National hunting and shooting museum opens
Recently, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) celebrated a milestone in the opening of the National Hunting and Shooting Museum and Reference Library at Deerstalkers House, Wellington.
ACT Party conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is calling for legislation that would ensure hunters and fishers have representation on the Conservation Authority.
He says that hunters and fishers have a “deep connection" to both nature and the environment.
“We enjoy being in the great outdoors, and we’re instrumental in conservation efforts,” Luxton says.
“Every weekend this summer season, thousands of us are out in the bush, and many will contribute to conservation work that would otherwise cost the Department of Conservation and taxpayers billions,” he says.
However, Luxton says hunters lack representation on the New Zealand Conservation Authority, which currently comprises 13 members, including representatives from iwi, the Royal Society, Forest and Bird, and Federated Mountain Clubs.
“Deerstalkers Association members alone dedicate about 184,000 hours annually to conservation activities like habitat restoration, planting, pest control, organised culls, and maintaining backcountry huts and tracks. This is on top of the conservation benefits provided by recreational hunting as a method for game animal management,” he says.
Last year, Luxton lodged a bill that proposes the Minister of Conservation appoint two additional members to the board – one recommended by the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, and a second following consultation with both Fish and Game and the Game Animal Council.
“Giving hunters a stronger voice on the Conservation Authority could foster more beneficial partnerships for both our natural environment and the taxpayer,” he says.
“I hope this bill will gain cross-party support in Parliament,” he concludes.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is delighted by the Government’s announcement that it would invest $250,000 in the organisation.
The road between Napier and Wairoa is on the mend.
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG's 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
Farmers are feeling more satisfied with their banks, but the situation remains fragile, says Federated Farmers.
Environment Canterbury has confirmed a surge in interest in new dairy conversions, with four effluent discharge permits for conversions granted since the start of the year.
Probably the smoothest season growers can remember. That's how Kiwifruit Growers Association (NZKGI) chief executive Colin Bond describes the situation with fruit picking just past its peak.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…