Regional Advocacy Article: Protecting Access, Habitat, and Values

The regional Fish & Game councils are the statutory managers of sports fish and game bird resources and their sustainable recreational use by anglers and hunters New Zealand-wide.  
 
Our financial year concluded at the end of August, providing an opportunity to reflect on the advocacy work each of our regions has undertaken during this period. From coastal policy statements, regional policy, management plans policy to resource management cases, our advocacy efforts have been wide-ranging and strategic, representing licence holders' interests while working to conserve and enhance habitat for the species we manage.

Standing Up for Hunters, Anglers, and the Environment 

Fish & Game’s regional advocacy ensures that hunters and anglers and the people of New Zealand can continue to enjoy healthy rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Across the country, our regional teams work with councils, iwi, landowners, and agencies to protect the habitats that sustain our sports fish and gamebird populations. 

Fish and Game Council’s Advocacy Function

Fish & Game regions (Councils) are established under the Conservation Act 1987, which sets out their statutory functions and responsibilities. These include maintaining and improving public access to fisheries and gamebird hunting areas and maintaining and enhancing the habitats of sports fish and game. 
 
Within the statutory planning framework, Councils represent the interests and aspirations of anglers and hunters, prepare sports fish and game management plans, identify research needs, and liaise with local Conservation Boards. Councils also advocate for the protection and enhancement of habitats that support these species. 
 
Under the provisions of the Conservation Act, Councils may appear before courts and tribunals throughout New Zealand to be heard on matters affecting or relating to their statutory functions and interests. This work includes:

• Advocating for wetland protection and enhancement
• Supporting public access to hunting and angling areas
• Promoting permitted activity rules for maimai construction and habitat work
• Working with partners to achieve balanced outcomes that respect both environmental and recreational values

What Fish & Game Regional Advocacy Does

Fish & Game regions work across councils and government processes to protect habitat, water quality, and public access for anglers and game bird hunters. Key areas of advocacy include:

• Protecting hunting activities: by ensuring firearm noise and maimai construction are permitted activities, and by maintaining access for hunting dogs on DOC land during the game bird season.
• Safeguarding access: through permitted use of Fish & Game signage and defending legal public access.
• Improving habitat protection: including advocating for wetland restoration to be a permitted activity, ensuring river and flood-protection works minimise sediment pollution, and strengthening protections for braided rivers.
• Responding to environmental threats: such as addressing botulism issues in and opposing harmful pesticides like Diazinon.
• Enhancing freshwater management: including monitoring river health and helping establish strong national guidelines for fish screens to protect both native and sports fish.

 

Wai Good Policy

We continue to use Wai Good Policy work to assist with our regional advocacy work as this body of knowledge provides a good overview of the most up to date science in freshwater management.  

 

Access to Hunting and Fishing Recreation

Councils, working in collaboration with the New Zealand Fish & Game Council, have contributed to the Access Paper to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing (August 2025). The paper highlights the increasing loss of public access to hunting and angling sites across the country and outlines key legislative and policy barriers that need to be addressed. It calls for stronger protections and consultation requirements under laws such as the Conservation, Resource Management, and Overseas Investment Acts. Together, Fish & Game is advocating to maintain existing access, restore lost opportunities, and create new access to rivers, lakes, wetlands, and game bird habitats. 

Research that assists with our advocacy work

Fish & Game’s regional advocacy also supports important research across the country. One example is a study by the Central South Island Fish & Game Council (CSIFGC), undertaken in partnership with the University of Otago and Meridian Energy. This economic impact assessment found that recreational freshwater fishing generates millions of dollars for the Mackenzie Basin economy, with local businesses and communities reaping the benefits. The study estimated that anglers contributed approximately $13.6 million to the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Basin during the 2022–23 fishing season alone. You can read it here.  

Another example is the research led by Fish & Game, in collaboration with Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja from the University of Otago and independent researcher Paul Garbett, examining the link between recreational fishing and mental health. The study of nearly 1,900 anglers found that fishing significantly supports mental wellbeing, with active anglers far less likely to experience psychological distress, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, highlighting fishing as a powerful nature-based contributor to mental health. To read further, click here. 

Fast Track Applications

Councils work in collaboration with New Zealand Fish & Game to prepare submissions on relevant Fast-track proposals. 
 
The first submission was made on the Waihi North Gold Mine Project, a substantive proposal considered under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (FTAA). Auckland/Waikato Fish & Game Council’s submission focused on ensuring that freshwater values, habitat integrity, and downstream ecological effects were appropriately assessed and protected.

Policy and Regional Advocacy Work 

Councils review resource consent applications and plans to identify potential effects on fish, game, and their habitats. Submissions, approvals, and advocacy are guided by the principle that healthy habitats mean better fishing and hunting. 
 
While consents are a key part of our work, Councils also contribute to policy reviews, spatial planning, and regional pest management, representing the interests of hunters and anglers at every level of environmental decision-making. Below is an overview of some of the advocacy work over the past year from each Fish & Game Council.

Northland

Northland Fish & Game Council engaged with four resource consent applications and lodged formal submissions on three of them. The team also contributed to wider Resource Management Act planning processes, including attending hearings on the Far North District Plan following submissions made in 2023–24. Additional submissions were made on the Kaipara District Plan, the Far North District Spatial Plan, and the Regional Pest Management Plan. 
Northland also presented at the hearing for the Te Hiku Conservation Management Strategy, advocating for stronger protection of freshwater values and game bird habitats.

Auckland/Waikato

Auckland/Waikato Fish & Game Council provided input on seven draft consent applications, including several related to wastewater discharges and a recent pump station proposal. Formal submissions were lodged, with some currently on hold. 
The interim decision on the Healthy Rivers Plan Change (PC1) was released earlier this year. While the outcome was mixed, the region secured several important gains through long-term involvement since 2013. 
Further submissions and appeals were made on the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan and the Waitomo District Plan, both resulting in favourable outcomes. 
Ongoing input was also provided on consultation documents such as the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan, and the team remains involved in several consent processes continuing from 2024–25.

Eastern

Eastern Fish and Game Council reviewed 17 resource consent applications during year, raising concerns and negotiating suitable conditions on 3 of them. In one case discussions are ongoing with regards to amendments on a large hydro power scheme consent. Discussions were also held with an applicant for Fast-Track approval for a hydro power project. 
 
While formal regional and district planning processes have largely stalled recently, staff remain involved in a number of informal processes covering topics such as planning, primary sector liaison, and resource/habitat identification.

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game Council reviewed around 15 consent applications over the year, with a central focus on protecting fish and game habitats. A major advocacy effort centred on the Tranche 2 case (I & P Farming Ltd and Te Awahōhonu Forest Trust v Hawke’s Bay Regional Council). The appeal was declined, with a decision issued on 14 October 2025.

Taranaki

Taranaki Fish & Game Council engaged in a wide range of consent and reconsent processes with organisations including Horizons, Fonterra, Taranaki By-Products, and the New Plymouth District Council. Key issues included fish passage design, flood protection works on the Hangatahua and Waiwhakaiho Rivers, and multiple instream structures. 
Submissions were made on the Waverley Wastewater Treatment Plant, South Taranaki District Council Plan Change 4, and NPDC’s Ngatoro Stream intake consent. Staff also participated in discussions on perch management, quarry riparian issues, water abstraction, wastewater treatment, and upcoming consents. Additional advocacy included pre-hearing work for Manawa Energy’s Mangorei and Motukawa power scheme reconsents and efforts to improve water quality in Lake Rotomanu.

 

Wellington

Wellington Fish & Game Council maintained an active advocacy role across regional resource management processes. The team engaged in seven pre-application meetings and site visits, helping guide applicants early toward better environmental outcomes. They also completed 43 section 95 approval reviews and lodged one section 96 submission to ensure freshwater values were properly considered.

The region participated in one consent hearing, focused on the Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant, and carried out 28 consent compliance reviews, resulting in three actions addressing non-compliance.

Nelson/Marlborough

Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Council reviewed and responded to a range of regional plans, including the Waimea River Park Management Plan (enshrining existing hunting access), the draft Tasman Freshwater Plan, and the Tasman Dog Control Bylaw. The Council also engaged with a private plan change for the Waimea water management zone and commissioned technical reviews on minimum flows and allocation in the Marlborough Environment Plan.

Advocacy also focused on preventing over-allocation of water in Marlborough through consent processes and lodging a submission to retain game bird hunting in the Grovetown Lagoon management plan.

The region engaged with the Baton River catchment group on the Motueka Water Conservation Order, provided input on Motueka sewage treatment plant relocation, and undertook winter trout spawning surveys to support the timing of willow control works under Tasman’s global river works consent.

 

West Coast

West Coast Fish & Game Council engaged in 17 consent applications this year. A notable decrease due to changes in West Coast Regional Council processes. Seven applications related to mining (gold and gravel extraction), eight to waterway protection works, and two to dairy discharge permits. Fish & Game ensured that fish spawning protection and sediment controls were incorporated into most proposals.

The region also monitored the combined Te Tai o Poutini Plan and awaits decisions on submissions related to hunter and angler access and maimai construction. Input was also provided into national submissions on planning documents.

Ongoing liaison with farmers in key catchments allowed staff to provide advice on reducing environmental impacts associated with intensive agriculture, stream management, and access.

 

North Canterbury

North Canterbury Fish & Game Council reviewed 664 consent applications, with around 25% requiring detailed assessment. The region engaged with applicants and the regional council on 29 applications, including river works, water takes, discharges, gravel extraction, and the Balmoral water storage and fish screening project.

Three formal submissions were lodged, including the Balmoral project, which proceeded to a hearing. Working alongside DOC, Fish & Game successfully secured improved conditions, particularly for the new fish screening facility. 
 
The Council also contributed to wider planning processes, including the review of the Canterbury Gravel Management Strategy. 

North Canterbury Fish & Game and the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) have been engaging with Environment Canterbury and other river advocates to determine where responsibility lies for monitoring and managing the Rakaia and other WCOs. More on the outcome of this crucial work can be found at the following page: Rakaia Water Conservation Order - Fish & Game

 

Central South Island 

Central South Island Fish & Game Council continued its work protecting sports fish and game habitats through resource consenting and planning processes. Numerous consent applications were reviewed over the past year, and formal submissions were made on three farming-related applications in catchments considered at risk for trout and salmon fisheries. 
 
The team also engaged in regional planning discussions with both the Otago and Canterbury regional councils and participated in freshwater biodiversity workshops and working groups. 

Otago

Otago Fish & Game Council reviewed 21 resource consent applications and lodged submissions on five matters that proceeded to hearings. Major concerns included long-term contamination risks from Oceana Gold’s Macraes Phase 4 expansion, leachate from the Green Island landfill affecting a key estuary fishery, and ensuring recreational values were recognised in the Waitaki and Queenstown Lakes district plan reviews. 

The team spent nearly seven weeks in mediation on the Otago Regional Policy Statement. A cost-efficient way to secure outcomes that reflect the interests of anglers and hunters. They also worked with applicants on the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, with a decision expected in 2026. 

Otago also lodged two of its own consent applications, including one for a wheelchair-accessible maimai in a natural inland wetland. Additional work included supporting a potential wetland purchase and restoration project and contributing to integrated catchment management planning in the Catlins and Upper Lakes areas.

 

Southland

Southland Fish & Game Council continued to protect fish and game habitats through resource consents and planning processes. Three consent applications required full written submissions, while others were addressed through negotiated approvals. These covered discharges, instream works, gravel and rock extraction, and water take/use activities.

The region also contributed to several working groups focused on resolving an outstanding appeal on the Proposed Southland Water and Land Plan, and assessing the environmental effects of major resource consents, including the Manapouri Power Scheme and wastewater discharges from the Alliance Mataura plant.

 

Fish & Game Regional Advocacy Summary – Total Combined (2024–2025)

Across all regions, the Fish & Game Councils maintained a strong advocacy presence, engaging in all large number of consents matters nationwide. 
Work ranged from technical policy submissions and district/regional plan advocacy to on-the-ground liaison with applicants and councils, ensuring the protection of habitats and access for hunters and anglers. 
 

Category	Total (All Regions)
Resource Consents Received / Reviewed	1,312
Submissions Made	75
Hearings Attended	10
Affected Party Approvals / No Concerns Letters	24
Other Advocacy / Plan Submissions / Reviews	30+
Compliance Reviews / Monitoring Actions	28
Pre-application Interactions / Site Visits	7