New game animal council will need to walk the talk

The Government’s introduction of a new ‘Game Animal Council’ will have to prove its worth and not just be another MMP-era minor party ‘bribe’ paid for with taxpayer money.

“It is no secret that Federated Farmers members have reservations regarding the proposed Game Animal Council and it is now time for this new body to walk the talk,” says Donald Aubrey Federated Farmers game and pest animal management spokesperson.

“This follows the Establishment Committee consulting with Federated Farmers and providing an assurance that private property rights will not be affected, despite many hunting areas bordering farmland.

“Federated Farmers is not opposed to overseas hunting tourists. In fact a number of our members, including myself, do benefit.

“But it will not be possible for the Game Animal Council to get all the funding it desires from overseas visitors. Therefore its funding will be coming from the taxpayer pocket and it needs to demonstrate its worth.

“This issue is about more than catering to the hunting fraternity who are after the pigs, tahr, chamois and deer. Hunters, along with farmers, recognise the need to continue to control various pest species such as rabbits and possums.

“This pest management is of national benefit. Any attempts by the Game Animal Council to move against necessary pest control due to the presence of game will be strongly opposed by Federated Farmers.

“We wait to read the fine print when the proposed Act is introduced later in the year, but given today’s announcement we want to ensure that we get it right,” Mr Aubrey concluded.