Feedback on draft herd management plans for HOSI

The Commissioner provided feedback on the draft herd management plans for Kaweka and Kaimanawa sika and Fiordland wapiti as part of the Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) designation process.

The plans outline a proposed compromise between ideal conservation goals and the reality of budget limitations, giving hunters a formal role in controlling herd populations and a greater say in how they should be managed.  

While the Commissioner is not against the principle of such compromise, in his view the terms of the agreement must be clear and fair, which does not appear to be the case with these proposals. 
The consultation documents are filled with vague language. In particular, it is unclear how much Department of Conservation resource will be diverted into delivering these plans and how the plans will be monitored and evaluated to ensure they are working as intended.  

“I would have expected a much shorter, tighter document that spelt out control targets and biodiversity improvement targets, as well as details of the funding that will be committed, and by whom, to achieve these targets along with an agreed monitoring programme.”