Goals & objectives
The discussion document has been prepared by the Department of Conservation (DOC) for public consultation on a proposed update of the specifications governing where different species of deer can be farmed in New Zealand, and the perimeter fence standards for such farms. In this document where there is a reference to deer farming it also relates to the keeping of deer in a game estate or safari park.
The long term goal of the Department in respect of deer is "to protect the unique indigenous biodiversity of New Zealand from the adverse impact of deer."
The objective for updating the deer farming specifications is "to minimise the risk of deer establishing new wild populations as a result of farm escapes."
To achieve this objective DOC believes it is necessary to:
- specify prohibited areas where no deer farming can occur
- restrict the number of deer species which can be farmed in New Zealand
- restrict the farming of some deer species to within their feral range
- impose special conditions of the farming of some deer species
- specify an adequate perimeter fence standard to contain deer on farms.
The purposes of this discussion document are to:
- provide the public with a better understanding about the location of wild deer in New Zealand; the laws governing the farming of deer; and the role of the Department in deer farming
- seek feedback and comment on the options proposed by the Department for managing deer farming and the perimeter fence standards in the future.
The following are not within the scope of this public consultation:
- the management of wild or feral deer
- the management of illegal releases of deer
- recreational or commercial hunting of wild deer; and
- changes to the Wild Animal Control Act 1977.