Election 2026: Freshwater Protection at Centre of Fish & Game Manifesto
Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
The policy, announced earlier this week, will see National guarantee access to public lands for hunters and anglers if they’re elected.
Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan says Kiwis from all walks of life value access to New Zealand’s natural environment and fish and game resources.
“Angling and hunting are deeply embedded into the fabric of our rural communities, towns and cities across the country,” says Jordan.
She says that mental health and wellbeing as well as the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family outdoors are key reasons why New Zealanders and international visitors hunt and fish.
“Conservation, pest management, and the ability to feed their whānau are also major drawcards. That’s why we support any initiative that acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of anglers and hunters.”
Meanwhile, Gwyn Thurlow, chief executive of the New Zealand Deerstalker’s Association (NZDA), says the policy is a major step forward for the rights of hunters and the management of game animals in New Zealand.
“Hunting and fishing are not merely pastimes,” Thurlow says. “They represent integral components of our nation’s cultural heritage.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Kiwis have grown up cherishing their right to hunt and fish, and through responsible participation, they not only forge a lifelong bond with the environment but also actively contribute to the conservation of our native species,” he says.
“National's proposal to establish a dedicated Minister for Hunting and Fishing demonstrates the party’s understanding of the profound impact that these activities have on our society,” says Thurlow. “This dedicated role will serve as a strong representative for hunters and fishers and ensure the sector’s voice will be heard at the Cabinet table.”
He says NZDA is also pleased to see National’s commitment to formally classifying deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs as game animals.
“The Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 has determined these are valued introduced species alongside others such as trout and salmon. Unfortunately, there is a high degree of inconsistency across legislation and planning documents, which not only disregards the value of these animals to New Zealanders, but hinders their management,” Thurlow says.
“National’s policy, if implemented, can go a long way to preserving our hunting and fishing heritage, while helping to manage game animal numbers and safeguard the future of our native species,” he says. “This would leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
