Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Todd McClay, has today launched an Access Charter to improve access for recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land (PCL) across New Zealand.
Mr McClay said the Charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to provide clear and transparent decisions on PCL access that makes it easier for kiwis to go hunting and fishing.
“As Minister for Hunting and Fishing, I want to make sure every New Zealander who wants to get out and enjoy themselves, feed their families or help manage game animal populations can do so easily,” he said.
Every year 1.2m people hunt and fish recreationally. The Charter guarantees a common and consistent approach to access across all regions and ensures that PCL will always be open for recreational use and that DOC will only limit this use rarely, the Minister said.
“This Charter will help DOC to provide uniform rules and guidance across the country, making it clear and consistent for all.”
“The Charter is the first of its kind and a significant step towards preserving New Zealand’s hunting and fishing heritage while safeguarding the experience for generations of Kiwi’s to come.”
For further information, permits, responsibilities and maps, please visit:
Department of Conservation – http://www.doc.govt.nz | Phone: 0800 362 468
Fish & Game New Zealand – http://www.fishandgame.org.nz | Phone: 04 499 4767
The Charter can be found HERE.
