Anglers and hunters urged to ‘make their vote count’

Hunters and anglers are being urged to make sure they have their say in how the environment and freshwater fish and game bird resources are managed by voting in the Fish and Game Council elections now getting underway.

The elections are being held to select councillors for the country’s 12 Fish & Game regions and Fish & Game New Zealand Communications Manager Don Rood says the number of candidates standing this time is the best in years.

“Fish & Game’s strength is the “user pays, user says” principle which ensures that every licence holder gets to have a say in how fishing and hunting is managed.

“There are a 140 thousand hunting and fishing licences sold every year. These elections are those people’s chance to choose those they think are best qualified to make key decisions on looking after the nation’s precious freshwater fish and gamebird resources are managed”, Mr Rood said.

But he says Fish & Game doesn’t just represent its licence holders.

“Fish & Game is one of this country’s leading environmental organisations. It fights hard to ensure New Zealand’s rivers and lakes are safe to drink, swim in and gather food from and that everyone has access to our magnificent outdoors.

“These are things that all New Zealanders value as their birth right,” he said.

Mr Rood says licence holders should make the most of the opportunity provided by the elections.

“Trout anglers and gamebird hunters are passionate about the outdoors and environment. We know they care, so it’s vital they take the time to choose the candidates they believe will best represent their recreational interests and region. Don’t miss this chance.”

The elections are being conducted by postal and internet voting and to be eligible to vote, a person must hold an adult whole season fishing or game bird hunting licence – and have registered on the roll.

Election packs are being sent out to eligible voters and voting opens at the end of this week on Friday September 18. It closes at 5pm on Friday, 9 October 2015.

Fish & Game regional councils usually have 12 councillors but Mr Rood says that in some regions, as many as 19 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring.

In contrast, there will be no elections in some regions in both the North and South Islands because the number of candidates standing is the same or fewer than the number of councillors required.

Fish & Game councillors serve a three year term. They are responsible for setting regional fishing and hunting regulations, working to improve the environment, developing policy and prioritising management direction.

Mr Rood says that “for those of you who’ve thrown your hat in the ring…we wish you luck!”

For more information on elections : http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/elections-2015

Pictured: Don't be left gaping at who's been elected...be sure to vote! (Photo courtesy Martin Langlands)