Draft herd management plan for proposed sika deer Herd of Special Interest
Have your say on the future of sika deer management in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka forest parks and Kaweka Conservation Area. Submissions close 8 December 2025.

Have your say on a draft plan to manage sika deer as a potential Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka forest parks and Kaweka Conservation Area.

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

  • enhances the recreational hunting experience, including the opportunity to hunt healthier animals; and
  • improves natural biodiversity and forest regeneration.

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, 2,040K)

Download and read the consultation and support document (PDF, 1,785K)

HOSI process

For more information on the Sika deer proposal for a Herd of Special Interest

This includes information on sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka forest parks and Kaweka Conservation Area, current sika deer management, and an overview of the HOSI process and timeline.

How to make a submission

Members of the public have an opportunity to make submissions on the Sika Herd of Special Interest Draft Herd Management Plan.

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

Submissions close on 8 December 2025.

You can also send your submission by post or email:

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

Email: sikahosihmp@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 a post a summary of submission on the DOC website.
  • 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 Sika Herd of Special Interest.

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

Contact

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