If Te Mana o te Taiao Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 (ANZBS) is the CV, then this plan is like the cover letter. It isn't overly detailed, but it sets out what the values are we're working toward, how to interpret the ANZBS when it comes to game animal management nationally, and principles that will underpin regional management strategies. So, when Te Ara ki Mua say's ‘the ecological impacts of goats, deer, pigs, tahr, and chamois need to be managed while respecting the cultural, recreational, and economic values that these animals may provide’ it is a big deal. This is what DOC, the Game Animal Council and stakeholders will refer to when implementing management and, crucially, it tells them that these are valued animals.
This is how it sits;…