Fiordland Wapiti Deer Named NZ’s First Hunter-Led Herd of Special Interest

Fiordland wapiti deer have been designated New Zealand’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), enabling sustainable hunter-led management to balance hunting values with conservation goals. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, in partnership with DOC and iwi, will implement the Herd Management Plan focused on maintaining sustainable deer numbers, protecting biodiversity, and allowing native vegetation recovery. This designation follows extensive consultation, includes strong environmental oversight with public reporting, and aims to improve ecological outcomes while preserving Fiordland National Park’s World Heritage values.