National treasure Dame Lynda Topp named patron of Fish & Game New Zealand

 Fish & Game New Zealand today announced acclaimed New Zealand entertainer Dame Lynda Topp as the organisation’s inaugural patron.

Fish & Game chief executive officer Corina Jordan said she was incredibly grateful Dame Lynda has agreed to take on the role and share her passion for angling and hunting with New Zealanders from all walks of life.

“Dame Lynda’s love of angling and hunting, coupled with her contributions to the sector, make her an ideal candidate to represent Fish & Game.

“Dame Lynda shares with Fish & Game a passion for our traditions and the goal of getting people out fishing and hunting. Like many Kiwis she loves the bush, fishing, hunting, being part of it — not just taking from it.

“Angling and hunting are not just for men – Dame Lynda will help us change traditional expectations and show how women and all groups of society can get a lot out of these healthy and rewarding activities.”

Dame Lynda, who supported Fish & Game’s ReWild campaign at its launch, said she was honoured by the appointment and strongly believed in the role hunters and anglers played in conservation.

“Going hunting or fishing is fun, and a great way to connect with friends and family but it’s also a really awesome way of managing introduced species because every introduced species must be managed in a way that they are sustainable but don't take over from native species.

“So hunting is not only a great time to get together with friends and get amazing mental health benefits but also very important environmentally for this country.”

Dame Lynda's role as patron will involve advocating for sustainable freshwater management, engaging the public, supporting initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and serving as an ambassador.

Dame Lynda is also trustee for Hunters for Conservation.

Caption: Dame Lynda and Corina Jordan with a group of junior hunters who they took hunting last weekend in Hawke’s Bay

Caption: Dame Lynda in hunting gear. Credit: NZ Hunter Adventures