Anglers, hunters urged to run for Fish & Game councils

“If you’re passionate about trout fishing and hunting and have some firm ideas on how to manage these pursuits – here’s your chance.”

The country’s anglers and hunters are being urged to “step up” and stand in the upcoming Fish and Game Council elections – and have their say on how New Zealand’s freshwater fishing and game bird hunting is managed.

The country’s 12 Fish and Game Councils are calling for candidates to stand in the elections - nominations are now being accepted and close at 5pm on Thursday, August 27, 2015.

Fish & Game is a self-funding statutory body that manages freshwater fishing and game bird hunting for the country’s anglers and hunters.

To be eligible to stand in the elections, the main requirement is that a candidate hold a 2014/15 adult whole season fishing or 2015 game bird hunting licence.

Voting opens on Thursday, September 17 and closes at 5pm on Friday, October 9. The elections are conducted by postal and internet voting.

Fish & Game Chief Executive Bryce Johnson says it’s important that anglers and hunters take the time to vote, “to choose the people you believe will best represent your hunting and fishing interests.”

The 12 councillors elected in each region serve a three year term.

“The Regional Councillors have an important role – they’re responsible for setting regional fishing and hunting regulations, developing policy, and prioritising management direction through annual and 10-year work plans for staff.

“They also have the task of promoting freshwater sports fishing and game bird hunting throughout their communities, in what is a challenging but very rewarding role.”

Mr Johnson says it’s a great opportunity to put something back into sports “that have provided long-time anglers and hunters with many years of enjoyment in the outdoors.”

But we need young and enthusiastic newcomers to freshwater fishing and game bird hunting to also consider standing, he says.

“Given the increasing number of women who hunt and fish we’d love to see more taking their place at the Council tables, contributing to the management of resources that are part of our Kiwi heritage.”

These days Fish & Game is a strong advocate on a range of environmental issues, fighting to protect fish and wildlife habitat, especially wetlands and rivers, Mr Johnson adds.

The reality is that Fish & Game is one of the country’s most committed environmental organisations, and that includes “work out in the field” with staff actively involved with stream and river margin planting and wetland creation and restoration projects, he says.

More information is available on our Fish & Game website election pages:

http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/elections-2015