Draft herd management plan for proposed Fiordland wapiti Herd of Special Interest
Have your say on the future of wapiti deer management in part of Fiordland National Park. Submissions close 8 December 2025.

Have your say on a draft plan to manage wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in part of Fiordland National Park.

The Fiordland Wapiti Herd of Special Interest Draft Herd Management Plan (the Plan) seeks to maintain deer numbers at a level that:

  • enhances the recreational wapiti hunting experience, including the opportunity to hunt healthier animals; and
  • improves natural biodiversity and prevents the loss of native species from their current range.

The plan includes ways to manage recreational hunting, build partnerships and community stewardship, carry out professional deer control and meat recovery, and track social and environmental impacts.

The plan outlines a new approach to managing deer under the Game Animal Council Act 2013 - one that supports hunting while ensuring conservation values are still protected.

Download and read the Plan (PDF, 2,164K)

Download and read the consultation support document (PDF, 1,813K)

HOSI process

Find more information on the Wapiti deer proposal for a Herd of Special Interest

This includes information on wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park, current wapiti deer management, and an overview of the HOSI process and timeline.

How to make a submission

This consultation process is intended to provide members of the public an opportunity to make submissions on the Fiordland Wapiti Herd of Special Interest Draft Herd Management Plan for a proposed wapiti HOSI in part of Fiordland National Park.

Guide to making an online submission (PDF, 272K)

Submissions close 8 December 2025.

You can also send your submission by post or email.

Post:
Department of Conservation,
P.O. Box 4715
Christchurch 8140
Attn: Wapiti HOSI draft HMP Submissions

Email: wapitihosihmp@doc.govt.nz

Once submitted, submitters' information is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and may be released under that Act. If you wish to keep any part of your submission confidential, state this in writing when making your submission.

What happens next

  • We will read and analyse the submissions and post a summary of submissions on this webpage.
  • The Plan will be updated to reflect feedback received during the submissions period, as appropriate.
  • The Minister for Hunting and Fishing will consider the feedback and updates before making any decisions on the Plan and deciding whether to designate the Fiordland Wapiti Herd of Special Interest.

For the latest process timeline, see Wapiti deer proposal for a Herd of Special Interest

Contact

If you have any questions about the submission process, you can contact the DOC Wapiti HOSI Project Team: wapitihosihmp@doc.govt.nz