One hundred and forty-nine wild Kaimanawa horses must be rehomed this year to maintain the herd at its sustainable target of 400 animals.

The annual muster takes place on NZDF army lease land in the Kaimanawa Ranges and has long been a collaborative effort between the Department of Conservation (DoC), the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), veterinarians, Iwi, welfare organisations and two specialist charities.

However, a year-long dispute between DoC and NZDF over management responsibility now places the 2026 muster, and the stability of the herd at risk.

Why Action Is Needed

In the 1990s the Kaimanawa herd grew to more than 2,000 horses. Over 1,000 were removed in large-scale operations, many ultimately sent to slaughter.

Since the early 2000s, annual musters and careful oversight have reduced and maintained numbers between 400 and 600 horses with the ultimate target of 300-400, a level considered environmentally sustainable and humane.

Without this year’s removal of 149 horses, modelling indicates the herd could exceed 700 within a year and surpass 1,000 within three years. Unchecked growth places significant pressure on fragile alpine ecosystems, increases competition for grazing, and compromises herd health.

A Proven Humane Programme

Since 2014, every healthy mustered horse has been successfully rehomed.

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Welfare Society Inc. (KHH) sources approved homes with experienced owners, oversees transport from the muster yards, conducts welfare checks and provides post-muster support.

Kaimanawa Legacy Foundation (KLF) supports owners with training subsidies and promotes responsible ownership and training through clinics, demonstrations and show classes. Based on historical data collection, both charities assist veterinarians during the muster to assess age, gender and suitability for rehoming.

“This is not just about numbers,” says Kelly Wilson, KLF Board Member and long-time advocate for the Kaimanawa horses. “Each of the 149 horses is an individual with the potential to become someone’s lifetime partner. We have a responsibility to ensure they are given that opportunity.”

Fertility Control and Funding

Following a three-year pause, the fertility control vaccine GonaCon initially trialled in 2022 has been given Animal Ethics approval to continue. Fifty mares are now due for a second dose to lift effectiveness to 70 percent or more, and a further 50 mares are scheduled for vaccination during this year’s muster.

Without confirmation that the muster will proceed, and without continued Government funding, this important control measure remains in doubt.

The Cost of Delay

If the 2026 muster does not proceed, herd growth will undo decades of careful management. A herd exceeding 700 horses would be far more difficult and costly to manage and could force consideration of less humane and publicly unacceptable control methods which would be significantly more costly for the taxpayer.

The annual muster combined with fertility control, remains the most effective, humane and economically responsible management tool available.

Applications for rehoming are open until April 1st and interest from experienced horse owners is encouraged.

We urgently seek confirmation from DoC and NZDF that the late April muster will proceed as planned.

The future of the Kaimanawa horses depends on timely action.

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