Environment · Party position

National on Environment

Hunter-led conservation, protecting outdoor access and valued species

National says it will strengthen hunting and fishing in New Zealand by giving hunters a bigger role in conservation, making it easier to access Crown land for hunting and fishing, modernising the bodies that manage fish and game, and recognising some introduced animal species as having value rather than treating them as pests by default.

What they say they'll do

Formally recognise valued introduced species in law so they are not treated as pests by default
Strengthen the Game Animal Council and pass legislation to modernise Fish & Game New Zealand
Expand hunter-led conservation by seeking proposals for additional herds of special interest
Replace the outdated Tahr Control Plan 1993 with a modern management plan developed with the hunting community
Open suitable Crown land managed by Land Information New Zealand for recreational hunting and fishing
Promote New Zealand's guided-hunting industry overseas and simplify trophy-export and permit processes

Who this affects

Hunters and anglers

The policy directly changes how hunting and fishing on Crown land is managed, who governs game animals and fish, and how permits and exports work for those who hunt and fish recreationally or professionally.

Regional communities

The policy aims to support jobs and tourism in regions by promoting guided hunting and ensuring resources from Fish & Game are directed to the regions where they are most needed.

Overseas investors buying sensitive land

National says it will require that existing recreational hunting and fishing access is protected when overseas investors purchase sensitive land, and improved where practical.

In their own words

“Hunting and fishing are part of the Kiwi way of life. They put food on the table, bring families and communities together, support regional jobs and tourism, and connect New Zealanders with the outdoors.”

“Establish a coordinated wild animal management framework and formally recognise valued introduced species in law.”

“Strengthen the Charter by adding the Game Animal Council, Land Information New Zealand and the Overseas Investment Office as signatories.”

Verify at National — 2023 manifesto

Summarised neutrally from National’s own official policy (as at 2026-09-13) and checked by an editor. Nothing is paraphrased without the source linked. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Environment →

In depth — from National’s policy document

Hunting and fishing: game animals, access and Fish & Game

National proposes recognising valued introduced species in law so they are not treated as pests by default, building a coordinated wild animal management framework, and legislating to modernise Fish & Game. It would open suitable Crown land managed by LINZ to recreational hunting, add signatories to the Access Charter, seek more herds of special interest after wapiti and sika, and give the hunting and fishing sector a permanent seat on the Conservation Authority.

Introduced species

Recognised in law

Wild animals

One coordinated framework

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National on Environment

What they say they'll do

Who this affects

In their own words

Hunting and fishing: game animals, access and Fish & Game

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