This review is separate from but related to the 2025 strengthening and modernisation of Fish and Game, more information on which can be found on the fish and game councils page.

Made up of thirteen public entities, Fish and Game is responsible for managing most of New Zealand’s game bird hunting and freshwater sports fishing for species such as trout and salmon.

The review was conducted by a panel of two independent experts who provided their report to the Minister of Conservation in February 2021.

The Review panel’s report

The report was released by the Acting Minister of Conservation on 27 April 2021. It contained a wide range of recommendations for modernising the governance of Fish and Game.

Review of NZ Fish and Game report (PDF, 643K)

Media release about the report 27 April 2021

About the review panel

Belinda Clark

Belinda Clark is from Wellington and retired from the Law Commission.

Belinda has been a CEO of several entities and has extensive expertise in organisational management, public administration and law.

The late John Mills

John Mills was from Wellington and a former Environment Court commissioner. He was also a sheep and beef farmer and former regional councillor for Environment Southland.

John had significant experience in decision making around the environment and natural resources and knowledge of rural New Zealand.