestry, and Federated Farmers regarding ungulate control assistance

NZDA wrote, in response to a joint media statement by F&B, IOF, and Fed Farmers, to offer our assistance and collaborate with our local branches to hunt on their members’ properties. We received no formal replies.

Submission to OSPRI on Aerial 1080 Operations: OSPRI - National Aerial (1080) Operations 2024

NZDA made a submission on behalf of its members and all recreational hunters to OSPRI regarding planned aerial 1080 operations for 2024. The submission reflected NZDA policy and game animal management science. The widespread use of aerial applied 1080 can have drastic impacts on recreational hunters, particularly on access to food gathering opportunities. NZDA engaged with OSPRI on their proposed national aerial operations for 2024 to minimise their impact on game animals and wildlife.

TPILG Workshop

NZDA attended the DOC tahr liaison meeting at Christchurch.

Recreation Sector / DOC Hui

Hosted by Penny Nelson, Director-General, DOC, it is a meeting to provide feedback and thoughts on recreation matters, so that DOC better understand the broader perspective of issues and opportunities across the recreation sector. The intention was to make these gatherings quarterly, throughout the year. These forums provide an opportunity to share information and gain input across the recreation sector.

Arms Act Fees Review and Deferral

NZDA completed and provided submissions on the Arms Act Fees Review to Ministers and completed its advocacy campaign which started in March 2023. The result was an announcement that the Government's decision on the fees is delayed until 2024. Police had consulted firearms users and the public from December 2022 to March 2023 on fee proposals with partial cost recovery options. Full cost recovery was not considered. The result was:

• No changes to the licence fees for the time being.
• The decision will be informed by feedback from submitters, considering user contribution and the risks of non-compliance.
• NZDA's work highlighted concerns shared by the majority of members and other groups in the hunting and shooting community.

Wild Animal Management Co-ordination group meeting

NZDA attended an establishment meeting regarding a DOC and council led group to discuss wild animal management issues and opportunities. NZDA was represented by Craig Benbow, National President. The purpose was to explore how to work cooperatively and coordinate activities to achieve more effective wild animal management across the country.

Meeting: DOC, NZDA, FMC and Trailfund

Regular DOC sector meeting.

NZ Hunting Sector Leaders' Network forum

Hosted by GAC, this is a meeting of hunting NGO stakeholders and interest groups to discuss topical issues and share information in an informal session.

Concerns About Police/Firearms Safety Authority Data Security

NZDA expressed concerns over a significant data security breach involving the Police/Firearms Safety Authority. stressing the importance of data protection to ensure the safety of members and their families. NZDA highlighted fears about data security, including human error and unauthorised access. Committed to seeking answers on how the breach occurred and measures to prevent future incidents.

Fish & Game “Hunting and Fishing Influencers Forum”

Attending a meeting hosted by Fish & Game in the context of a “Hunting and Fishing Sector Leaders Forum” to discuss the issues facing hunting and fishing as a legitimate recreation now and into the future.

Firearms Authority/Police fees meetings

Attending a meeting along with COLFO at Police to review and understand the financial model supporting firearms licencing fees.

WARO Maps and Permit advocacy

The Department of Conservation (DOC) launched new WARO (Wild Animal Recovery Operations) maps. NZDA reviewed these maps to assess the impact on recreational hunters and raised concern that recreational hunters may be adversely affected by the new WARO areas. NZDA encouraged members to report any issues in their favourite hunting grounds. NZDA remains committed to providing updates as more information becomes available and calls for a full WARO review.

WARO Review engagement and meeting workshop

Attending all-day workshop at Christchurch to represent NZDA and recreational hunters along with all other stakeholders.

Unlawful Hunting Conference hosted by Police and GAC

Representative/s from NZDA attended this hui / workshop to discuss Unlawful Hunting – Understanding the Issues. NZDA presented from a recreational hunter’s perspective and learned about the challenges faced by Police around poaching of livestock and game animals.

DOC Wild Animal Management Coordination meeting

The intent of the Coordination Group is to provide a forum to coordinate the implementation of effective and sustainable wild animal management solutions. The group will provide advice on prioritising and coordinating actions needed to achieve the goals of Te Mana o te Taiao Aotearoa through the management of wild animals. 

FCAF meeting

Hosting and representing recreational hunters at the forum.

GAC meeting

Hosting GAC and councillors at NZDA and liaising/networking on issues.

COLFO-NZDA Clubs and Ranges Arms Act Regulations Review

Attending the Select Committee with COLFO to present on the complaint filed by COLFO and supported by NZDA. This complaint was later upheld.

Meeting Minster of Police

Meeting to raise concerns and discuss letters regarding licencing fees and cost recovery, including Police financial modelling and audit.

Land Safety Forum

Attendence at the forum hosted by DOC, LandSAR and Land Transport Authority, to represent hunters and their safety concerns.

Police Arms Regulations - Clubs and Ranges

We supporting clubs as we move toward the deadline on the 24th of June 2023 for range and club operation approvals.

National WARO (Wild Animal Recovery Operators) systems analysis consultation

NZDA submitted on the land access review to ensure DOC understands the safety risks of allowing WARO and to ensure recreational hunters’ interests are protected. Wild Animal Recovery Operators (WARO) can conflict with recreational hunters, particularly where there are high concentrations of hunters on the ground.

Police/Firearms Safety Authority (TTP) Recreational Firearms Users Working Group meeting

Recreational Firearms Users Working Group safety messaging with NZDA, GAC, MSC and TTP to plan firearms safety messaging for the roar.

DOC hosted bi-monthly meeting between DOC, NZDA, FMC & Trailfund.

Attending the regular bi-monthly meeting to discuss and raise issues by NGOs interested in huts and tracks and outdoors recreation generally.

Wild Animal Management Programme - Context Sharing Session

Meeting with DOC to discuss issues around wild animal management. Representing recreational hunters and NZDA. DOC briefed attendees about how they are shaping investment and focus on wild animal work.

Annual Tahr Engagement Survey

NZDA launched a survey to collect up-to-date data on tahr hunting. The survey aimed to support NZDA's submission on the 2023/24 DOC Operational Tahr Management plan and to demonstrate recreational hunters' engagement with the tahr herd. Carrying out an annual survey of recreational tahr hunters allows NZDA to gain insights and track trends.

Attending TPILG Workshop and Meeting

Representing NZDA and recreational hunters at the regular DOC hosted tahr liaison meeting at Christchurch.

DOC Tahr Control Operational Plan 2023/24 consultation submission

NZDA is a key stakeholder in tahr management. We engaged with DOC to advise them of the views of the recreational hunting community. We attended several meetings and made a substantive submission on the annual draft operational plan.

Meeting with SCI NZ Chapter

Meeting with SCI to discuss issues affecting hunters.

Firearms Community Advisory Forum (FCAF) in-person meeting

Hosting by NZDA and our office. Attendance at the forum to represent recreational hunters and NZDA branches. Used to raise issues and concerns and learn about updates and plans from TTP.

Arms Act Fees Review Consultation and OIA requests; Firearms Licensing Fees Submission

NZDA identified a number of complex and significant flaws in Police’s proposed Arms Act fee review. We prepared a detailed submission, accompanied by a survey of the firearms community, to highlight our concerns to Police. NZDA encouraged members to submit their feedback before the deadline and over 6,000 submissions were made. We must acknowledge many great submissions on the Firearms Licensing Fees consultation from branches, individuals, and other organisations.

Media Release on Proposed Firearms Licensing Fee Increases

NZDA issued a media release expressing deep concerns over the Police's proposal to significantly increase firearms licensing fees. The organisation highlighted the potential negative impacts on public safety, conservation and biodiversity goals, and the community's ability to educate firearms users. The proposed fees could disproportionately affect lower-income recreational hunters and shooters, especially during the current cost of living crisis. NZDA argued that the fee increases would not necessarily improve firearms safety and security but rather fund high-paying government jobs. Potential for decreased compliance and a decline in licensed firearms owners if fees become unaffordable. NZDA emphasised the need to balance cost recovery with public safety and the vital role of firearms in farming, pest control, and hunting.