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A pre-Easter compliance operation in Wairarapa’s Aorangi Forest Park has highlighted generally strong compliance among recreational users on Department of Conservation land during a peak backcountry period.
DOC and New Zealand Police carried out the joint operation across two days ahead of Easter, which traditionally marks the start of the hunting season and coincided this year with the Roar.
DOC investigations officer Neal Phillips says engagement with hunters was positive, with those spoken to holding the correct permits and responding well to checks.
“We only had positive feedback from the hunters about having us there to check the permits, firearms, and the safety of themselves from other hunters who may not be as safety conscious as themselves,” Neal says.
Inspector Dave Martin says the results were encouraging from a compliance perspective.
“The hunters spoken to were doing the right thing, and that’s really pleasing,” Dave says.
Up to 33,000 people apply for DOC hunting permits each year, including around 3,000 for Aorangi Forest Park, reflecting strong use of public conservation land for recreational activity.
Authorities say maintaining safe and well-managed access is important during high-use periods, particularly as multiple user groups share backcountry environments over holiday weekends.
