Regional Fish & Game Council Elections

Protection of our lakes and rivers and public access to them are two important issues currently confronting New Zealanders.

Under the Conservation Act, Fish & Game Councils are responsible for protecting and managing sports fish and game resources in New Zealand.

People concerned with environmental and political impacts on New Zealand’s natural resources have the opportunity to be heard by standing for their regional Fish and Game Council.

Fish and Game New Zealand is made up of twelve regional councils and a New Zealand Council appointed by the Regions. Each Regional Council has twelve councillors. A Call for Candidates for each Regional Council is currently underway.

If you are concerned about public access to streams rivers and lakes, natural water quality and protecting our natural resources for future generations, you should consider standing for your Regional Fish and Game Council.

“Given the current environmental and political issues, I would expect an enthusiastic response from the Call for Candidates process”, says Warwick Lampp, Fish and Game New Zealand , Returning Officer.

“Each Fish and Game Council has a critical part to play in the management of our natural resources”, says Mr Lampp. “Primary focus for the Councils has always been habitat protection and public access to waterways. Anglers and Hunters wishing to represent their communities should contact me on 0508 666 336, to receive Candidacy Forms”.

To be eligible to stand and vote in the region they nominated or bought their licence, anglers and hunters must hold a whole season 2005/06 angling or 2006/07 hunting licence and must enrol on the electoral role. Most intending voters enrolled when they purchased their licence at the beginning of that season but anyone who has not yet enrolled can still do so by contacting the Fish and Game’s Enrolment Line, 0800 2ENROL. Voter enrolments close of on Friday 13th October 2006.

“Anyone who is in doubt about their status as a voter should check the electoral roll held at the local Fish and Game Council office. Voting papers will be posted out in late October and must be returned by 14 November 2006 for counting.” said Mr Lampp.

ENDS

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