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!

Hunting & Fishing at Level 3

There has been a lot of kōrero about being able to gather kai during the lockdown. The transition to Alert Level 3 does allow a bit more movement for us all – but under some strict guidelines.

The Department of Conservation has extensive information about hunting and fishing under Alert Level 3.

Please stay safe whānau and take all of the usual hunting and COVID-19 precautions, including maintaining social distancing at all times.

Important message from Kaingaroa Timberlands:

All Timberlands managed forests (Kaingaroa, Whirinaki, Rotoehu and Waimangu) remain closed under Level 3 and the forest gates are locked and being monitored 24/7. We’ll let you know about the opening dates for Recreational Access Permits for hunting, fishing and game bird shooting as soon as we have updates.

Kaingaroa Timberlands/Timberlands Limited have issued a statement regarding their position on hunting: 

“Timberlands Limited are not issuing hunting and recreational permits under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 restrictions. This is primarily so we can focus on the health and safety of people returning to work but was also considering the two following Alert Level 3 conditions:

• No motorised hunting is permitted, which accounts for the majority of hunting in Kaingaroa Forest.

• People must keep local, and the Kaingaroa Forest estate operates across three regions (BOP, Waikato and Hawkes Bay), making it difficult for hunters to adhere to this rule.

At this stage the number one priority is to transition workers back into the forest safely while operating under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 restrictions.”

Timberlands have appointed Kepa Winiata as the new Tūhourangi delegate to issue hunting authorisation permits for when hunting is permitted. His contact number is 027 932 1185.

Conditions:

• No hunting on public conservation land

• Hunting and fishing are only permitted on foot and overnight trips aren’t allowed

• Using quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters, boats or other motorised vehicles is a no go

• You need to stay in your region and stick to your bubble

• You need to follow all other hunting and fishing guidelines

• All fishing must be land based

• Road Check Points will continue – ensure you have the appropriate permit

You’ll be able to hunt locally on private and Māori-owned land under Alert Level 3, but you need the Land Trust / Incorporation’s or landowner’s permission and stick to the rules (including any hunting club rules).

Fishing

You can fish locally, but this needs to be land-based fishing only and at a spot that is close to your whare.

All Fish & Game and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regulations and restrictions remain in place and will be enforced – only take what you need and if you want to share kai with extended whānau and friends, you need to adhere to the guidelines under Alert Level 3.

Please check, clean and dry your fishing equipment when you’re moving from one waterway to another to stop the spread of catfish.

Duck Hunting

The duck hunting season has been postponed from Saturday, 2 May until two weeks after New Zealand eventually moves to Alert Level 2. The season will also end later.

Permits

To avoid disappointment or being turned around at a check point, make sure you have the appropriate hunting or fishing permit with you (paper or E-copy). If you’re hunting on private land, you need permission from the owner.