Changes to the future of fishing and hunting in New Zealand

The Government is proposing important changes to how Fish & Game operates while preserving 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.

Read our factsheet here

 

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
  • Early next 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]