Media Statement
Wednesday 23 June 2010

Dunne: NZ Game Animal Council one step closer

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne is pleased that the New Zealand Game Animal Council is one step closer today with the release of the Establishment Committee’s final recommendations.

“This well-considered and pragmatic report is a significant milestone in the genesis of the NZGAC,” said Mr Dunne.

“I am especially pleased for the long-neglected recreational hunting community that we are very close to achieving the foundation of a truly effective and far-reaching advocacy organisation.”

“When UnitedFuture began this under the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the previous Labour Government we believed it was crucial that as many people as possible were given the opportunity to contribute through a robust consultation process.”

“The current Confidence and Supply Agreement with National has allowed us to maintain the momentum for the process while also engaging stakeholders over specific proposals for the NZGAC’s structure, functions, membership and funding.”

“I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the Establishment Committee in holding such an extensive consultation process, not only were a huge number of public submissions considered but the Committee also undertook a hectic schedule of public meetings up and down the country, all done without any remuneration whatsoever.”

“The NZGAC will be a permanent statutory organisation tasked with representing the myriad of interests within the hunting community, managing the resource potential and environmental impact of deer, chamois, tahr and wild pigs, as well as providing expert advice to the Minister of Conservation.”

“I have long held the belief that these large game animals deserve responsible management as valued introduced species rather than just the pests they are currently considered to be. The report released today will give the NZGAC a mandate to do that,” said Mr Dunne.

A copy of the report can be found at wwwnzgac.org.nz.

ENDS

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