The Game Animal Council and the Te Urewera Trust Board have made a joint announcement regarding access to the land previously known as Te Urewera National Park.
Last year's Deed of Settlement between the Crown and Ngai Tuhoe created a new legal identity for Te Urewera and the land is now co-governed by Crown and Tuhoe representatives, the Te Urewera Trust Board. This was given effect by the Te Urewera Act 2014 and creates a framework that has no precedent in New Zealand.
In a statement released today, the NZ Game Animal Council said it had met with Tuhoe to discuss the recent changes resulting from the settlement, and how hunting could be integrated into the overall management of the resources of the area for the long term benefit of all.
"There is a new era dawning over Te Urewera and the Council are keen to work with the Trust Board to ensure the best outcomes for hunting and the natural environment that makes up this area. It was enlightening to hear the plans for the area and to hear that the new access system should be in place before the Christmas break," Council chairman Don Hammond said.
Mr Hammond said there were many opportunities for the two groups to work together on hunter safety and training, opportunities for Tuhoe who lived within the confines of Te Urewera and on herd management including the only herd of Rusa deer in New Zealand.
"These changes are very significant at many levels. For this reason the right approach is to work carefully and involve all interested parties to get an outcome that will last," said Mr Hammond.
"We work on behalf of game animal hunters in New Zealand and will support initiatives that enhance hunting opportunity into the future. To do this in the case of Te Urewera, it is vital that we work with Tuhoe."