Wildlife Act 1953
Wildlife Regulations 1955
New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Stamp Regulations 1993

Under sections 15 and 16 of the Wildlife Act 1953, the Minister of Conservation declares an open season for game in the Fish and Game Regions, subject to the conditions specified in the First and Second Schedules of this notice.

The Minister of Conservation gives consent, under section 17(2) of the Wildlife Act 1953, to the hunting or killing of game in the manner set out in this notice.

New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Stamp

A game bird habitat stamp must¹ be affixed to every licence to hunt or kill game or (in the case of licences issued in the form of plastic cards) a reproduction of the stamp incorporated within it. The following form of the 2015 Game Bird Habitat Stamp is approved².

The 2015 Game Bird Habitat Stamp has a face value of ten dollars ($10.00). A fee of two dollars ($2.00) only is payable³ for every game bird habitat stamp supplied with a licence to hunt or kill game.

First Schedule

Hunting Conditions Generally Common to All Fish and Game Regions

1. Bag limits

(1) No person shall possess on any one day more than the number of game birds specified as the daily bag limit for the Fish and Game Region in which the game is taken, except on Sunday, 3 May 2015, when that person may have in his or her possession twice the number of game birds specified as the daily bag limit for Saturday, 2 May 2015.

(2) A person may possess more game than specified in subclause (1) of this Schedule if all such game is labelled with the following details:

(a) The name and address of the person by whom the game was taken;

(b) the number of the licence to hunt or kill game held by the person by whom the game was taken;

(c) the name of the Fish and Game Region by which that licence was issued;

(d) the name of the Fish and Game Region in which the game was taken; and

(e) the date on which the game was taken.

2. Waiver of Restrictions on Baiting for Waterfowl

A person⁴ may hunt or kill game of the family Anatidae (waterfowl) during the open season for game in all Fish and Game Regions, except Auckland/Waikato, where food has been cast, thrown, placed or planted any time during the year. In the Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Region, Special Condition 4.9 in the Second Schedule applies instead to restrictions on baiting.

3. Magazine Shotguns

A person may hunt or kill game birds, as specified, in any Fish and Game Regions with any magazine shotgun of a calibre 10 gauge or less, which includes magazine extensions⁵, other than in:

(a) Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Region;

(b) Hawke’s Bay Fish and Game Region;

(c) Wellington Fish and Game Region.

For these three Regions special conditions in the Second Schedule apply.

4. Shot Size

No person shall use, in any shotgun used for the purposes of hunting and killing game, any cartridge containing any shot size having a larger retained, per-pellet energy at 90 metres than lead BB.

5. Use of Lead Shot Prohibited

(1) No person may possess lead shot, or use lead shot, while hunting or killing waterfowl within 200 metres of open water, with any gun using a 10 or 12 gauge cartridge. Non-toxic alternative shot may be used, including steel.

(2) For the purposes of this requirement, “waterfowl” means any of the following game species:

Black swan (Cygnus atratus)

Grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck

Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck

Paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) also known as Paradise duck.

Spoonbill duck (New Zealand shoveler) (Anas rhynchotis)

Pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus)

(3) For the purposes of this requirement, “open water” means either:

(a) any area of land or seabed covered permanently or seasonally by water wider than three metres; or

(b) any area which is temporarily covered by water wider than three metres at the time of such possession or use, and that is contiguous to an area referred to in paragraph (3)(a) above.

6. Guns of a Calibre Less Than 12 Gauge and Muzzle Loaders Exempt in Relation to Use of Lead Shot

Hunters may use lead shot in guns of a calibre less than 12 gauge or muzzle loaders for the 2015 season. No exemptions for any breach loading 12 gauge (or greater) firearm is to be provided for waterfowl hunting.

7. Camouflaged Rowboats

A person⁶ may hunt or kill game within the following Fish and Game Regions from unmoored camouflaged rowboats, subject to the excluded periods for the regions specified below:

Northland – no excluded period

Auckland/Waikato – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015

Eastern – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015

Hawke’s Bay – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015

Taranaki – no excluded period

Wellington – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015

Nelson/Marlborough – no excluded period

West Coast – no excluded period

North Canterbury – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015

Central South Island – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015

Otago – excluding Clutha River 2 to 10 May 2015 inclusive

Southland – no excluded period

8. Restriction on Taking of Game

No person shall use any vehicle propelled by mechanical power (including motorised watercraft)⁷ to chase or kill game, except in such circumstances and at such times as authorised by the Conservation Act 1987 and the Wildlife Act 1953.

9. Pegging Day

(1) A person, following purchase of a 2015 Whole Season game bird hunting licence, can reclaim the stand claimed during the 2014 Game Season at any time prior to 10.00am on 5 April 2015 in all Fish and Game Regions.

(2) Otherwise, unclaimed stands can only be claimed any time after 10.00am on 5 April 2015 in all Fish and Game Regions.

(3) A stand may be claimed by planting on it a stake having either a board or identifying label attached, plainly identifying the name of the claimant and the number of his/her licence. The hunting stand claim tag provided with the licence must be completed with the name of the claimant and affixed to the board or identifying label.

(4) The licence holder claiming a stand must be present in person at the stand when marking it up.

(5) In the Auckland/Waikato Region, only holders of 2015 Whole Season Adult Game Bird Licences can claim hunting stands.

(6) No one can claim more than one stand.

(7) A stand cannot be claimed closer than 90 metres to a stand already claimed by another person without that person’s consent.

(8) Any stand not occupied by the claimant within one hour after the opening hour of hunting, on any day, can be occupied by another licence holder for the remainder of the day.

10. Conditions

These conditions will expire at the end of the open season for game specified under the Second Schedule for each Fish and Game Region.

Second Schedule

Regionally Specific Hunting Conditions, Bag Limits, Closed and Open Game Areas and the Like

Northland Fish and Game Region⁸

1. Game That May Be Hunted or Killed—Duration of the 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Area A

All lands north of a line running east/west, north of the Whangape Harbour, then along the main ridgeline of the Maungataniwha Range and out to and including all lands north of Whangaroa Harbour.

3. Shooting Hours

(1) 6.30am to 6.30pm, except the hunting of:

(a) Paradise shelduck and black swan on 27 February and 28 February 2016 will be from 6.00am to 8.00pm.

(b) Pukeko from 27 February to 6 March 2016 inclusive will be from 6.00am to 8.00pm.

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

(1) No person shall wilfully leave on the hunting ground any game bird(s) shot or parts of any game bird(s) shot.

(2) Camouflaged Rowboats: Persons may hunt or kill game from an unmoored camouflaged rowboat.

(3) During the 27 February and 28 February 2016 special paradise shelduck and black swan open season, no person shall hunt within 300 metres of any urban sewage oxidation ponds.

(4) During the 27 February to 6 March 2016 special pukeko season, no person shall hunt within 300 metres of any urban sewage oxidation ponds.

Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Region⁹

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Shooting Hours

6.30am to 6.30pm.

3. Decoy Limit

No limit, except on Lake Waikare – a total decoy limit of 50 decoys per stand and no decoys to be placed within 50 metres of those placed by another hunter.

4. Special Conditions

(1) From 2 May to 1 June 2015 inclusive, no person may use or cause to be used for the hunting or killing of game on Lake Waikare, any drifting or temporarily moored floating stand or any stand, hide or maimai which is permanently fixed to the lake bed except within 180 metres of the outer margin of the lake or the shoreline of Motu Nuia Island (Grape Island).

(2) No person may use or cause to be used for the hunting or killing of game on Lake Ngaroto any fixed stand, pontoon, hide or maimai except within 85 metres of the margin of the lake.

(3) No person may use or cause to be used for the hunting or killing of game on Lake Rotokauri any fixed stand, pontoon, hide or maimai on any open water of the lake.

(4) No person may wilfully leave on the hunting ground any game bird(s) shot or parts of any game birds shot.

(5) No person may herd or drive waterfowl for the purpose of hunting or killing them.

(6) No person may shoot game from any unmoored boat on the Waikato River north of the boat ramp at the confluence of the Mangawara Stream and the Waikato River at Taupiri on any of the first three days or the second weekend of the open season.

(7) No person may possess a firearm in or on any unmoored vessel, except a rowboat, unless the firearm is dismantled or secured in a case, gunslip or other secure compartment, except when in use to retrieve wounded game.

(8) On public land, the last tagged owner must remove any maimai not tagged up for two years from the date of the last mark-up.

(9) No person may hunt or kill game¹⁰ of the family Anatidae (waterfowl) in all the area contained within a distance of 100 metres from the margins of any waters together with the area covered by those waters where food has been cast, thrown, placed or planted any time during the period 2 April to 28 June 2015 inclusive.

(10) No person may hunt or kill game birds, as specified, within the Auckland/Waikato region with any magazine shotgun of a calibre 10 gauge or less unless the shotgun:

(a) has a magazine of any type adjusted with a one piece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun; or

(b) the magazine is pinned in accordance with Regulations made under this Act;

so that the magazine shotgun is incapable of holding more than two shells in the magazine, with no more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined, at any one time.

(11) Any licenced game bird hunter who has a Department of Conservation permit to take or kill wildlife for the purpose of hawking may hunt with an Australasian Harrier (Circus approximans) to take pukeko. This is subject to the season length and bag limit for pukeko in clause 1 of this notice for this region and subject to any conditions imposed by the Director-General of Conservation under such a permit.

5. Closed Game Areas

(1) All that area of the Waikato River below Mean High Water Spring Tide from the Tasman Sea inland to an imaginary line commencing from a marker at the exit of the Fisherman’s Road drain on the north-western side of the river in Block VII Maioro Survey District, bearing 126 degrees true to a marker on the south-eastern side of the river.

(2) All DP 23519, being part Maungatapu Block, Blocks II and VI Maungakawa Survey District, being 15 hectares, the property of A. C. Allen, “Riverdale”, Piako, Morrinsville.

(3) The township of Te Aroha.

(4) All that area lying to the east of the Southern Motorway and known as Pahurehure Inlet.

(5) 129 hectares, being part of the Manukau Harbour known as Waimahia Creek.

(6) Lots 1–6 DPS 81922, subdivision of part Lot 7 DP 9441 and part Section 19 Block II Whitianga Survey District, 53.3353 hectares. Property of Andrew Hill.

(7) Weavers Lake at Huntly.

6. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

(1) This clause applies to the following properties only:

(a) Tui Ridge: The property is located at 131A Hall Road, RD 2, Te Kauwhata, being some 259 hectares comprising Lots 1–5 DPS 83930, Part Lots 3 and 4 DPS 85071 and Lot 2 DP 397361 Block Maramarua Survey District owned by G. and C. Holmes and leased by D. and C. Brown, and Lot 10 DPS 85071, Lot 4 DPS 386081 and Lot 1 DPS 86132 Block XIV Maramarua Survey District owned by D. and C. Brown, and Lots Part Allotment 310 Whangamarino Parish SO 590, Part Allotments 329 and 372 Whangamarino Parish DP 16254, Allotment 465 Whangamarino Parish SO 6253, and Lot 1 DPS 12119 owned by Joint Venture 2009 Limited.

(b) Leigh Barton property at 314 Aspin Road, Cambridge. The property is owned by J. & C. Erkkila Family Trust, located north-east of Cambridge. The boundaries are Aspin Road to the north, and private farm land to the east and west with Mangakawa Reserve to the south. The property is 211 hectares, more or less, and contained in Certificate of Title SA674/278.

(c) Glen Burn Farm at 381 Valley Road, RD 7, Otorohanga, being some 73 hectares comprising Lot 2 DP 416788, owned by Robert Johnston.

(2) Where hunting takes place in any specified property defined in this notice, no person shall have in that person’s possession outside that specified property, any game taken from that specified property, unless affixed to the game is a label with the name of the specified property where that game was taken or killed written legibly on it, and the additional words on the label “for personal consumption, not for sale or profit” written legibly on it.

(3) Birds released on any specified property shall not have their wings clipped after eight weeks of age.

(4) Birds released on any specified property shall not have their beaks clipped at any time.

(5) Pheasants released shall not be hunted before 18 weeks of age and red-legged partridges shall not be hunted before 16 weeks of age.

(6) Waterfowl shall not be hunted on specified property on the same day that a pheasant or red-legged partridge hunt takes place on that property.

(7) The unlimited daily bag for any specified property shall only apply when at least 400 pheasants and/or red-legged partridges have been released on to that specified property within five months of the opening day of the season; otherwise the daily bag limit shall be three birds.

(8) The property owner or leasee shall keep a register of the names and addresses of hunters and all other persons who take game from that property, the number and type of birds taken by that person, and the description of that person’s role in the hunt and kill of game birds on that day.

Eastern Fish and Game Region¹¹

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

The following descriptions refer to Local Authority Boundaries described on the Infomap 242B-2 Land Information New Zealand for the Eastern Fish and Game Region.

(1) Area A1: Tauranga District, Western Bay of Plenty District, that part of the South Waikato District within the Eastern Fish and Game Region and east of State Highway 1, Rotorua District, Kawerau District, Whakatane District and Opotiki District.

(2) Area A2: Those parts of the South Waikato District west of State Highway 1 within the Eastern Fish and Game Region, Taupo District and Ruapehu District, which lie within the Eastern Fish and Game Region.

(3) Area B1: Gisborne District.

(4) Area B2: That part of Wairoa District within the Eastern Fish and Game Region.

3. Shooting Hours

6.15am to 6.15pm.

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

(1) Unpinned magazine shotguns may be used.

(2) No maimai shall impede the use of navigable channels in the Tauranga Harbour, Ohiwa Harbour, Little Waihi Estuary, Lake Aniwhenua and Lake Taupo.

(3) Maimais erected in the Little Waihi Estuary, Lake Aniwhenua, Ohiwa Harbour, Stump and Waihi bays of Lake Taupo must be dismantled and removed within two weeks of the close of the season (ie by 12 September 2015).

(4) Any licensed game bird hunter who has a Department of Conservation permit to take or kill wildlife for the purpose of hawking may hunt with an Australasian Harrier (Circus approximans) to take Pukeko. This is subject to the season length and bag limit for Pukeko specified in clause 1 of this notice for this Region and subject to any condition imposed by the Director-General of Conservation under such a permit.

6. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

(1) Pirini Family Trust: The property is located eight kilometres up the Bush Road from Pongokawa. It is bounded by Pongakawa River, Rotoehu Forest and Bush Road, Sections 4, 5 and 7 SO 7437 Block IX Waihi South Survey District. The property is leased by N. Raven.

(2) Equine Farm: The property is located approximately six kilometres in a north-west direction from Lake Rotoehu with Rotoehu Road and Fletcher Challenge’s Rotoehu Forest on the main boundaries. It is made up of 283 hectares being entirely enclosed within deer fence, DPS 17091. The property is owned by Equine Estate Limited.

(3) Prime Pine: The property is located on the Matata Highway and consists of some 120 hectares of pine forest, DPS 58240. It is bounded by Hingston, Fraser, Prinz and Knight properties. The property is owned by Prime Pine Partnership.

(4) Harakeke Station: 1034 State Highway 1, RD 1, Wairakei, being 946.37 hectares in total and consisting of Tatua East No 25 Block, Tatua East No 27 Blocks I, II and VI Tatua Survey District, Tatua East No 29 Blocks V and VI Tatua Survey District, Tatua East No 28 Block V Tatua Survey District, Part X2A Block V Tatua Survey District, Lot 1 DP 330092, Lot 2 DPS 11900, Part Tatua East 11E1B MI 16902, Block V, Tatua Survey District, Lot 1 DPS 90819 Lot 1 DPS 10147 Part Tatua East 8 ML 14696, Block V, Tatua Survey District, Tatua East 11C1 ML 14696 Block V, Tatua Survey District 11B ML 14696 Tatua East Survey District 11A ML 14696 Tatua East Survey District Tatua East 12E1 MI. The property is owned by Harakeke Company Limited.

(5) Totara Lodge Taupo: 1093 State Highway 1, RD 1, Wairakei, being 1,478 hectares in total and consisting of Tatua East No 17 Blocks II and 1V Tuhingamata West Survey District, Lots 1, 2, 4 and 5 DPS 61926 Tatua East No 18 Block V Tatua Survey District Blocks II and IV Tuhingamata West Survey District, Lot 3 DP 338327. The property is owned by E. F. Deadman Limited.

(6) Titoki Hereford Stud: The property is situated along a four kilometre road frontage, at the top of Tikitere Hill from above Hell’s Gate to opposite Moose Lodge entrance, DPS 36936, DPS 27776, DPS 24257 and DP 8128. It is bounded by Fletcher Challenge Tikitere Forest and Okataina Scenic Reserve. The property is owned by the Wells No2 Trust Farm Partnership.

Hawke’s Bay Fish and Game Region¹²

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Shooting Hours

6.15am to 6.30pm.

3. Decoy Limit

No limit.

4. Magazine Extension

No person may hunt or kill game birds, as specified, within the Hawke’s Bay region with any magazine extensions on a shotgun of a calibre 10 gauge or smaller (including 12, 16, 20, 28, 410).

5. Voluntary Phase in Period of Three Shots

Hunters in the Hawke’s Bay region are encouraged to observe a voluntary limit to magazine shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells with no more than two shells in the magazine and one shot in the chamber. A voluntary phase-in period is in place for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, with it to become compulsory in the 2017 season.

6. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

(1) Whanawhana Trust Property: Lots 2 and 3 DP 24970, namely that area north and south of Whanawhana Road, Whanawhana, bordered by the Ngaruroro River in the south and the Otamauri stream in the north. The Whanawhana Trust property is owned by the Whanawhana Trust.

(2) Glencoe Station: Located in Central Hawke’s Bay eight kilometres south of Maraekakaho on State Highway 50. The property is 1,200 hectares bounded by farms off Whakapirau Road to the west, Ruakawa Road to the south, Glencoe Station Road to the east and State Highway 50 to the north, and private farm land on each side. These farms are owned by Mark Taylor, Graham De Gruchy, John Mulcaster, Nick Buckholt, John McPhee and Edwards brothers. Glencoe Station property is owned by Colin Lindsay.

(3) Tuna Nui Station: Bounded by Flag Range Road to the east, the Waikonini Creek and Rauwhenua Forest in the west and north respectively and the Napier-Taihape Road to the south. Tuna Nui Station property is owned by the Andrew Russell Trust.

(4) Ngamatea Station: Being the property north of the Napier-Taihape Road and bounded by the Taraurau River to the east, the Rangitikei River to the west and the Waingakai Stream to the north. Ngamatea Station is owned by the Apatu-Ngamatea Trust.

(5) Thurlsholm Farm: Lot 1 DP 27353 Block VI VII and X Matapiro Survey District; bounded by Crownthorpe Settlement Road and A. Burnside on the north side, Magill Estate on the west, Kikowhero creek to the south and B. Gibson to the east. Thurlsholm Farm is owned by the Strathallan Trust.

(6) Highland View: Section 7 Part Section 1 Part Lot 1 DP 8721, Lots 1 and 2 DP 16047, Part Lot 1 DP 16143 Blocks III and IV Matapiro Survey District – Houhere – located on Flag Range Road, Sherenden. Highland View is owned by the Watson Family Trust.

(7) Wharehunga: Lot 3 DP 339686 Section 13 Block VIII located on 93 Groome Road, Waipukurau. The property is owned by the McCormick Trust.

Taranaki Fish and Game Region¹³

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

(1) Area A: That area within the following boundary commencing at Waiaruhe Road; then by that road, Owhakura Road, Whangaehu Valley Road and Fields Track to Kakatahi; then by straight lines to Pipiriki and Tawhata; then by Tawhata Road to the boundary; then by the generally eastern boundary of the region to Waiaruhe Road.

(2) Area B: That area within the following boundary commencing at Waiaruhe Road; then by that road, Owhakura Road, Whangaehu Valley Road and Fields Track to Kakatahi; then by straight lines to Pipiriki and Makakaho Junction down the eastern bank of the Waitotara River to the sea; then by the sea coast and generally eastern boundary of the region to Waiaruhe Road.

(3) Area C: The balance of the region contained by the westerly boundaries of Areas A and B and the sea coast between the Mokau River and Waitotara River mouths.

3. Shooting Hours

6.30am to 6.15pm.

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

(1) Special Paradise Shelduck Season

Areas B and C only: 27 February and 28 February 2016 and 5 March and 6 March 2016, 6.30am to 8.00pm. All hunters, including land occupiers, must hold a valid Taranaki Special Season Hunting Permit to participate. Permits are available from the Taranaki Fish and Game office and selected licence agents.

6. Pond Feeding

Pond feeding is permitted.

Wellington Fish and Game Region¹⁵

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

(1) Area A – EAST: All of the Wellington Region east of main Ruahine and Tararua/Rimutaka ranges.

(2) Area B – WEST: All of the Wellington Region west of main Ruahine and Tararua/Rimutaka ranges.

3. Shooting Hours

6.30am to 6.30pm, excluding the paradise shelduck summer season.

6.30am to 8.30pm for paradise shelduck summer season.

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

No person may hunt or kill game birds, as specified, within the Wellington region with any magazine extensions on a shotgun of a calibre 10 gauge or smaller (including 12, 16, 20, 28, 410).

6. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

(1) Rathmoy Game Preserve A: The land comprises:

(a) Whaka Farm, Cooks Road, Hunterville, being 902.7 hectares in total and contained in Part Section 100 Block VII, Section 13 Block VI Ongo Survey District; Rata Farm Settlement; Part DP 476 Block VI Ongo Survey District; Part Section 29 DP 244 Block VI Ongo Survey District; all DP 2975 Block VII Ongo Survey District; Lot 1 DP 2689 Block VII Ongo Survey District; Part Lots 4 and 5 DP 450 Block VII Ongo Survey District; Part Sections 22 and 23 DP 344 Part DP 5613; all DP 5614 Sections 15–23 Blocks VI and VII Ongo Survey District. The property is bounded by Cooks Road and the Rangitikei River to the east, James Bull’s property to the south, Rangatira Road to the west, and James Bull’s and Jack Still’s properties to the north. The property is owned by C R Grace Family Trust;

(b) adjoining land at Stranraer Farm, Cooks Road, Hunterville, being 15.6 hectares in total and contained in Sections 125–128 Block VII Ongo Survey District and Part Lot 3 DP 2689. The property is owned by Rod Agnew; and

(c) adjoining land at Samuel Weston Farm, Cooks Road, Hunterville, being 20.8 hectares in total and contained in Part Lot 8A DP 309 Part Lot 2 2689 Section 102 Block VII Ongo Survey District. The property is owned by the Samuel Weston Property Trust.

(2) Te Para Hut: Located at Toe Toe Road, Awarua, Taihape, being 127.8 hectares in total and contained in Lots 1 and 2 DP 58801 Block VI Hautapu Survey District. The property is leased by Andrew Duncan and owned by Ben Popaka.

(3) Waituna Game Preserve: Located at Reu Reu Extension Road, Halcombe, Feilding, being 364.0855 hectares in total and contained in valuation reference Lot 22 DP 102, Lots 29, 20, 31 DP 108, Block 1 Oroua Survey District; Reu Reu Extension Road. The property is owned by Cathy and David Lee Jones.

Nelson Marlborough Region¹⁶

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

(1) Wairau Lagoons

That area defined as all open waters, islands and the peninsula between Chandlers Lagoon and Big Lagoon, south of the Wairau River mouth, including Te Aropipi Channel and south to the White Bluffs.

(2) Pukeko Area

The area west of the Bryant Range, north of State Highway 63 from St Arnaud to Kawatiri Junction, and east of the Hope and Arthur Ranges.

(3) Motueka River Bermland

The area adjacent to the Motueka River downstream of the Alexandra Bluff Bridge within the boundaries of State Highway 61 and Old Wharf Road to the east and the Motueka River West Bank Road, Umukuri Road and Lodder Lane in the west.

(4) Waimea River Bermland

That area known as the Waimea Bermland contained within the stopbanks (or a 200 metre strip from both riverbanks where stopbanks are not present) of the Waimea and Wairoa Rivers up to the junction of the Lee River and the Wai-iti River up to State Highway 6 (Wai-iti Bridge). Hunters are advised not to hunt the area between Pugh Road and Brightwater due to safety issues with the proximity of the cycleway and roads.

(5) East Coast/Kaikoura Area

The area to the south of the Awatere Valley/Molesworth Road and the Redwood Pass Road.

3. Shooting Hours

6.30am to 6.30pm during May, then 6.45am to 6.15pm until the end of the season.

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

(1) All permanent hunting stands/maimais used for the purposes of hunting of game on the Wairau Lagoons must be situated above the mean high water level.

(2) Moored camouflaged boats are permitted for hunting or killing game in the Wairau Lagoons, but shall not be within 200 metres of any other hunting stand.

(3) Farmers who hunt their own property under section 19 of the Wildlife Act 1953 are allowed to do so without having to purchase a licence, although they are subject to this notice and the Regulations. Those farmers who wish to do so can receive a current copy of the regional newsletter and national magazine. Contact the Nelson Fish and Game Council office to place your address on the mailing list.

(4) Pheasant hunting is by permit only. Permits are available on request from Nelson/Marlborough Fish and Game Council offices at no cost, but there will be a requirement for hunters to fill in a hunter diary. This will allow Fish and Game to gather accurate information on pheasant hunting activity throughout the region upon which it will be able to base future management decisions.

(5) Waimea Estuary. Due to the proximity of the cycleway, those hunting Pearl Creek and Neiman Creek are advised to use caution.

West Coast Fish and Game Region¹⁷

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Shooting Hours

6.30am to 6.30pm.

3. Decoy Limit

No limit.

4. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

Upland Game Area A: The area of land owned by the Gloriavale Christian Community clearly signposted and confined to that part of the Haupiri River Valley upstream of the Haupiri River Bridge (NZTM reference 1495313E, 5285772N). The land is contained in Certificates of Title WS5A/972, WS5D/97, WS5A/973, WS5B/308, WS5B/309, WS2D/1052, WS2A/905, WS5A/545, WS2A/1197 owned by the Christian Church Community Trust, and WS8A/680 owned by F. and P. Stedfast, situated at 189 Heaphy Road, Lake Haupiri, and titles WS1A/1421, WS2D/876, WS1B/486, WS8C/1072, WS8C/1073, WS2D/854, WS8A/681, and WS5B/311 owned by the Christian Church Community Trust, situated at 82 Wallace Road, Lake Haupiri.

North Canterbury Fish and Game Region¹⁸

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

(1) Area A (Paradise shelduck and Black swan): That area east of State Highway 1 from the Rakaia River in the south to Woodend Beach Road in the north.

(2) Area B (Paradise shelduck and Black swan): The remainder of the region excluding “Area A”.

3. Shooting Hours

(1) Paradise shelduck

(2) All other game birds: 6.45am to 6.30pm during the specified season

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

(1) No person shall wilfully leave on the hunting ground the bodies or parts of bodies of any game bird shot in this region.

6. Closed Game Areas

There are three Closed Game Areas in the North Canterbury Region: St Anne’s Lagoon, the northern end of the Rakaia Lagoon and the Ahuriri Lagoon.

(1) St Anne’s Lagoon: Those parts of St Anne’s Lagoon (commonly known as Cheviot Lagoon) situated on part Section 27 Block IV, and part Sections 1 and 4 Block VII Cheviot Survey District together with a strip of land 45.72 metres in width along the margins. On the remainder of this lagoon and land adjoining (being Reserve 3146), shooting is prohibited as it is a reserve pursuant to the Reserves Act 1977.

(2) Rakaia Lagoon: All that area known as the Rakaia River Lagoon, being an area from a line commencing at the confluence of Boat Creek which flows into the lagoon from the northern shore, then north-easterly to the head of the lagoon and including the foreshore in front of the Rakaia Huts Village, then around the lagoon and south-west along the shingle spit opposite Boat Creek, the area being specifically marked by “Closed Game Area” signage.

(3) Ahuriri Lagoon: All that area of land in the Canterbury Land District, situated in Block X Halswell Survey District, in the Counties of Ellesmere and Halswell, containing approximately 249 hectares, being Rural Sections 1167 and 31239, part Rural Section 3319, part Reserve 3598, including Lots 1 and 2, and Lots 4 to 11, Crown and road reserves; commencing at the north-western corner of Rural Section 11167 on the eastern boundary of Burke’s Drain and road reserve proceeding in an easterly direction along the northern boundary of Rural Section 11167 and Reserve 3598 to the south-eastern corner of Rural Section 11165; then easterly in a straight line crossing Reserve 3598 to the south-eastern corner of Rural Section 11166; then easterly along the northern boundaries of Reserve 3598 and Rural Section 31239 to the north-eastern corner of Rural Section 31239 at the western side of the Christchurch-Akaroa Highway; then southerly, south-easterly and easterly along the said highway and crossing road reserve, the old course of the Halswell River, and road reserve to the south-east of the road reserve along the south bank of the old course of the Halswell River; then south-westerly along the south side of the said road reserve to the eastern side of the road reserve on the eastern bank of the Halswell Canal; then south-easterly in a straight line across the said road reserve and the Halswell Canal to the southern boundary of Reserve 3598 on the western bank of the said Halswell Canal; then generally westerly along the southern boundary of Reserve 3598 and across Matthews Road and continuing along the southern boundary of Reserve 3598 to the south-eastern side of Davidson’s Road; then north-easterly along the south-eastern side of Davidson’s Road to the southern bank of the Halswell River.

Central South Island Fish and Game Region¹⁹

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

(1) Area A: All that part of the region encompassing Lake Wainono and Wainono Reserve and bounded to the north by Hook Beach Road, the west by State Highway 1, the south by Poingdestres Road and the east by the Pacific Ocean.

(2) Area B: That part of the region not included in Area A.

(3) Area C: That part of the region north of the Opihi River only over agricultural grain crops and green feed paddocks and more than 200 metres from any water body.

(4) Chukar Hunting: Chukar hunting is by permit only. Permits are available on request from the Fish and Game office in Temuka.

3. Shooting Hours

6.45am to 6.30pm.

4. Decoy Limit

(1) Lake Wainono and the Wainono Reserve: From opening day to the second Sunday after opening day, no person or persons sharing a stand shall use more than 25 decoys. No decoys to be placed within 50 metres of those placed by the occupant(s) of another stand.

(2) Rest of season: No limit.

5. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

(1) Craigmore: That fenced area of Craigmore Station between Craigmore Valley, Timaunga, Limestone and Pareora Gorge roads near Timaru, that includes Lots 1–3 DP 14945 and Lots 1 and 2 DP 315289 and marked with signposts reading Craigmore Game Preserve. The “Craigmore” property is owned by Forbes and Bridget Elworthy.

(2) Pinegrove: That fenced area of Pinegrove Station at 532 Rosewill Valley Road, Assessment Number 24840/067.00, Lot 2 DP 321973. The Pinegrove property is owned by Bruce Washington.

(3) Waituna Game Birds: Those areas of fenced land identified as 343 Whitneys Road: Legal Description No: RS17391 owned by Centrewood Farm Limited, Jamie Sutherland. 273 Whitneys Road: Legal Description No: RS4347 5516 10116 Blocks X XIV Waimate Survey District owned by Neill Dick. 72 Kennards Road: Legal Description No: Section 2 Reserve 143 Block X Waimate Survey District, Section 2 Reserve 143 X Waimate Survey District owned by Steve Muir. 753 Parkers Bush Road: Legal Description: Lot 3 DP 416130 Lots 2 and 3 DP 63040 Lots 1–3 DP 20008 Lots 1–3 DP 13752 Lots 3 and 4 DP 1150 Sections 1 4 Reserve 143 RS 2984–2988 12650 12654–12655 20344 20545 213669 22759 22772 25710 26569 27617 39597 Parts 2980–9283 3851 4338 5082 28448 37801 Blocks IX X XII XIV Waimate Survey District owned by Athol Smith.

Otago Fish and Game Region²⁰

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Definition of Areas

(1) Area A: The Clutha River catchment upstream from the Clyde Dam.

(2) Area B: The Clutha River catchment downstream from the Clyde Dam; the Taieri River catchment and all the coastal catchments between Shag Point and The Brothers Point on the east coast of the South Island.

3. Shooting Hours

Area A: 7.00am to 6.45pm.

Area B: 7.00am to 6.30pm.

4. Decoy Limit

No limit.

5. Special Conditions

(1) No person shall use or cause to be used on any water within the region for the hunting or killing of game, any fixed stand, pontoon, hide, loo or maimai, except within a distance of 10 metres from the water margin in non-tidal waters, or from the low water mark in tidal waters, or from the outside edge of the raupo growth where raupo abounds, without the prior consent of the Otago Fish and Game Council.

(2) No person may leave on the hunting ground the bodies or parts of bodies of black swan or other game shot in the Otago Fish and Game Region.

(3) Shooting from a boat is prohibited on the Clutha River from 2 to 10 May 2015 (refer to clause 7 of the First Schedule).

(4) The summer paradise duck season is open on 5 March 2016 for junior licence holders only, and is restricted to locations 200 metres or more from open water.

6. Refuges and Closed Game Areas

The following wetland refuges and closed game areas are closed to hunting:

7. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions

(1) Rough Ridge: The total area of Rough Ridge Farm with special conditions is described as Rough Ridge and defined as approximately 900 hectares of Rough Ridge Farm near Oturehua that includes Section 24 Block XV1 and Section 2 Block XV11 Blackstone Survey District, Section 3 Block V1 Poolburn Survey District, and Section 42 PT and Section 10 Block XV1 Blackstone Survey District. The boundaries are marked with signposts reading “Rough Ridge Game Preserve”. The property “Rough Ridge” is owned by Fraser and Murray McKnight.

Southland Fish and Game Region²¹

1. Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of 2015/2016 Season

2. Shooting Hours

7.00am to 6.30pm.

3. Decoy Limit

No limit.

4. Special Conditions

Shooting from boats is prohibited during the month of May 2015 on the Mataura, Aparima, Oreti, Waiau and Waimatuku rivers and their navigable tributaries.

Dated at Wellington this 20th day of February 2015.

Hon MAGGIE BARRY, onzm, Minister of Conservation.

_____________________________

¹Section 19A(1) of the Wildlife Act 1953

²Sections 19A(2)(a)(i) and 19A(2)(a)(ii) of the Wildlife Act 1953

³Section 72(3A)(e) of the Wildlife Act 1953

⁴Section 17 of the Wildlife Act 1953

⁵Amended notification to section 18(1)(c)(iii) and (v) of the Wildlife Act 1953, as authorised by the Minister of Conservation under section 18(1) of that Act

⁶Section 18(1)(f)(vi) of the Wildlife Act 1953

⁷Section 18(1)(f)(v) of the Wildlife Act 1953

⁸Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

⁹Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861, as amended by New Zealand Gazette, 29 August 1991, No. 129, page 2787

¹⁰Section 7 of the Wildlife Act 1953

¹¹Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹²Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹³Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹⁴Wildlife declared game as listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act 1953

¹⁵Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹⁶Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹⁷Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹⁸Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

¹⁹Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861, as amended by New Zealand Gazette, 29 August 1991, No. 129, page 2789

²⁰Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861

²¹Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, 24 May 1990, No. 83, page 1861