Hunting, Conservation, & Firearms

New Zealand’s backcountry should be protected, maintained and open to the people who own it. Hunters are already managing game animals, controlling predators and helping to keep huts and tracks in use. They should be treated as conservation partners, not a problem to be managed from Wellington.

ACT will put hunters in charge of game-animal management within firm conservation limits. We will back the volunteers doing the work, improve access to public land and protect lawful hunting from dangerous interference.

DOC will retain its wider conservation role. But when hunters and community groups know the country, understand the animals and can deliver the work, they should have the authority and funding to get on with it.