TE ARA KI MUA FRAMEWORK FOR ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF WILD ANIMALS what is it?

If Te Mana o te Taiao Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 (ANZBS) is the CV, then this plan is like the cover letter.

It isn't overly detailed, but it sets out what the values are we're working toward, how to interpret the ANZBS when it comes to game animal management nationally, and principles that will underpin regional management strategies. So, when Te Ara ki Mua say's ‘the ecological impacts of goats, deer, pigs, tahr, and chamois need to be managed while respecting the cultural, recreational, and economic values that these animals may provide’ it is a big deal. This is what DOC, the Game Animal Council and stakeholders will refer to when implementing management and, crucially, it tells them that these are valued animals.

This is how it sits;

There was understandable hesitation from the hunting community when the framework was first announced. Historically, new policy in the game animal space hasn't always been kind to hunters. There has often been a lack of awareness of the recreational and cultural values these animals provide to many New Zealanders. However, through a lot of hard work put in by the GAC, previous Conservation Minister Kiri Allan and some insightful DOC staff, this time it's different.

There have been a lot of meaningful and thoughtful discussions go into this framework and it And while it is only two pages, there has been years of work behind it. It is a very carefully constructed document.