Otago Fish & Game team
Acting Chief Executive
Jamie Ward
[email protected]
Jamie leads Otago Fish & Game Council’s work protecting and enhancing freshwater sport fisheries and game bird hunting. Operating out of our Cromwell field base, Jamie’s passions are wild places, recreation and getting people enthused and immersed in these things. He uses his science and management experience to enhance habitat, game bird and sports fish populations for licence holder enjoyment.
Environmental Officer
Nigel Paragreen
[email protected]
Nigel supports the Council to provide a voice for hunters and anglers when public resource decisions affect them, for example, access restrictions or river degradation. These environmental legislation and regulatory processes are designed for public participation but can be long, complex and costly. Nigel helps the Council navigate them effectively.
Administration
Rachel Easson
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Rachel manages the office accounts, administration and reception. She supports our licence sales agents across Otago. Other roles include organising Otago Fish & Game Council meetings and agendas, and health and safety reporting.
Ecologist
Jayde Couper
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Jayde is focussed on monitoring fish and game birds and their habitats, and supporting the Environmental Officer with ecological advice in hearings. He oversees gamebird harvest monitoring, lakes acoustic surveys, mitigation work on the lower Clutha Mata-Au and angling regulations. Jayde is currently working on a post-graduate qualification in ecology.
Fish & Game Officer
Steve Dixon
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Steve manages the Macraes trout hatchery and fish liberations to put-and-take fisheries. Steve organises Take A Kid Fishing events and adult beginner fishing classes in Dunedin. Other roles include fishing and hunting compliance, and co-ordinating access. When not at work, Steve loves taking his self-restored ’73 Mitsubishi GTO for a drive on sunny days.
Fish & Game Officer
Mason Court
[email protected]
Mason is dedicated to improving hunting and fishing opportunities. He oversees Designated Waters, paradise shelduck monitoring, and salmon and trout spawning monitoring in the Upper Clutha. He also drafts game bird regulations and liaises with honorary rangers and guides. A regular fishing report contributor, Mason enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time.
Fish & Game Officer
Cole Briggs
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Cole leads habitat management at the Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve, improving opportunities for anglers and hunters. His role includes creel surveys, spawning counts, electric fishing, and supporting local fishing competitions. With a strong interest in the connections between species and their environment, Cole brings expertise and enthusiasm to his fieldwork.
Communications Officer
Bruce Quirey
[email protected]
Bruce leads communications, telling written and visual stories that connect anglers and hunters, stakeholders and the wider community. An ex-journalist with 30 years’ experience, he manages media, social media, events and publications to grow licence-holder value, strengthen relationships, and advocate for habitat and access. When off duty, he’s regularly out fishing and hunting
