From the press room
Dunne – Big Game Hunting Council must go ahead
UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has challenged the Government to honour the recommendations of the Deer, Chamois, Tahr and Pigs Consultation Panel and set up a Big Game Hunting Council as an advocate for New Zealand hunters.
The Deer, Chamois, Tahr and Pigs Consultation Panel was jointly set up by UnitedFuture and the Labour Government as part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement signed after the 2005 election.
“The Panel’s report came out in April with a clear set of recommendations designed to improve management of the four big game species and promote greater hunter involvement in conservation and recreation initiatives.
“One recommendation specifically outlined the establishment of a Big Game Hunting Council to encourage participation in hunting, act as an advocate for hunter interests, and reduce conflict between hunters, conservationists and landowners.
“I had expected more progress by now on implementing these recommendations, and am very disappointed that the Minister of Conservation seems to be dragging her heels over this after such a robust and comprehensive consultation process.
“I hope this does not mean the whole process has been hijacked by departmental ideologues who have no desire to promote recreational initiatives in this country.”
Speaking to the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Conference in Taupo today, Mr Dunne outlined UnitedFuture’s ongoing commitment to the recreational hunting sector.
“The recreational hunting community has been seriously under-represented, not only in Parliament but also in policy-making within the Department of Conservation.
“UnitedFuture believes that DoC should be responsive to the interests of all stakeholders, especially outdoor recreation groups, when administering the conservation estate.
“For that reason UnitedFuture will restructure the Department into two-semi-autonomous divisions – one responsible for ‘conservation’ aspects such as scientific research, pest control, and native plant and animal stewardship; the other responsible for ‘recreation’ aspects such as hut and track maintenance, game management and tourism impacts.”
Other policy released today includes UnitedFuture’s continuing opposition to the aerial application of 1080 and the strengthening of recreational access rights to public resources such as rivers, lakes, fish and game.
“The persistence of DoC, regional councils and the Animal Health Board to continue to carry out aerial 1080 operations in and around public water supply catchments despite passionate local protest is proof that the community’s voice is not listened to by this Government.
“I would still like to know why ground application and bait stations could not be used in operations such as those planned for Kumara, Karamea and Levin?
“UnitedFuture will also uphold the public’s right of access to common resources. It is our opinion that the current Walking Access Bill before select committee does not go far enough to enhance public access rights and may in fact end up restricting them even further.
“UnitedFuture remains fully committed to upholding the interests of outdoor recreation in Parliament,” said Mr Dunne.
Ends
Contact: Ted Sheehan
04 470 6985
021 638 920
NB: Detailed policy papers can be found at unitedfuture.org.nz