Fewer, healthier deer is the aim of an innovative management proposal in the Central North Island. Photo / Gerald Fluerty

The sika deer population in the Central North Island could be the first to gain status as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI).

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager confirmed the formal process to look at designating the first such herd had begun, almost 12 years after the passing of Herds of Special Interest legislation.

“Hunters are one of the biggest conservation tools we have in New Zealand, and we are committed to community-led management of valued introduced species like deer and tahr in some key places.”

The proposal has been put forward by the Central North Island Sika Foundation and relates to the sika herd in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, covering an area of 125,000 hectares.

Meager says it provides an opportunity for communities and Government to proactively manage highly valued New Zealand game animal herds on conservation land.

“Not only will a HOSI reduce the environmental impacts of large deer populations, they will improve the condition of herds so hunters have better, larger-bodied, more sustainable populations to hunt.

“The Central North Island Sika Foundation have presented a proposal which is a great starting point, and reflects the ongoing passion they have for improving the management and health of the central North Island sika herd and the environment they live in.”

The goals of the proposed HOSI are to enhance hunter participation in sika deer management, improve hunter satisfaction with venison quality and hunting experience, and reduce animal numbers to achieve sustainable forest regeneration.

Wildlife biologist and Sika Foundation spokesman Cam Speedy says they are grateful to the Department of Conservation and the Game Animal Council for their support through the process.

“We now look forward to engaging with Mana Whenua that are directly connected to this Kaupapa and then navigating the public consultation process around a Sika Herd Management Plan that will benefit both conservation and recreational hunting.”

In a statement the foundation says over-abundance of deer is increasing across New Zealand, due to a lack of active management.

In areas where Sika have not been actively managed, there is significant habitat degradation and poor deer condition, reproductive performance and antler quality.

Iwi liaison representative for the Sika Foundation Tom Loughlin says the designation will provide quality hunting experiences and food for whānau and communities from an environment that ensures conservation values continue to be protected.

“It is practically and financially achievable, and will provide substantial benefits for conservation, recreational hunters, and the wider community.”

New Zealand Game Animal Council (GAC) chairman Grant Dodson says the Sika Foundation, supported by GAC, has put a huge amount of voluntary time into the plan.

“The Sika Foundation has been applying the HOSI approach at a small scale over the past five years. This has seen improved forest canopy regeneration, fatter healthier sika, eight tonnes of venison donated to local foodbanks and thousands of hours of voluntary contributions to local conservation initiatives.

“The proof is in the pudding really. The Sika HOSI is an opportunity to extend the foundation’s efforts to a much larger geographical area and provide consistent and cost-efficient sika management that helps to protect the most special places in the Kaweka and Kaimanawa Forest Parks,” Dodson says.

The next phase will involve targeted consultation with stakeholders, followed by public consultation on a draft sika herd management plan.