New councillors to strengthen Game Animal Council
New Zealand’s Game Animal Council gains two councillors to enhance expertise and community ties for managing the country’s first Herds of Special Interest in wild game animal management.
The Game Animal Council (GAC) will welcome two new councillors, Lisa Chase and Simon Cameron, appointed by Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager for one-year terms starting 1 October 2026. Their roles aim to strengthen the council’s ability to lead New Zealand’s largest hunter-led game animal management initiatives, including the newly designated Herds of Special Interest (HOSI).
Lisa Chase, a Trustee of the Waihi Pukawa Trust and former Trustee of the Owhaoko B&D Trust, brings governance experience and deep community connections in the Sika HOSI region. Her appointment is expected to bridge the GAC with local stakeholders, particularly youth, to support on-the-ground deer management and skill development in wild animal management.
Simon Cameron, with governance roles in Federated Farmers and professional hunting experience, will focus on uniting farmers and hunters to address wild animal management challenges. His proximity to the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation will aid in managing the Fiordland Wapiti HOSI, ensuring collaborative solutions for sustainable deer populations.
The appointments follow recent governance changes, including the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as Chair of Pharmac and Jim Goodland as a councillor, alongside Wellington Airport CEO Matt Clarke as GAC Chair. These changes aim to reinforce the GAC’s statutory role in managing game animals across New Zealand.