Government Backs Deer Control Projects on Rural Land

The funding will support catchment groups in Rangitīkei, Wairarapa, and North Canterbury as they work with farmers, growers, and other landowners to better understand and manage deer populations.

The Government has announced a $750,000 investment in three pilot projects designed to help rural communities reduce the impact of wild deer on privately-owned production land. The funding will support catchment groups in Rangitīkei, Wairarapa, and North Canterbury as they work with farmers, growers, and other landowners to better understand and manage deer populations.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said increasing deer numbers in some parts of New Zealand are creating challenges for agricultural and forestry businesses. While wild deer remain valued by many people as a recreational hunting resource and a source of food, their presence can also result in significant damage to productive land.

The projects will focus on measuring deer populations and examining the effects they have on pastures, crops, commercial forests, and native vegetation. Information gathered during the trials will provide a clearer picture of where deer are causing the greatest impacts and which management methods deliver the best results.

Catchment Groups to Lead Local Solutions

The pilot programme will run through to August 2027 and will be led by established catchment groups that already bring landowners together to tackle shared environmental and land management issues. Officials believe this community-based approach provides a practical way to test solutions across large areas where deer movement often crosses property boundaries.

The Hurunui District Landcare Group, Wairarapa Catchment Collective, and Rangitīkei River Catchment Collective will each receive $250,000 to carry out the work. Their projects will assess different control techniques, track costs, and provide valuable information for future management planning. Mr Hoggard said the findings will help guide future investment decisions and support the development of coordinated strategies that can be applied more widely across affected regions.

Hunters Included in Oversight and Planning

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager said the programme has been designed to include a wide range of community interests. Hunters, regional councils, landowners, and other stakeholders will have opportunities to contribute to the projects and help shape future management approaches. He noted that hunters already play an important role in controlling deer numbers across New Zealand and representatives from the hunting community have been appointed to an oversight group responsible for guiding the programme.

Mr Meager also addressed concerns that had circulated within some communities regarding possible control methods. He confirmed that toxins such as brodifacoum will not be used to manage deer under the pilot projects. The Government expects the programme to deliver practical data on deer management while helping communities develop local solutions that balance environmental, farming, forestry, and recreational interests.