Game Animal Council

28th October 2014

The recent settlement between the Crown and Tūhoe has resulted in a new framework for managing land that was previously known as Te Urewera National Park. As part of that new framework management of access to the land is being reviewed.

Tūhoe chief negotiator and Chair of Te Urewera Board Tāmati Kruger says “this does not mean cancelling permits or that no one will be allowed into the area. All it means is we need to examine and implement a system of access that ensures the land and people using the area are safe and the significance of the land and all it represents is respected.”

He goes on to say that “no permits have been cancelled, rather the Te Urewera Board asks hunters to use their discretion and adopt the attitude of collaboration to await the new system, meanwhile no new permits are being issued until the new system is in place. It is hoped to have the new system up and running in December this year”.

Tūhoe Chief Executive Kirsti Luke also notes that this does not mean people are being excluded or that they will be charged to enter the land, but she does ask that users be patient until the new system is in place, “there are teams of people working on the framework as speedily as possible to minimise the disruption to peoples enjoyment of Te Urewera” she says.

Tūhoe met today with the NZ Game Animal Council to discuss the recent changes resulting from the settlement, and how hunting can be integrated into the overall management of the resources of the area for the long term benefit of all. Chairman of the Council, Don Hammond said “There is a new era dawning over Te Urewera and the Council are keen to work with the Trust Board to ensure the best outcomes for hunting and the natural environment that makes up this area. It was enlightening to hear the plans for the area and to hear that the new access system should be in place before the Christmas break”.

Hammond went on to note there were many opportunities for the two groups to work together on hunter safety and training, opportunities for Tūhoe who live within the confines of Te Urewera and on herd management including the only herd of Rusa deer in NZ.

“These changes are very significant at many levels. For this reason the right approach is to work carefully and involve all interested parties to get an outcome that will last” says Hammond. “We work on behalf of game animal hunters in NZ and will support initiatives that enhance hunting opportunity into the future. To do this in the case of Te Urewera, it is vital that we work with Tūhoe.

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