Forest & Bird take aim at Fiordland wapiti
Forest & Bird has taken aim at a successful deer culling operation in Fiordland because it aims to manage but not eradicate the wapiti population.
The organisation has lodged an application for judicial review of an agreement between the director-general of Conservation and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation.
The decision has been criticised by some members of Parliament, with one calling the move ‘’disappointing’’ and another saying it was ‘’just madness’’.
The Department of Conservation has had an arrangement with the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, in which hunters can pay for ballot access to target wapiti for recreational hunting, since 2011.
The foundation was formed to address the potential threat to flora and fauna of the Fiordland National Park caused by wapiti deer, and it runs a ballot for hunting blocks during the roar in the the 175,000-hectare area called the wapiti area of Fiordland.
Wapiti, also known as elk, were released at the head of George Sound in March 1905 after being gifted to the country by then-United States president Theodore Roosevelt.
Foundation general manager Roy Sloan said the agreement had lead to hunters removing about 18,000 deer from the national park.
He feared that if Forest & Bird won the review, it could spell the end of management of the species by the foundation.
“This could be the end of the wapiti herd as we know it in New Zealand and that’s a pretty sad reality.
“I think Forest & Bird do some fantastic work, but what we do is common-sense conservation by removing an introduced pest, which, in turn, helps native species,’’ he said.
“We’ve never found a method of eradicating deer but we have got a method of control now that is one of the best mechanisms available.”
The foundation has also been summonsed to appear in court as part of the judicial review and Sloan expects its costs could reach $250,000, which it hoped to be able to fund from donations from hunters.
In a statement, Forest & Bird said it considered that the agreement did not comply with the National Parks Act 1980, which prioritises the protection of indigenous ecosystems over introduced species.
It says the agreement is inconsistent with the act because it provides for herd management of an introduced species within the national park, which is not consistent with the legislation’s requirements.
The organisation said: “We welcome the mahi undertaken by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and other organisations who contribute to protecting New Zealand’s most precious places.
“Hunting is part of the toolbox in tackling the out-of-control numbers of browsing animals that are causing significant damage to New Zealand’s environment.
“Forest & Bird is supportive of the role the hunting community can and does play in helping to stem the tide of deer, pig and goat numbers.”
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka did not reply to a request for comment.
DOC director national programmes Ben Reddiex said the department was focused on ensuring public conservation land was managed in accordance with legislation.
“Since Forest & Bird raised the issue with us, we have been working with the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to ensure activities are appropriately authorised. Given this is now a legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay said the department took its legislative responsibilities seriously and worked to ensure public conservation land is managed in accordance with the law.
“The environmental outcomes for Fiordland National Park as a result of the work of the Wapiti Foundation are commendable. It’s disappointing that Forest & Bird have decided to initiate a judicial review, rather than continuing to engage with the department on this matter. However, it’s now important that this process follows its due course’’.
In an online post, ACT party conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton said: ‘’Forest & Bird’s self-defeating, purist stance aims for an impossible standard while alienating potential allies.
“Hunters are natural champions of nature and the land, and would happily join the campaign against real threats like the rats and stoats wreaking havoc on native birdlife. Yet Forest & Bird is picking a fight with them. It’s just madness.”