Election 2026: Freshwater Protection at Centre of Fish & Game Manifesto
Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
Thousands of hunters gathered at wetlands and waterways around the country to mark the start of the 2025 season.
According to Fish & Game, Hawke’s Bay had an excellent opening morning.
Kerry Meehan reported from the region that the weather was kind to hunters with overcast conditions and just the right amount of wind around.
Three ranging teams were out around the bay with police and overall compliance was very good with only a couple of issues.
“The response has been to rangers has been positive overall with over 20 groups being visited so far and plenty more to see this afternoon and a good number of ducks being harvested,” Meehan reports.
From Southland, Cohen Stewart reports that the weather was perfect for duck hunting, there was good wind and even some rain particularly around the coast and Gore.
Success rates were highly variable with Balfour being the outstanding area for the day while those in Lumsden and around Invercargill reporting less success. Those in Wyndham and Mataura achieved typical bag numbers, says Stewart.
Rangers spoke to about 75 hunters over the morning and reflected that hunters who put in effort and incorporated movement into their decoy spread did much better than others.
“It has been great to see friends and family out together, enjoying the fantastic game bird resource we have in Southland,” Stewart says.
“Opening weekend is as much about the experience and camaraderie as it is about the hunting.”
Fish and Game chief executive Corina Jordan says opening weekend brings together friends and family in a tradition that for many goes back generations.
"It's about connecting with our rural heritage, sustainable harvesting of kai, and enjoying the mental and physical benefits of getting out in nature with friends and family.
Many parts of the country experienced fine weather, though hunters prefer rain and wind as it keeps ducks on the move rather than settled on lakes and ponds, she says.
“Some regions were impacted by recent flooding while others are still recovering from drought but, overall, most regions have had a good start to the season today.”
Jordan says compliance with hunting regulations was strong, with rangers out checking licences and making sure bag limits were being followed.
“The vast majority of our licence holders do the right thing. It’s a reflection of the conservation values held by hunters and their commitment to sustainability.
“Our hunters are among the most passionate conservationists out there. The wetlands that support game birds also provide crucial habitat for other species -- and hunters contribute directly to their protection through licence fees and habitat restoration efforts.”
She adds that farmers are also playing a vital role in keeping the tradition alive.
"I also want to acknowledge and thank those farmers who generously open their farms to hunters and give people from urban and other areas the opportunity. Their support ensures the tradition of game bird hunting continues,” says Jordan.
