Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay with Corina

Corina being interviewed by Kathryn Ryan, host of Nine to Noon, on RNZ

Another highlight of the month was catching up with our friends at Forest & Bird for the launch of their book Force of Nature marking 100 years of Te Reo o Te Taiao Forest & Bird.

The book is written by David Young and Naomi Arnold, and Forest & Bird team members Caroline Wood and Michael Pringle. Force of Nature is very much a history of the wider conservation movement in Aotearoa New Zealand, and it includes the contributions made by other committed e-NGOs over decades past. 

Caption: Corina with Forest & Bird CE Nicola Toki

Farewell Tim

Caption: Tim Gale with Corina

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tim Gale, for all his incredible work as General Manager of the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC), as he is finishing in the role at the end of January 2025.

Tim had a razor-sharp focus on creating a united hunting sector and he has worked hard to make this happen. He pulled us together with his wit, smarts, charisma and passion and we are now a united family supporting each other and articulating a shared vision and messages.

Tim has been supportive of Fish & Game and the hunting community generally working tirelessly to increase our brand and advocating for the interests of hunters across central government, agencies, sector groups and the wider public.

Announcing his resignation, he said: “Hunters provide so much value. They contribute to significant conservation projects, donate tonnes of high-quality wild venison meat to communities in need, help manage game animal populations and boost the economy through hunting activities."

Tim is a friend, so while I will miss working with him, I know the laughs, camaraderie and words of wisdom will continue.

Wellbeing the biggest catch of all

We all know that there's more to angling than catching a fish - it's simply just really good for your wellbeing and now a new study backs that up.

This month we released a Fish & Game study into the wellbeing benefits of trout angling. It was a project that was championed by the Southland Fish & Game Council. The research was a collaboration between Southland Senior Officer Cohen Stewart, Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja from Va'a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health (University of Otago), and medical student Iritana Bennett-Fakahau.

The anglers in the study considered wellbeing to comprise mental health, physical health, spiritual health and relational health and thought that trout fishing could contribute to these wellbeing elements by evoking positive emotions, helping anglers connect with themselves, others, nature and place, providing exercise, and allowing them to disconnect from the stressors in their lives.

Here are some of the comments anglers in the research made. Please do email your own comments with a picture so we can share this on social media and raise awareness about these benefits.

Mental health

[trout fishing enables you to] shut out the other distractions … the everyday matters of life which are always buzzing around in our heads … and you often sort of push them out, just for a moment, and just focus on what’s in front of you.

It’s [trout fishing] about disconnecting from other things, the urban environment. You know, coming away from screens, laptops, the stuff that’s around us every day, lots of other distractions, that sort of noise and clutter that you get in your life.

 Physical health

[when trout fishing] … you might have to walk for an hour … you get a bit of an exercise buzz on from that’

 Spiritual health

… you can feel the power of the river depending on which river you’re in. Depends on the river and where you are but there’s certainly a sort of a spiritual aspect to being near a river, and seeing a river, that’s for sure.

Relational health

… one of the greatest pleasures I get is introducing young men and women to a sport that I love, which is fly fishing … spotting fish, showing them where fish lie … I’ve got a lot of friends and I’ve taught their sons and daughters to fish and taken them out and then most of them have embraced it … . It really lifts my soul and gives me a lot of pleasure.

WE got excellent national coverage on Newstalk ZB and RNZ. Check out the RNZ...The full article can be read here: link to article

Full article: Exploring the relationship between trout fishing and wellbeing: insights from Aotearoa New Zealand trout anglers (tandfonline.com)

Championing Fish & Game's wetland mahi

Labour MP and Conservation spokesperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan visited our Northland Region last month and had the chance to see work we do to create, restore and protect wetlands. Hosted by Craig Deal, she visited Underwood Wetland, Jack Bisset Wetland and Wairua River floodplain. 

Recreational Fishing Nets Big Gains for Region

New research shows that recreational freshwater fishing contributes millions of dollars to the Mackenzie Basin and that local businesses and communities land the gains. 

Central South Island Fish & Game Council (CSIFGC) conducted a groundbreaking economic impact assessment in partnership with the University of Otago and Meridian Energy. You can read it here.

The assessment highlights the significant economic contribution of the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Basin's hydro canal fishery to the local economy, with anglers contributing an estimated $13.6 million during the 2022-23 fishing season alone.

The easy roadside access to salmon fishing, along with the chance to catch trophy-sized trout in a stunning scenic setting, are key factors behind the fishery’s popularity.

We got great national coverage of this research where Corina articulated the value of what Fish & Game does for the wider economy and was able to champion the canals and the work that the CSI region does. Watch the interview here.

Caption: Robert Hopkins with a 20.5 pound rainbow trout from the canals.

Women on the Fly

On Sunday, November 10th, the Tongariro River was alive with the excitement of over 40 women fly fishing alongside a dozen mentors.

The 2024 Women on the Fly NZ (WoTF NZ) Workshop, hosted at the Tongariro and Lake Taupo Angling Club Inc. (TALTAC) in Turangi, welcomed a diverse group of beginners, novices, and intermediate anglers.

The workshop was conducted under the guidance of a dedicated team of mentors, supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

To read more about this great organisation click this link.

Hawke’s Bay wetland becomes a generational treasure

Gerald Wilson has no doubt about which projects have given him the greatest pleasure in his farming career – it’s been creating the 20 hectares of wetlands on his Central Hawke’s Bay properties and watching them develop and mature. 

“It all started in the 1990s, purely selfishly to provide a better habitat for wildfowl for duck shooting,” says Gerald, who farms a mixed operation of dairy, beef, trading lambs, deer and cropping at Kanui Station near Tikokino and a satellite farm at Waipukurau. 

“But it became a passion, and now, in my middle years, my absolute pleasure is enjoying the wetlands and everything that goes with them. I farm with my son Thomas, he is very involved and shares that passion, too.”  

Gerald says his advice to other farmers is: “If you can see a way forward to create a wetland, then put what money you can towards it, work to get good advice and a grant if you can. We had support from Fish & Game and the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust. You will get something that becomes generationally satisfying.” 

https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/people/hawkes-bay-wetland-becomes-a-generational-treasure/

New councillors getting to work

New councils are getting ready to meet around the country after our recent elections.

Following voting in October, our councillors took office on 30 October.

Read about our councillors here https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/about-us/elections-programme/candidates-2024/

ReWild your Kai photo competition

Win cash prizes and have your photo on the 2025/2026 Fishing Licence.

Each month this summer you can enter our competition to win one of four $250 Kilwell Sports vouchers and be in to win a grand prize $1,000 Kilwell Sports voucher.

Click here for the rules and get snapping! Sponsored by Kilwell Sports.

Eastern Region - The feeling of joy and satisfaction after getting a world-class New Zealand trout to take your fly and then into your net.

Auckland/Waikato Region- Mum and son flyfishing

Underwood Family featuring 9 year old Alex and 6 year old Abigail from Twizel

Central South Island 

Kids Salmon Fishing Day

Central South Island Fish and Game held the Kids Salmon Fishing Day in Twizel on Saturday 2^nd November.

Seventy-one children and their families attended Loch Cameron and at least 75 salmon were caught by lunchtime.

High Country Opening

Saturday 2^nd  November also marked High Country Opening Day for Central South Island’s high-country lakes and rivers. CSI Fish & Game rangers reported that despite strong Nor-West winds across the region, some resilient anglers were rewarded with results.

Ranger Blake Harper described Lake Heron as ocean-like but found most anglers he spoke to had landed a fish or two by the time he met them. He said anglers were having success on trout that were cruising the shallows exploiting the resources that were being stirred up by the crashing waves.

Baxter Turner, 11 years old, from Twizel

Airi Naka, 7 years old, and Dad Tai, from Mt Cook

Kevin and Tracy Clemens 

North Canterbury

North Canterbury Fish & Game Celebrates Success in Rakaia Headwaters Restoration Efforts

Over the past three years, North Canterbury Fish & Game has spearheaded a series of impactful wetland and waterway restoration projects in the Rakaia headwaters, marking significant strides in environmental conservation and community collaboration.

The initiative, centred in the Glenariffe catchment, has resulted in over 20km of fencing and the retiring of 370 hectares of wetland and stream habitat, ensuring that water quality in the catchment remains pristine. 

Key to the success of these efforts has been North Canterbury's strong partnerships with local landowners, clubs, and a variety of government and regional entities.

We look forward to building on this success, continuing to work alongside local stakeholders to ensure the Rakaia headwaters and its surrounding landscapes are protected for future generations.

Otago

Soft bait

More than 100 anglers sharpened their skills at soft bait clinics run by Otago Fish & Game in Dunedin and Queenstown this month.

Over 70 people - young and old, novices and experts - turned up on the Taieri River for an evening demonstration with Lance Gill from Okuma on November 6. Another 30 people met near the Shotover River mouth a week later.

This is the fifth season Otago F&G has held soft bait clinics around the region and, as the numbers show, licence holders are keen and willing to learn new skills that improve their chances on the water.

150^th anniversary

Otago Fish & Game Council is looking forward to celebrating an extraordinary milestone for angling: the 150th anniversary of the first licensed freshwater sports fishing season, which began in this region on December 1, 1874.

Established by the Otago Acclimatisation Society — the forerunner to Otago Fish & Game Council — the historic three-month trout fishing season laid the foundations for a longstanding Kiwi tradition of freshwater angling and stewardship.

To mark the milestone, we’re delighted F&G regions throughout the country will offer 150 free day fishing licences per region to the first takers, to encourage people to take a mate fishing or treat themselves to a day on the water on the anniversary day, December 1.

A trout fishing spot on a local farm in Southland will always be open for anglers.

Farmers Bill and Beth Gordon, Southland Fish & Game, and the QEII Trust have worked together so the Brightwater Spring, a tributary of the Mataura River north of Garston, is permanently accessible to anglers.

The farming couple have always allowed people to access the unique spot but now a QEII covenant over the spring will protect the habitat and an access easement to allow for access in perpetuity.

Southland Fish & Game contributed 5km worth of fencing for the stream.   

Preparing for HPAI

New Zealand has never had a case of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.

A new strain of HPAI (H5N1) has been spreading overseas and could arrive here through wild birds, and early detection may help us to manage the spread of HPAI in New Zealand.

The most obvious sign of HPAI in wild birds is several sick or dead birds in a group. Other signs, especially in waterfowl, can include drowsiness, lack of coordination, and an inability to fly.

Avian influenza viruses rarely infect people but it is important to minimise your risk by avoiding sick or dying birds, protecting yourself, and preventing spread of the virus by practicing good hygiene if you are handling wild birds.

Advice for hunters

New Zealand Food Safety's advice on food safety for hunters applies but in particular:

• don't harvest or handle wild birds (or their feathers) if they are obviously sick or found dead
• wash and dry your hands after handling or dressing wild birds
• don't eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while handling or cleaning harvested birds
• wash knives and other utensils, and scrub chopping boards between preparation of raw and cooked foods
• keep raw meat and poultry covered and away from ready-to-eat food, fruit, and vegetables
• cook birds well – an internal temperature of at least 73°C for at least 2 to 3 minutes is needed to kill bacteria and viruses
• scrub and disinfect all boots and equipment between hunting sites
• after each hunting trip, wash, or hose down any clothes that have been in direct contact with birds.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Do not handle or move the birds.

Read more on the MPI website.

Biosecurity campaign for backyard poultry and other bird owners

A campaign started in mid-November to educate bird owners about HPAI and encourage them to be ready in case it arrives in New Zealand.

The campaign is aimed at those who own domestic poultry, pet birds and other birds. See the information here https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-in-nz/bird-flu-be-ready

Meanwhile, Fish & Game is continuing to work with MPI, DOC, and the Ministry of Health to finalise our HPAI action plan and ensure that game bird hunters are prepared for when HPAI reaches New Zealand.

Fish cakes and croquettes

Recipe, courtesy of Rotorua Anglers Association

• Ingredients
• 300g smoked trout or salmon
• 600g mashed potatoes
• 2tbsp of breadcrumbs
• 1tsp salt
• A handful of chopped parsley
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Good pinch of white pepper
• Hot oil for baking
• For crumbing
•  1/2 cup seasoned flour (salt, pepper or any seasoning you prefer)
• 1 beaten egg mixed with 2 tbsp milk.
• 2 cups breadcrumbs. Panko crumbs are good.

Method

Boil potatoes. When cooked, drain in a colander or strainer cover and let dry for 5 mins, to avoid too much water being left. Then mash.

Break up smoked fish and place on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.

Add to the potato along with chopped parsley and thyme and pepper

Add 2 tbsp breadcrumbs to stir to make a firm mix.

Roll into cake shapes or cylinders for croquettes. Crumb them by passing
 them through flour, the egg mix and the breadcrumbs.
 Keep refrigerated for about an hour to firm them up. until required.

Fry in the hot oil until golden brown.

Corina Jordan
F&G NZC CEO