Hunting NZ > Gamebird Habitat Trust Board and The Duck Stamp

The Game Bird Habitat Stamp Programme

Click here for the Game Bird Stamp Collection

New Zealand game birds face the threat of decreasing habitat. As statutory manager of these species it is Fish and Game New Zealand’s responsibility to ensure there is adequate habitat to ensure their survival. In 1993 the “Game Bird Habitat Stamp” programme was initiated to collect funds for habitat protection. All game bird hunters contribute to the fund when they buy their annual hunting licence because $2 goes directly to the programme

The stamp programme was established with the assistance of the Governor–General and Minister of Conservation. The stamp depicts a different game bird each season with the 1999 stamp featuring a male and female Quail.

Hunters and the general public can also purchase stamp art products. These include a first day cover and Limited Edition Artist Print and the money from purchases goes to the fund. The stamps are marketed by New Zealand Post.

The New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board

The New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board is a charitable body that was set up to receive and distribute the proceeds of the Game Bird Habitat Stamp programme.

Each year the board invites any person or organisation to apply for funds from the trust for the protection, enhancement or creation of game bird habitat. To date the board has supported 24 projects with funding of $295,000 for the development of new game bird habitat. Click here to download the application form.

Fish and Game New Zealand administers the programme on behalf of the Trust Board.

The trust is a registered charity and welcomes public donations and the purchase of stamp art products.

The importance of the stamp programme and the Trust Fund

Game birds and native bird species are threatened by diminishing habitat such as wetlands and scrub lands. New Zealand now has less than 10% of the wetland that was present in pre-European times. Wetlands were once seen as “swamps” and drained for agricultural, commercial and housing development.

Today wetlands are recognised as vital ecosystems and bird habitat. The Game Bird Habitat Trust Board helps ensure their on-going protection. Grants used to purchase wetlands and other habitat transform the areas into quality game bird habitat. This benefits both hunters and game birds.

For more information on the Trust Board and habitat enhancement please contact your local Fish & Game office or the New Zealand Council on
(04) 499 4767 or fax (04) 499 4768

For information on the Game Bird Habitat promotion please contact:
Stamps Centre - New Zealand Post Limited
Private Bag 3001
Wanganui, New Zealand