Sika deer Herd of Special Interest in Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks: Managing introduced wild animals

The Minister for Hunting and Fishing has designated sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI).

This introduces a structured approach to managing sika deer for hunting within a defined area, guided by a herd management plan with clear ecological targets, monitoring, and regular review.

This approach builds on the adaptive deer management and research programme led by Central North Island Sika Foundation, with support from DOC, and the wider hunting community.

It ensures conservation values are protected by allowing for sustainable forest canopy regeneration, while also enhancing recreational hunting experiences.

Minister’s New Zealand Gazette notice designating the HOSI
Minister’s New Zealand Gazette notice delegating management powers to the Game Animal Council

How the herd will be managed

Management will be driven by the approved herd management plan and supported by ongoing operational planning.

Sika Herd of Special Interest Herd Management Plan (PDF, 3,437K)

Day-to-day management will be directed by the Game Animal Council under delegated authority from the Minister of Hunting and Fishing. The Game Animal Council will work with DOC and partners on delivery, seeking increased opportunities for iwi and hapū involvement.

Find more information on the HOSI and the Game Animal Council's management

On the ground management will be delivered by the Sika Foundation. DOC will provide conservation oversight and undertake ecological monitoring.

Importantly:

the designation does not seek to increase deer numbers
management will focus on maintaining herd quality while supporting long term regeneration of the forest canopy
the Minister retains overall authority for the HOSI and can amend or remove the designation if required.

What this means for visitors and hunters

Most people will see very little immediate change on the ground. Over time, management will become more coordinated to support a high-quality hunting experience alongside reducing impacts on native vegetation.

What changes

A structured approach to managing the sika herd for hunting.
Improved monitoring of vegetation condition and herd quality to inform management.
Defined roles across agencies and partners delivering management.

What won’t change

Conservation protections and legislative requirements will remain in place, and DOC will continue to manage public conservation land. Public access will also continue.

Hunting arrangements will remain the same, with hunting continuing under DOC’s open hunting permit. To keep the changes as seamless as possible, hunters will not need to apply for a new permit. This will be automatically updated on Friday 17 July 2026. Hunters will need to familiarise themselves with the new status of the sika herd and the boundaries of the new HOSI.

Background

The designation follows a formal statutory process under the Game Animal Council Act 2013, including:

engagement with Treaty partners and relevant agencies and organisations
development of and public consultation on a draft Herd Management Plan (November–December 2025), with 245 submissions received
review and refinement of the Herd Management Plan to reflect submissions, as appropriate
final decision by the Minister.

The Sika Herd of Special Interest Area

The sika HOSI area is located across a large part of the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks and Kaweka Conservation Area. It is recognised for its importance as a valued hunting area and an area of high biodiversity. Map of the Sika Herd of Special Interest Area (JPG, 1,860K)

Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring and reporting on vegetation condition and hunting outcomes will inform ongoing management. Ecological monitoring will be undertaken by DOC, rather than the Game Animal Council.

Contact

If you have any questions you can contact: wildanimalmanagement@doc.govt.nz