Hunting & Fishing at Level 2

At 11:59pm on Wednesday, 13 May, Aotearoa will move to Alert Level 2. With this move comes specific guidelines to keep us all safe – you can read the guidelines here.

It’s important to follow the Level 2 guidelines, especially keeping gatherings to a maximum of 10 people. We have some updated guidelines for hunting and fishing during Level 2 below.

• Timberlands are issuing hunting and recreational permits under COVID-19 Level 2 restrictions with permits processed from 12 May and activity resuming from 23 May. Apply for a permit here.

• Normal hunting and some additional COVID-19 rules will apply, these will be sent out with permits.

• Timberlands have appointed Kepa Winiata as the Tūhourangi delegate to issue hunting authorisation permits. His contact number is 027 932 1185. Timberlands acknowledge and appreciate the patience shown from all forest users while working to the COVID-19 restrictions.

• Bylaws for Rotorua lakes to protect Te Arawa taonga are now in place. Anyone who wants to collect fish from freshwater taonga species will need to get a puka whakamana (permit) from Te Arawa.

• The bylaws also put restrictions on the size, quantity and methods of harvesting taonga species to protect them for the future.

• To find out what species are covered by the bylaws, click here. A total closure of kōaro is in pace to protect the unsustainably low numbers.

• Remember to check, clean and dry your fishing equipment when you are moving from one waterway to another to stop the spread of catfish.

• The duck hunting season was originally postponed and will now commence on Saturday, 23 May.

• All Fish & Game and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regulations and restrictions remain in place and will be enforced - only take what you need.

Please take care and ensure you take all of the usual hunting and COVID-19 precautions.

Stay safe, kia hoki mai ki to whānau!