Clarity for Herds of Special Interest confirmed

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager is welcoming the passing of legislation to clarify how a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) operates in a national park.

The Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today, ensuring there is no requirement to exterminate valued introduced species that have been designated as a HOSI in a national park.

Mr Meager says it represents a minor but important change to ensure the legislation for designating a HOSI is clear and unambiguous. 

“The National Parks Act’s requirement to ‘exterminate’ introduced animals as far as possible was potentially at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting purposes while preserving conservation outcomes,” Mr Meager says.

“The Game Animal Council Act always intended for a HOSI to be allowed in national parks. This passing of this legislation provides clarity and certainty for all involved. It retains the requirements for a HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand’s wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.

“HOSIs are another tool to effectively and sustainably manage deer, tahr, and other valued introduced species on our conservation estate. By utilising hunter-led conservation groups we can manage deer numbers down to healthier, sustainable herd levels, while better protecting our biodiversity. 

“Groups like the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and the Central North Island Sika Foundation undertake significant trapping and track maintenance, helping to control dangerous predators which kill our native birds.

“I thank all members of the public who gave their views on the Bill at the Environment Select Committee process.

“I expect to make decisions on whether to formally designate sika and wapiti deer as New Zealand’s first Herds of Special Interest in the near future.” ...