Uncertain future for fishing and hunting in New Zealand
Join the campaign to safeguard the future of hunting and fishing in New Zealand
Last year, the Government released theNatural and Built Environment Bill (NBEA) toreplace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The proposed Bill creates a new framework for how New Zealand manages its natural environment including freshwater, bio-diversity and resources.
Fish & Game is extremely concerned about this Bill and its implications for the sustainable management of our natural environment and the future of gamebird hunting and freshwater fishing.
And it could herald a major threat to the future of all forms of fishing and hunting in this country including freshwater fishing, game bird hunting and big game hunting.
We are particularly worried about the significant shift away from valuing introduced species such as trout and salmon.
While appropriately recognising Māoricultural values and indigenous species and industry, the Bill completely ignores the value all New Zealanders place on recreation and enjoyment of our great outdoors.
The Bill removes the habitat protection of trout and salmon, which has long been safeguarded by the RMA.
This will fundamentally strip Fish & Game’s ability to carry out our statutory duty to provide for the interests of anglers and hunters, and to ensure freshwater habitats, including wetlands, are healthy and support trout,salmonand game bird populations.
There has been overwhelming concern about the Bill from both environmental and industry groups as well as mana whenua, but the Government is determined to forge ahead regardless and fast track this highly contentious legislation through Parliament.
So, what does this mean for you and your favourite river?
If you’re an angler who wants to have a say in how your favourite river is managed, such as during a consent process or regional plan, your values will be ignored because they will not be reflected in the legislation.
It will also mean that if trout or salmon are present in your river, they will be considered a threat to the health of that river, and changes to the waterway can be implemented such as significantly reducing waterflows and increasing pollution levels.
No New Zealander wants this.
We’re worried the NBEA Bill is just the beginning
We believe the Government’s reform of the RMA represents the thin edge of the wedge and will likely usher in further law changes threatening the future of hunting and fishing, the species we harvest and the organisations that currently manage trout, salmon, game birds and big game on your behalf.
Ultimately, if passed into law, the proposed NBEA and other pending legislation will mean anyone could fish for trout and salmon, or hunt game birds, anywhere, anytime, by any means and without any limits to ensure sustainable catch and viable populations for the future.
Outdoor recreation remains an essential part of living in New Zealand. More than 300,000 Kiwis fish and hunt, the highest it’s ever been. Our world-class fishing and hunting attract high-value tourists from all around the world.
We are looking for your support for‘Our Future’ campaign. We need your help to ensure the Government changesthe Bill to reflect our concerns and your interests.
The changes to the Bill we want
- Reinstate the protection of the habitat of trout and salmon as a priority outcome
- Recognise recreational and enjoyment values for freshwater and the natural environment
- Recognise angling values for freshwater
- Provide for meaningful participation for hunters, anglers and those that enjoy the outdoors in shaping how the natural environment is managed at a regional and catchment level
- Strive for ecological health outcomes, recognising that people are part of the environment. New Zealand can have a healthy environment even when it has been modified
We encourage you to visit our campaign website https://ourfuture.fishandgame.org.nz, register below to receive a campaign pack and join us!