Milestone for hunter-led conservation in NZ

Hunter-led conservation has reached a new milestone, with Fiordland wapiti deer formally designated as New Zealand’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI).

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says the move paves the way for the game animals to be sustainably managed for their hunting values, while improving important conservation outcomes.

Mr Meager made the announcement in Te Anau alongside the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, who will lead the HOSI’s on-the-ground delivery based on annual operational plans developed with DOC, in partnership with iwi and hapū.

“This is an exciting and logical step for valued introduced species, which have significant heritage and cultural values to many Kiwis,” Mr Meager says.

“The framework enables structured, hunter-led herd management within Fiordland National Park, while continuing to protect and enhance its treasured landscape.

“It builds on the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation’s excellent long-standing work, which includes regular culling, management of the popular wapiti ballot, track and hut maintenance, and trapping to protect at-risk native species like whio/blue duck.

“I believe the designation is a win-win for all. It will help manage deer numbers to sustainable herd levels, ensure hunters pull healthy animals off the public back country to put on the family dinner table, and better protect our biodiversity.”

The management plan does not seek to increase animal numbers. A key focus will be to help native vegetation recover by reducing browsing pressure, so young plants can survive and ecosystems can regenerate over time.

Mr Meager says strong environmental oversight will be in place, with annual reporting on herd management and monitoring to be made publicly available.

“New Zealand’s responsibility to protect Fiordland’s World Heritage values remains unchanged. I retain overall authority and can amend or remove the designation, or any delegation, if required,” Mr Meager says.

The decision follows a full statutory process, including public submissions, engagement with Treaty partners, and advice from agencies and organisations. 

“I thank everyone who contributed. Your input has helped inform a balanced outcome that recognises both the value of hunting and the importance of protecting our unique natural environment,” Mr Meager says.

“This is a piece of work spanning more than a decade, with legislation supporting the creation of HOSIs passed back in 2013. I am proud to deliver on the National Party’s 2023 election promise to designate the first herds this Parliamentary term.”

Notes to Editor:

The designation will take effect once hunting conditions for the wapiti ballot are formally set out in the New Zealand Gazette, establishing how access will be managed during the annual bugle season.
Current access arrangements will remain in place, including the ballot system during the bugle season.
The Herd Management Plan was created in consultation with community, hunters, conservationists, and engagement with iwi and hapu. It sets clear expectations, including ecological targets, regular monitoring, and a review at least every five years.
Assessment of effects on Fiordland National Park’s UNESCO World Heritage values indicates HOSI management is likely to improve ecological outcomes compared to areas without active management, noting the coordinated deer management and monitoring involved with a HOSI.
A decision on the proposed Sika Herd of Special Interest will be made by Minister Meager imminently. 

Designation Timeline:

March 2025: Proposal received from the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and Game Animal Council.
May – October 2025: On behalf of the Minister, DOC engages with Treaty partners and relevant agencies and organisations to assess whether the herd is of special interest to hunters and can be managed for hunting purposes, alongside development of a draft Herd Management Plan.
November – December 2025: Public submissions on draft Herd Management Plan open.
December 2025 – March 2026: Submissions reviewed.
March – June 2026: Draft Herd Management Plan revised based on public submissions and Treaty partners and relevant agencies and organisations are re-engaged on changes. 
July 2026: HOSI designation. ...