Photo Competition opens for 2027 Game Bird Habitat Stamp

Fish & Game New Zealand and the Game Bird Habitat Trust are calling for photographers and hunters to capture the perfect shot of a game bird in its natural habitat for the prestigious Game Bird Habitat Stamp competition.

The competition, which opens on March 1 and runs until April 30, 2025, is seeking high-quality images that showcase New Zealand's game birds in their natural environments.

The winning image will feature on the 2027 Game Bird Habitat Stamp and the 2027 Fish & Game Hunting Licence, with the photographer receiving a $1,000 cash prize from the Game Bird Habitat Trust and a $1,000 Kilwell Sports voucher.

Andy Tannock, chair of the Game Bird Habitat Trust, says the stamp programme continues to be a vital fundraising initiative for wetland conservation throughout New Zealand.

"Hunters are major contributors to wildlife conservation throughout New Zealand, both through the millions of dollars they contribute and the thousands of volunteer hours they put in. Since its introduction, the habitat stamp programme has raised over $2.4 million for conservation projects on both public and private land."

The trust's funding for projects enables many hectares of land each year to be restored or protected, with a particular focus on wetlands.

"The ideal photograph will depict a game bird in its natural habitat, showcasing the beauty and environmental context of these species," says Mr Tannock.

"The competition timing coincides with the pre-season period. It provides a perfect opportunity for hunter photographers to capture images of game birds when out preparing their hunting spots before Mark-up Day and the season opening."

Eligible species include any game bird listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act 1953, which includes waterfowl such as black swan, Australasian shoveler, mallard duck, grey duck, paradise shelduck and pukeko, as well as upland game including chukar, partridge, pheasant, and quail.

Corina Jordan, chief executive officer of Fish & Game New Zealand, says the organisation is proud to support the trust and its work.

"New Zealand continues to lose wetlands with an estimated only nine per cent remaining, so the contribution of hunters to the trust and its programmes is critical. Hunters contribute to creating habitat for game birds so these species can be sustained for current and future generations. The trust plays a key role in Fish & Game's mission to protect, restore and rewild Aotearoa New Zealand's natural freshwater habitats and species."

The Game Bird Habitat Stamp is traditionally launched in February  each year to acknowledge World Wetland Day. With each licence sold, $5.00 (or $10.00 if sold through NZ Post) goes towards habitat conservation. So far, in partnership with landowners and others, $22 million has been invested.”

These funds are made available to any landowner or property manager in the country for the creation, enhancement, or restoration of habitat suitable for game birds and other wildlife through the Game Bird Habitat Trust.

For full competition details and to enter, visit https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/environment/nz-game-bird-habitat-trust/game-bird-habitat-stamp-competition/