Latest news with #Fish&Game
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Reform to ‘modernise' Fish & Game
Otago Fish & Game Council chairman Adrian McIntyre says he welcomes modernisation. FILE PHOTO: NZ HERALD Southern Fish & Game councils say they broadly welcome proposed improvements to the organisation's operations, signalled by the government earlier this month. 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. "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 [environment Southland's] 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." Key changes • Clarify the roles and responsibilities so that regional Fish & Game councils focus on delivering hunting and fishing opportunities on the ground, with the New Zealand Council responsible for administrative tasks and policies. • A nationalised fee collection system to reduce double handling of licence fees and ensuring funding follows the demand on the resource. • Make more licence holders eligible to vote and stand in Fish & Game elections and requiring councillors to comply with professional standards. • Fish & Game councils to better consider the interests of other stakeholders such as farmers and the aviation sector in decision-making. • Develop a national policy around advocacy and restricting court proceedings to within that policy.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ECan Backtracks On Te Waihora Leadership, Fish & Game Doubles Down On Harm
Press Release – Animal Justice Party At a public forum presentation to ECan on 26 March 2025, AJP raised urgent questions about both environmental and animal welfare impacts of duck shooting. The Animal Justice Party (AJP) is calling written responses from ECan and Fish & Game New Zealand on recreational duck shooting at Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) a clear failure of leadership. 'Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), is recognised as one of Aotearoa's most ecologically significant wetlands,' says Danette Wereta, General Secretary of AJP, 'It is governed by a national Water Conservation Order, which overlays all other management.' The Order identifies Te Waihora's habitat for wildlife as an outstanding amenity or intrinsic value warranting protection. Regional Councils are responsible for implementation of National Orders. At a public forum presentation to ECan on 26 March 2025, AJP raised urgent questions about both environmental and animal welfare impacts of duck shooting. 'On the day, the majority of Councillors showed genuine engagement and concern for the contradiction between ECan's wildlife habitat responsibilities to Te Waihora and the ongoing disturbance and killing of wildlife for recreation,' says Wereta. However, a letter to AJP from ECan Chair Craig Pauling after the meeting deflects responsibility to other agencies, specifically Fish & Game and the Department of Conservation (DOC). ECan's written response claims ECan holds no jurisdiction over protecting biodiversity, passing the issue to Fish & Game and DOC. Fish & Game's Game Bird Specialist, Matthew Garrick, says, 'Game bird hunting is specifically listed as an integral part of the future and is listed as an important aspect to connect the community to Te Waihora.' But is shooting really the kind of connection Te Waihora needs? Just because it used to happen doesn't mean it still should. With such strong bird life at the lake, shouldn't protection and care come before outdated bloodsport? 'Fish and Game's response highlights their primary interest in promoting hunting and fishing. That organisation's interest in protecting habitat is focused through the lens of protecting habitat for game species alone, when the Lake is home to more than 150 bird species' says Wereta, 'alongside the National Order, the Lake is covered by international conservation agreements like the Convention on Migratory Species.' Fish and Game cite the Animal Welfare Act's hunting exemption to justify harm, and claim a contribution to biodiversity protection while simultaneously enabling activities that traumatise and kill wildlife. 'The idea that gunfire, wounded birds, and habitat disruption can coexist with meaningful conservation is absurd,' says Wereta. Wereta considers Fish & Game's response also reveals a dangerous contradiction at the heart of Te Waihora's governance. 'The site is identified as both a biodiversity hotspot and a recreational killing ground, yet the organisations responsible are refusing to reconcile this conflict, each pointing to the other, while the damage continues.' ECan is a member of the Te Waihora Co-Governance Group, 'it has the primary role to protect the lake as a habitat for all wildlife. We are calling for an immediate reassessment of the lake's use, and a clear prohibition on recreational duck shooting,' says Wereta, 'this is a moment to lead, not retreat.' About the Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ: AJP was registered in August 2023. AJP is a political party dedicated to advocating for the rights, welfare, and protection of animals. Their mission is to create a society where animals are treated with respect, compassion, and consideration. Through active participation in the political landscape, they aim to drive policy changes that reflect their commitment to a more ethical and sustainable future.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ECan Backtracks On Te Waihora Leadership, Fish & Game Doubles Down On Harm
The Animal Justice Party (AJP) is calling written responses from ECan and Fish & Game New Zealand on recreational duck shooting at Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) a clear failure of leadership. 'Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), is recognised as one of Aotearoa's most ecologically significant wetlands,' says Danette Wereta, General Secretary of AJP, 'It is governed by a national Water Conservation Order, which overlays all other management.' The Order identifies Te Waihora's habitat for wildlife as an outstanding amenity or intrinsic value warranting protection. Regional Councils are responsible for implementation of National Orders. At a public forum presentation to ECan on 26 March 2025, AJP raised urgent questions about both environmental and animal welfare impacts of duck shooting. 'On the day, the majority of Councillors showed genuine engagement and concern for the contradiction between ECan's wildlife habitat responsibilities to Te Waihora and the ongoing disturbance and killing of wildlife for recreation,' says Wereta. However, a letter to AJP from ECan Chair Craig Pauling after the meeting deflects responsibility to other agencies, specifically Fish & Game and the Department of Conservation (DOC). ECan's written response claims ECan holds no jurisdiction over protecting biodiversity, passing the issue to Fish & Game and DOC. Fish & Game's Game Bird Specialist, Matthew Garrick, says, 'Game bird hunting is specifically listed as an integral part of the future and is listed as an important aspect to connect the community to Te Waihora.' But is shooting really the kind of connection Te Waihora needs? Just because it used to happen doesn't mean it still should. With such strong bird life at the lake, shouldn't protection and care come before outdated bloodsport? 'Fish and Game's response highlights their primary interest in promoting hunting and fishing. That organisation's interest in protecting habitat is focused through the lens of protecting habitat for game species alone, when the Lake is home to more than 150 bird species' says Wereta, 'alongside the National Order, the Lake is covered by international conservation agreements like the Convention on Migratory Species.' Fish and Game cite the Animal Welfare Act's hunting exemption to justify harm, and claim a contribution to biodiversity protection while simultaneously enabling activities that traumatise and kill wildlife. 'The idea that gunfire, wounded birds, and habitat disruption can coexist with meaningful conservation is absurd,' says Wereta. Wereta considers Fish & Game's response also reveals a dangerous contradiction at the heart of Te Waihora's governance. 'The site is identified as both a biodiversity hotspot and a recreational killing ground, yet the organisations responsible are refusing to reconcile this conflict, each pointing to the other, while the damage continues.' ECan is a member of the Te Waihora Co-Governance Group, 'it has the primary role to protect the lake as a habitat for all wildlife. We are calling for an immediate reassessment of the lake's use, and a clear prohibition on recreational duck shooting,' says Wereta, 'this is a moment to lead, not retreat.' About the Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ: AJP was registered in August 2023. AJP is a political party dedicated to advocating for the rights, welfare, and protection of animals. Their mission is to create a society where animals are treated with respect, compassion, and consideration. Through active participation in the political landscape, they aim to drive policy changes that reflect their commitment to a more ethical and sustainable future.
Otago Daily Times
05-06-2025
- 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."
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Changes To Fish & Game Continue Coalition's Handover Of Power To Polluters
Press Release – Choose Clean Water Choose Clean Water spokesperson Tom Kay says the changes announced today are clearly designed to remove Fish & Games ability to advocate for the health of rivers. Changes announced to Fish & Game this morning are another move in the Coalition Government's handover of power to intensive farming and other polluting commercial interests, and will result in the further degradation of our rivers and freshwater, say freshwater campaigners. Choose Clean Water spokesperson Tom Kay says the changes announced today are clearly designed to remove Fish & Game's ability to advocate for the health of rivers. 'Fish & Game has used its statutory purpose as a strong advocate for the health of rivers across New Zealand, and as such has helped protect numerous rivers from pollution and degradation.' 'There are some things about the system that do need fixing, but this is not only about that—this is the Coalition Govt taking advantage of an opportunity to reduce Fish & Game's influence over polluters.' 'When environmental groups, local community groups, or iwi can't afford to legally challenge a damaging activity or poorly made decision, Fish & Game is often there to ensure waterways are protected—working on behalf of their members to protect habitat for fish. But this Government is trying to stop that.' The Coalition has stated that Fish & Game's advocacy functions will be 'revised' so regional Fish & Game Councils will only be able to take court action in relation to advocacy if explicitly approved by the New Zealand Fish & Game Council or the Minister and within a new restricted advocacy policy. This morning's press release from Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager on the changes states they will restrict the organisation's ability to undertake court proceedings and require 'Fish & Game councils to better consider the interests of other stakeholders such as farmers and the aviation sector in decision-making'. 'It's telling that the Government has said specifically that it wants Fish & Game to better consider farming interests. Why not public health interests? Why not the interests of future generations? Why not the myriad of other commercial interests that operate in our communities? This demonstrates that this decision is another example of the Government enabling more pollution in rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources, and the handing of more power over our water to polluting commercial interests like intensive farming.' 'We know how detrimental the influence of Ministers can be over the statutory purposes of agencies like the Department of Conservation to protect our environment, for example. This is another case of Ministers being given the power to step in and stop actions that would protect our environment.' Fish & Game led the processes to secure many Water Conservation Orders —similar to National Parks—for our rivers, protecting them for anglers and the public alike to enjoy. In 2002 they launched a large campaign against 'Dirty Dairying' and the conversion of land into intensive agriculture, particularly in the South Island. More recently, Fish & Game took up a legal challenge against ongoing extreme pollution of Southland's waterways where dairy interests were wrongly claiming 'there is no evidence of diffuse discharges from farming activities, either individually or cumulatively, causing adverse effects, including significant adverse effects on aquatic life'. 'Proponents of damaging, intensive agriculture and other major polluters are all over this Government's decisions. This decision stinks of undue influence.'
