Staying informed – Fish & Game update

21 JANUARY 2026

Fish & Game Reforms: 2026 update and recap

We hope you had the chance to enjoy some time at your favourite rivers, lakes and hunting spots – making the most of the holiday period with friends and family.

With 2026 now well underway, we want to provide a brief recap of the Fish & Game reforms, announced last year by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, James Meager, and an update on where things stand now.

Where the reforms are at

In June last year, the Minister announced his intention to reform Fish & Game, with legislation expected to be introduced this year. That’s when we can expect to see more detail about the proposals.

Following the announcement, Fish & Game has been working to ensure we are ready to engage constructively when the Bill is introduced and considered by the Environment Select Committee.

That stage will be an important opportunity for licence holders to make submissions and have their views heard.

What the Minister has proposed

The reforms outlined by the Minister include:

  • A new standalone Fish & Game Act
  • Licence fee collection managed nationally through the New Zealand Council
  • Clearer separation of national and regional roles, with regions focused on delivering hunting and fishing opportunities on the ground
  • Expanded voting eligibility for licence holders
  • National advocacy policies, with limits on court proceedings
  • Stronger requirements to consider the interests of other stakeholders, including farmers and aviation

The Minister has said the intent is to improve efficiency and national consistency, while retaining local decision-making over fishing and hunting rules.

What is important to Fish & Game

Our purpose and values have not changed. Fish & Game remains focused on protecting and enhancing freshwater habitats and species, supporting strong hunting and fishing traditions, and ensuring New Zealanders can continue to access sustainable wild fish and game resources.

Under the proposed changes, regional Fish & Game Councils are expected to continue making decisions on local species and habitat management. This includes setting seasons, bag limits and conditions through Anglers’ and Game notices.

What will this mean in practice?

From a licence holder’s perspective, the Minister has said the reforms are intended to:

  • Deliver better value by reducing duplication and improving efficiency
  • Broaden participation in governance by expanding who can vote and stand for election
  • Allow Fish & Game regional councils to focus more clearly on improving local opportunities
  • Lift professional and governance standards across the organisation
  • Provide clearer visibility of how licence fees are used

There is no proposed change to how licences are purchased.

Staying informed

The New Zealand Fish & Game Council will email you once the Bill is released and provide you with a link to detailed information on our website, including fact sheets and advice on making submissions.