THE GAC UPDATE

Obviously, the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown goes on and for our friends in the guided and commercial hunting sectors it remains an extremely tough time. The Game Animal Council is doing all we can to support them and make government aware of their plight.

It has been extremely satisfying working with the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and the Department of Conservation on the Fiordland Wapiti Area Venison Project. This is a classic example of a win-win-win situation. The 600 deer that were removed as part of the project will help maintain the quality of the Wapiti herd while protecting indigenous biodiversity. The 18,000 1kg packs of mince that are going to foodbanks are helping Kiwi families in need as well as maintaining local meat processing and helicopter industry jobs. Obviously, the big issue at the moment is the 2020-2021 Tahr Control Operational Plan. It is unfortunate that we are in a situation where the various sides are battling things out in court, however, the recent High Court decision does provide the opportunity for a new round of consultation and a resolution to the impasse.

The GAC, which successfully brokered an agreement over the two previous control plans, is again working to find a solution that will provide for good conservation outcomes as well as a sustainable tahr herd. We are also working towards the development of a longterm management strategy, including a research and monitoring programme, that takes into account