New Zealand ACT Party pushes transfer of game animal management to hunters

The ACT party announced a policy at the Hunting & Wildlife Expo to shift responsibility for game animals on New Zealand's conservation land from the Department of Conservation (DOC) to the Game Animal Council. The proposal would fund the council with resources currently allocated to DOC, recognise game animals and birds as natural resources, and designate prized herds such as Stewart Island whitetail deer as “Herds of Special Interest”.

ACT spokesperson for conservation Cameron Luxton said hunters already contribute thousands of hours to predator control, hut maintenance and track clearing and should be given a real voice in estate management. Deputy leader Nicole McKee added that the move would improve hunting access, protect lawful hunting from interference and allow hunters to earn credits through a voluntary nature‑credits market for verified conservation outcomes.