National courts outdoor recreation vote

A National-led government will actively encourage outdoor recreation by reforming DOC and giving hunters and anglers a direct say in the management of their fish or game, says National’s Outdoor Recreation spokesman, Nick Smith, in launching the party’s policy at the Malvern Game Hunters Competition today.

“Labour has alienated mainstream New Zealand with their politically correct agenda for managing public lands and the marine environment,” says Dr Smith.

“National wants the users of our public lands and sea to have a far greater say in their management. Conservation boards will be reformed to specifically include outdoor recreationists like hunters, fishermen and trampers.

“Valued recreational species like deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs would be better managed by hunters themselves, rather than by Government bureaucrats.

“Fish and Game New Zealand manages salmon, trout and game birds well. National will work with other recreational hunters to develop a similar model.

“National will give recreational fishermen a direct say in decisions on marine reserves and strengthen their role in managing recreational fisheries. We will not introduce any fee or licence for marine recreational fishing.

“Nearly a million New Zealanders go fishing or hunting each year but feel left out of decision-making. Anglers and hunters have the greatest motivation to ensure their resource is sustainably managed. National will empower them to do so,” says Dr Smith.

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