NZDA Hutt Valley Branch Inc. Hunter Liason Group

Update on Ruahine Deer Plan Process - Aug 2020

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 23:23:41 GMT

It appears DoC now have some planner resource available so the stalled process is to continue. DoC are apparently now forming a draft based upon the working groups past efforts. Given the recent Tahr control implementation plan varying significantly from that expected we have flagged to DoC that we and GAC need involvement and that the plan should not vary from that previously discussed. A meeting is to occur shortly and we hope the constructive process to date has not been hijacked by the minister.

Gordon

president, LNIRDF

2018 WARO review -2nd Round fater DoC try to open nearly everything

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 10:31:09 GMT

Those of you who put in a submission in June will have received notification in December of a 2nd round for submitters. Essentially the DoC regions took submissions, made their recommendations and then the national panel ignored most regional recommendations and have proposed opening virtually everything using their self written Deer Policy to usurp the previous controls put in under the Wild Animal Control Act and Conservation Act. This is wrong but they are trying to get away with it.

The deadline for this second round is soon, 15th Feb. Hopefully most have re-submitted already but if you haven't the links below give some background on the changes proposed and a draft template submission - please re-word to suit yourself. Key things to oppose are the attempts to retain the invalid WARO openings of the Remutakas (83%) and Tararuas (18%). DoC are trying to keep them open based on the status quo despite that status being declared invalid by the high court. Akin to a thief arguing that they should keep stolen goods because they are in possession of them.

This round is supposed to only accept submissions from those who submitted previously however DoC have added in new changes so even if you didn't submit in June feel free to preface your submissions with their new openings provide you the right to now submit. One of the new openings the national panel propose is the Kaweka Forest Park.

Please feel free to use the draft submission emailed recently as a pick and mix list. Close off is 15th Feb.

more info via DoC's website

https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/business-or-activity/national-wild-animal-recovery-operations/draft-land-access-recommendations-2018/

thanks, Gordon

2018 WARO review

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 09:25:45 GMT

DoC are running a hunter consultation on the next WARO permits which could run for 10 years unless rec hunters succeed in reducing the term to just 2 or 3 years to allow for a full comprehensive review and hopefully a new less confrontational system.

They have tried to limit it to just some clubs, the timeframe has been very short, information incorrect, meetings very short notice. Essentially it is best described as a farce. No where near enough time has been allowed, it does not meet DoC's own consultation guidelines and the WARO guys are bleating as well.

They have also proposed keeping open to WARO a number of the areas (including the Tararua and Remutaka FP's ) we took them successfully to court over. There have been no justifications put forward for any proposed openings and when asked DoC had none. It is management by ignorance and open everything dogma and its just plain wrong.

Around 4 hours after the north Island close off DoC announced they had extended the close off by 2 more weeks until 16th July 2018. There is still a chance for rec hunters whether in clubs or unaffiliated to be involved.

The more submissions the better. The time extension given after the original close-off is almost certainly so as the WARO guys can make a better case, we need to counter that and have the interest in the issue drive DoC to reinstate the comprehensive WARO review we and the court were promised but they reneged on.

We have put together some pick n mix type template submissions for guys to consider using as an easy way of doing a submission.The templates via the links here are not that brief but guys can cut them down.

· V1 is the longer one with points in table format and good explanations why things are wanted WARO submission 2018 pick n mix list v1.docx

· V2 (short) is shorter, as bullet points and less explanation WARO submission 2018 pick n mix list v2 - short.docx

Deadline is 16^th July, submissions to nsutton@doc.govt.nz

Thanks, GG

DoC betrays hunters and reneges on Promise to review WARO

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 09:23:59 GMT

DoC have reneged on the much promised (including to the High Court) overall review of WARO. To all intents they are trying to shut hunters out of a fair say in an activity which clearly adversely impacts upon rec hunters. They have turned their back on a chance to have a constructive process that could set the scene for a sustainable hunting regime benefiting all parties and conservation. The feral venison price schedule is up and activity is high, chances are it will affect all hunters.

follow the link and take some action

https://www.lnirdf.org.nz/blog/778319

thanks

Ruahine Hunter survey

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 11:14:13 GMT

As part of the Ruahine Deer Plan process a survey was conducted via the Game Animal Council with the link to the survey available to all those seeking permits for the Ruahine Forest Park.

The survey though not a huge sample set has some interesting information it.

Ruahine 2017 Recreational Hunter survey results.pdf

At a recent meeting of the Deer Plan working group it was also estimated from the permit data and DoC land area totals that the Ruahines represents around 1% of the total DoC controlled estate but attracts permit applications from around 8% of all those who seek permits. So the area is very significant to hunters.

Brief Update from the Foundation

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 09:19:34 GMT

The foundation held its AGM 23rd August. Amongst discussions were repayments of funds to some of the clubs which gave above and beyond to the court challenge (NZDA HV and Wgtn, Horowhenua hunters, CDFG and NZDA BOP). The funds came from the costs awarded in in challenge win.

The foundation is also setting up a new website and membership system which will allow supporters to join for around $15. The intent is create both some funds and more importantly to try and create a large group of interested hunters from those not already affiliated to a club as a lobby base.

Today (4th Sept) we held a meeting of the Ruahine Deer Plan Working Group. Progress is slow but heading in the right direction. The hunter survey has produced some interesting data and as soon as the reworked draft is ready we will provide a link from the GAC website.

thanks

LNIRDF vs DoC WARO case. We Win

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 09:31:19 GMT

GOOD NEWS!!!

We have heard the result of our High Court challenge to DOCs 2015 WARO concessions that resulted in allowing WARO into previously Closed areas in the Lower North island

We didn't win all of our grounds we applied for, but some of those were similar and have resulted in the department changes to be considered invalid

We previously agreed that if we won, we would accept no change until the next concession review process which is due to begin very soon. This was because the change effects all WARO concessions, not just those in the Lower North Island.

Below is our lawyers summary of it

“While the Court did not accept all of the grounds in our application, it found in our favour in regards to natural justice. Justice France considered that a duty to consult with recreational hunters existed due to the factors set out at paragraph [53] of the judgement. These include The High Court has issued a declaration that the 2015 WARO concession, and in particular the land boundaries set in the Forest Parks were invalid due to failure of natural justice.the significant nature of the changes to the land in the Forest Parks, and the fact that WARO operators were given an opportunity to comment on the classification of the land but recreational hunters were not, as stated in the judgement: ‘Standing back, I am satisfied this been an unfair process caused by a failure to consult with the applicant.’

The decision has not quashed the current 2015 permit, because it considered this to be a disproportionate response given that the permit applies to the whole of the North Island (and there is only 1 year left to run). Costs have been awarded to the foundation!

Great result, for all the effort put in by Derrick, Ivan and myself and all our supporters and their donations

DOC have been put on notice. There are a few things still to sort out including lobbying Minister (P Dunne) to change the actual concession. Watch this space

We are working on a media release. Spread the word

thanks

The justice decision is available via the link below

LNIRDF v Minister of Conservation - decision 19-6-2017.pdf

LNIRDF HAVE DAY IN COURT

Thu, 18 May 2017 23:34:04 GMT

The Lower North island Red Deer Foundation had its day in court Wednesday 2nd May, finally (take 2 scene 1).Initial court day was deferred from December 2016 due to a WARO operator wanting to participate.Too early to say what the result is likely to be and could be couple of months before we get a decision

But on the positive side, the Judge appeared to get a good grasp of the issues after a fair bit of questioning of both counsels. Our counsel thought that's the best we could ask for, to happen.

The areas effected are Ruahine, Tararua, Rimutaka forest parks, and the Wairarapa reserves in the Lower North island

Key issues the Judge wanted our counsel, and DOCs to explain/justify included;
the consultation process, role of rec hunters in the Wild Animal Control Act, the "effects" on hunters of the decisions to remove exclusions to WARO, the basis for the decisions (ie deer densities), among others.

Very interesting day, seeing how the process worked.

A positive result for the LNIRDF will have far reaching effects on recreational hunting and WARO management by DOC throughout the country.

Our aim has been to show that hunters should have been formally consulted, and the effect the decisions had on hunting were significant. Also that rec hunters have a Statutory role in Wild Animal Control and should be given better consideration in the decision making.

The aim has not been to exclude WARO, but simply to get DOC to include hunters in the decision making process and get a better deal for hunting and Game Management.

Many thanks to all those that donated to the cause. Without the support from hunters, this challenge would never have happened. That would have resulted in more of the same from DOC. We believe this challenge by hunters is the first to go all the way to court. Whilst threats have been made in the past no court action had resulted, we had always backed down. It has also become clear that DoC and the WARO guys never thought we would go this far and that they could "weather the storm" and we would go away as we always had done.

No matter what the outcome hunters now have credibility.

This has not been cheap and we are still seeking donations,

Donations can go direct into to the “Lower North Island Red Deer Foundation Incorporated”. Donations can go to Kiwi Bank acct # 38 9017 0707871 01

There is also a give a little page

April WARO challenge update

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 11:05:42 GMT

update from the LNIRDF April 2017.docx

March 2017 update WARO Challenge and CMS review

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:14:10 GMT

Hi Guys

Please see the attachments for updates and a draft CMS submission. Really important that guys put in a submission - closing date is 4th April 2017

thanks

Wellington Conservation Management Strategy guide v2.1.docx

Wgtn CMS 2017 Submission form.docx

WARO challenge update 3-Feb-2017.docx

Update - WARO court challenge and Ruahine Deer Plan

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:02:23 GMT

Hi Guys

We are working through responses to DoC’s statement of defence. Then DoC get a further response and we get the last say and around early December this year a day in court of essentially paper evidence for the Judge. Then sometime afterwards a decision will come out. If its favourable to us then it sets the scene for much better consideration of recreational hunters into the future and heads off the ability of the WARO guys to threaten DoC with challenges every time DoC refuse to remove restrictions to let them in an area.

At the local level it will hopefully result in regaining the closure of the Rimutakas, the closure of the Tararua areas they opened and the entrenchment of the restrictions in the Ruahines. It should be noted that whilst DoC have in theory returned the Ruahines to the 2009-2015 restrictions they haven’t really. Because of the way they “fixed” the problem only 2 operators agreed to relinquish the summer opening, there still are two currently inactive WARO concessions in place with operators who refused to relinquish the Ruahine opening – i.e it is still possible that 2 operators could choose to go hunting there Dec 1^st to Aril 30^th and DoC would consider that legal. Only the low meat price is holding things in check. No new operators can take up the summer offer.

Short version – a lot is still at stake, it’s a costly exercise and we need the support of hunters.

· Donations to the Lower North Island Red Deer Foundation Incorporated can go to Kiwi Bank acct # 38 9017 0707871 01

· Check out our Facebook page (LNI Red Deer Foundation) for more info and a donation form if you want a receipt.

Ruahine Deer Plan

On a more cooperative note. Another meeting of the working group occurred recently in Masterton at DoC’s office there. We are now into the meaty stuff and no doubt we and the WARO guys will see things differently however we are talking and there is far more common ground than not. As part of that process DoC are working on producing maps showing higher and lower biodiversity value areas (they rate all the PCL areas in the country) and we (GAC, LNIRDF and NZDA and DoC) are producing a survey regarding the Ruahines to go out shortly to as many hunters as we can get it to. We want to know what is important to hunters. So when you see the reference to it please take the time to partake.

Thanks Guys

Sec HV NZDA and Pres LNIRDF

From the Lower North Island Hunter Liaison Group to the Foundation.

Mon, 16 May 2016 00:35:24 GMT

Hi Guys

latest update follows - as of 6th May 2016

The member clubs of the Lower North Island Hunter Liaison Group (12 NZDA branches and 3 clubs) have been busy over the past months primarily with WARO (Wild Animal Recovery Operations – heli hunting of deer) related issues. Below is a summary of activity:

· After less confrontational methods proved fruitless the Group hired law firm DLA Piper to assist in challenging the 2015 WARO review decisions.

· After pressure from the Group and others, DOC carried out a review of the Ruahine changes and just before Christmas they rescinded those changes albeit with a few fish-hooks which would allow them to issue short term WARO concessions. They have refused to review the Tararua, Rimutaka and reserves changes.

· On a positive note multiparty meetings have begun to discuss long term deer management in the Ruahines. However its early days yet.

· We are left with either continuing the challenge to the High Court (judicial review) or rolling over and accepting the significant changes to the Tararuas and Rimutakas and hoping they don’t fudge a re-opening of the Ruahines if we back away from court. Please note that one official information request identified a DOC wish to open all of the Ruahines to the heli’s through the ongoing CMS review.

· We resolved to pursue the matter through the High Court and to seek a legal entity status which not only suited the legal challenge but would also provide an entity in the future which might form the management group for possibilities like Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) areas under the Game Animal Council Act.

· We have now formed the Lower North Island Red Deer Foundation Incorporated, accounts are set up and since last Sunday donations have been rolling in.

· The challenge is almost ready to lodge with the High Court and hopefully within the next 7 to 10 days the Minister should get the paperwork from the court.

· None of this is cheap, but the alternative is to bend over and take it and in doing so very likely lose even more in the future. To date $13000 has been expended by the branches and clubs. More is needed. We have achieved a conditional rescinding of the Ruahine openings but we need to entrench it and overturn the Tararua and Rimutaka changes.

· Costs have been shared between the club members of the Group/Foundation though Hutt Valley Branch has carried the lions share pending repayment by other member clubs. NZDA National office have also come to the party and have donated $5000 towards the foundations future management and in late April a further $2500 towards costs incurred.

· Other donations are needed and the word needs to go out to all hunters whether members or not as we all benefit from the spending so spread the word please. This challenge is about standing up for a lasting fair deal by the only pragmatic option left to us.

· So please consider donating and help us push for a sustainable fair deal for hunters. Donations to the

Lower North Island Red Deer Foundation Incorporated. Kiwi Bank acct # 38 9017 0707871 01

· Check out our Facebook page (LNI Red Deer Foundation) for more info and a donation form if you want a receipt.

· Please donate and spread the word, time to make a stand.

Thanks

Gordon George (GG)

President, Lower North Island Red Deer Foundation Inc.

Below please find some links to various documents and emails (just one string) and some of the history from when we last had to stop DOC opening up the Ruahines to WARO in 2011. We will add more as time goes by.

Factsheet for review of conditions of national WARO permit activity in Ruahines - DOC-2541121.docx

WARO emails Janine Sidery of DOC.docx

Min Con MB WARO review questions Mar15.docx

Hunters in stand off- Manawatu std 1-8-11.docx