15 Jul 2026
3 months ago
705 views
New Zealand has designated the sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks as the North Island’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), establishing a coordinated management framework to enhance hunting opportunities and conservation outcomes. The Central North Island Sika Foundation, alongside DOC, iwi, hapū, and other partners, will assist in managing the herd to reduce browsing pressure on young trees and improve forest regeneration without increasing animal numbers. The decision follows extensive consultation and aims to balance hunting values with environmental protection, featuring ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews to ensure accountability.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1176 views
New Zealanders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on managing sika and wapiti deer as the country's first Herds of Special Interest, announced by Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton. The draft plans propose a new approach to managing wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, aiming to allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and boost economic growth. The plans emphasize the importance of recreational hunting, community stewardship, professional deer control, and conservation values, recognizing hunters as significant conservation assets and inviting public input for achieving better conservation and hunting outcomes.