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Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay has announced a new Access Charter aimed at improving access to public conservation land for hunting and fishing across New Zealand.
This charter sets out principles for the Department of Conservation to ensure more transparent and streamlined access to outdoor spaces for Kiwis who hunt and fish recreationally.
“This Charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation to provide clear and transparent decisions on PCL access that makes it easier for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing,” says Todd.
“As Minister for Hunting and Fishing, I want to make sure every New Zealander who wants to get out and enjoy themselves, feed their families, or help manage game animal populations can do so easily.”
With 1.2 million people hunting and fishing each year, the charter standardises access rules across regions to keep PCL consistently available for recreational use.
“This Charter will help DOC to provide uniform rules and guidance across the country, making it clear and consistent for all.”
He calls the initiative “the first of its kind and a significant step towards “preserving New Zealand’s hunting and fishing heritage while safeguarding the experience for generations of Kiwis to come”.
DOC heritage and visitor system manager Eamonn Whitham expressed the department’s support for the new Charter, reinforcing DOC’s commitment to New Zealand’s outdoor traditions.
“This Access Charter reaffirms the government’s commitment to safeguarding hunting and fishing activities, ensuring these traditions and opportunities are preserved not only for the present but for generations to come.
“This Charter is a guide for how DOC and hunters and fishers will work together. It balances the rights and responsibilities of recreational visitors with the need to protect New Zealand’s natural heritage.”
He says the charter also prioritises clear, accessible information about hunting and fishing areas, including seasonal guidelines, maps, and any temporary closures, available both online and in visitor centres.
‘We are modernising our hunting permit system over the next two years to make it much easier for people to use, find information, and remove barriers to compliance. The first phase, the Rakiura hunting portal, is due to go live in late November.”
“We will continue to work with the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa/Outdoor Access Commission to keep access routes open while respecting private property,” says Eamonn.
