Strengthening the future of fishing and hunting in New Zealand
The Government is proposing important changes to modernise how Fish & Game operates while preserving what matters most to licence holders - local decision-making about the resources you use.
What's staying the same
✓ Your fishing and hunting - Seasons, bag limits, and areas remain under local regional council control
✓ User pays, user says - Licence holders continue to fund Fish & Game and elect councillors
✓ Local knowledge - Regional councils keep decision-making power over local rivers, lakes and hunting areas
✓ Licence fees - No changes to how fees are set
Key changes planned
Better representation
- All adult licence holders from the past 3 years can vote (not just whole-season holders)
- Partners on family licences gain voting rights
- More people eligible to stand for council
Operations
- One central licence system (you still buy the same way)
- Funding follows where people fish and hunt
- Shared specialist staff across regions (eg scientists and lawyers)
- Online meetings and email communications allowed
Stronger coordination
- National policies for consistency where needed
- Regional councils maintain independence for local decisions
- Better reporting and accountability
- Streamlined from 13 separate reports to one comprehensive report
Advocacy
- Fish & Game currently protects freshwater habitats and represents anglers and hunters, including securing Water Conservation Orders for rivers and lakes across New Zealand.
- Advocacy efforts would be coordinated through a national policy, ensuring consistent approaches across regions. Court proceedings (except enforcement actions) would require approval from either the National Council or Minister as appropriate.
What this means for you
These reforms aim to make Fish & Game more efficient and responsive while keeping decision-making close to the regions. Your local council will continue managing the waters and hunting areas you use.
Timeline
- Later this year - Bill introduced to Parliament
- Public input - Select committee will hear submissions
- Winter 2026 - Earliest the new law could take effect
Learn more
For full details about the proposed reforms:
Questions?
Email: [email protected]