Urgent: Have your say on fishing and hunting before 13 February

Parliament needs to hear from you about important new environment laws before 4.30pm Friday, 13 February 2026.

The Government is replacing the Resource Management Act with two new bills that will shape the future of fishing and hunting in New Zealand. 

While we welcome some changes, the current proposals don't adequately protect what matters most to anglers and hunters.

 

What's at stake

The Natural Environment Bill and The Planning Bill will determine:

• Whether trout and salmon habitat is recognised and protected
• How hunters and anglers’ access to rivers, lakes and wetlands is protected and enhanced
• Whether our remaining wetlands (less than 9% of New Zealand’s original wetlands exist) continue to decline
• Fish & Game's ability to advocate for the places and species you care about

 

What we're seeking

We're asking for changes to ensure:

• Hunting and angling values are recognised 
• Trout and salmon habitat is recognised and protected 
• Wetlands are clearly defined and protected from incremental loss, while making it easier to create and restore them
• Your Sports Fish and Game Management Plans are recognised in planning decisions
• Public access for anglers and hunters is protected and enhanced
• Fish & Game can continue fulfilling its statutory advocacy role

 

Want to learn more?

Read more information on our website here

Fish & Game will host a webinar on February 11 at 7pm for licence holders who want to hear Fish & Game’s views on the reforms to help inform their submissions. Register here.  

 

How you can help

There are two ways to make your voice heard:

 

Option 1: Share your story 

Tell MPs why fishing and hunting matter to you. Your personal experience is powerful.

Step 1. Draft your submission:
Please include a request that the committee amend the Bills to recognise hunting and angling values and the species and habitats we value. Use the following prompts to help guide your response:

• Why you love fishing or game bird hunting in New Zealand
• What healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands mean to you and your family
• What have you seen over the years – some experiences both positive and negative.
• What do you want your grandkids/future generations to experience?

Step 2. Visit the Parliament website.
Go to the Parliament website to make your submission here.

Step 3. Submit your response
Click "I am ready to make my submission". You can either:

• upload your submission as a document or PDF
• Paste your text directly into the comment section.

Step 4. Share your submission with us (optional)
Please also email it to media@fishandgame.org.nz if you would like us to share your messages and encourage others to do the same.

Option 2: Make a detailed submission - if you want to recommend specific changes to clauses

We’ve prepared a breakdown of issues and solutions covering wetlands, ecosystem health definitions, environmental limits, the habitat of trout and salmon, access, Water Conservation Orders, and recognition of Fish & Game sports fish and game bird management plans.

Step 1. Review the detailed submission guide
We've outlined key issues and the solutions we're seeking here.
You can use these to inform your own submission.

Step 2. Visit the Parliament website.
Go to the Parliament website to make your submission here.

Step 3. Submit your response
Click "I am ready to make my submission". You can either:

• upload your submission as a document or PDF
• Paste your text directly into the comment section.

Step 4. Share your submission with us (optional)
Please also email it to media@fishandgame.org.nz if you would like us to share your messages and encourage others to do the same.

 

Why this matters

Fish & Game represents 300,000 anglers and hunters who contribute around $1 billion annually to regional economies. 

Beyond the economic contribution, hunters and anglers care about conservation, spending countless hours protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s outdoors including habitats, wetlands and remote wild places. 

We need Parliament to hear directly from you, the people who fish and hunt. Your submission matters.

• Deadline: 4.30pm Friday, 13 February 2026

P.S. Even a short personal story makes a difference. Please take 10 minutes to share why angling or game bird hunting matter to you.