Game Animal Council to be established
In March 2011 it was agreed that a Game Animal Council will be established. This statutory body will carry out functions in relation to any deer, tahr, chamois or pig that is subject to the Wild Animal Control Act 1977.
The Game Animal Council will:
- advise and make recommendations to the Minister;
- undertake hunting research;
- provide information and education to the hunting sector;
- promote safety initiatives for the hunting sector, including both firearms and mountain safety;
- represent the views and interests of the hunting sector;
- liaise between hunters, sector groups, tangata whenua, local authorities, private land-owners, the New Zealand Conservation Authority, conservation boards and the government to improve hunting opportunities;
- by agreement from the Minister of Conservation, undertake some management functions, where those management functions are compatible with the management of public conservation land, and having powers necessary for the effective management of herds of special interest to hunters and in specific locations designated by the Minister of Conservation; and
- provide other services to hunters by agreement, where the provision of that service is compatible with the Council's other functions.
Below you will find the documents associated with this decision: