Opinion by Ian Cole
This year Fish & Game councils around New Zealand will hold their triennial elections. Ian Cole, who has been an elected member on the Otago Fish & Game Council since 1997, has decided it is time to give other anglers and hunters an opportunity at governance. While not seeking re-election, Cr Cole is encouraging a range of Kiwi licence-holders to consider standing for a role. Ian Cole urges anglers to come forward and stand for election.
As a lifelong angler and game-bird hunter, I have found immense fulfilment in giving back to the pursuits that have enriched my life.
After 27 years serving as an Otago Fish & Game councillor, I have experienced first-hand the rewards and importance of contributing to the governance of our angling and game bird hunting resources. Today, I encourage New Zealanders who share my love for these activities to consider standing as a candidate in the upcoming regional Fish & Game council elections.
Fish & Game councils play a crucial role in preserving our angling and game-bird hunting heritage. These statutory organisations, elected by licence holders every three years, ensure that our freshwater habitats and species thrive, maintaining the traditions that many of us hold dear.
The environmental advocacy of Fish & Game is also more crucial than ever. The organisation operates on the principle of ‘‘user pays, user says’’, maintaining regional autonomy to address local issues effectively.
Passion
To be an effective Fish & Game councillor, first and foremost one must possess an inherent passion for angling and game-bird hunting and a commitment to “giving back” in the interests of all licence-holders is fundamental.
Understanding the structure of Fish & Game and appreciating the importance of regional autonomy are crucial. Additionally, one must have a deep appreciation of New Zealand’s angling and game-bird hunting resources and their historical significance.
The threats we face, such as political interference, centralisation, commercialisation and eco-fundamentalism, require councillors who are knowledgeable and proactive. A sound understanding of governance, with the ability to manage conflicts of interest, is important.
Threats
As we look ahead, incoming councillors will need to focus on several priorities. Recognising and addressing threats to the Fish & Game model is vital. Supporting credible environmental conservation efforts, advocating for clean water, and upholding river flows are ongoing challenges. Maintaining our social licence, exploring strategic alliances, fulfilling treaty obligations, increasing stakeholder engagement, seeking financial efficiencies, and motivating current and future licence holders are essential tasks.
It’s not just about fishing and hunting but preserving the fundamental right of all Kiwis to access clean and abundant freshwater for all forms of recreation. This benefits the mental health and wellbeing of the community.
In my experience, New Zealand has the best freshwater sports fishery on the planet and the freedom of access that we enjoy to that acclaimed resource provides opportunity to all New Zealanders. We must never take that for granted.
Diversity
Diversity within Fish & Game is vital. Kiwis from all walks of life, particularly those with governance experience, should consider standing for election. Angling and hunting are growing passions among women, and lets hope this leads to more women on our councils.
Whether you are an experienced angler or hunter, a conservationist, a young passionate person, or someone from an underrepresented community, your voice is important.
Nominations for the elections open on August 12, with voting from September 24 to October 11. Help shape the future of our angling and game-bird hunting heritage.
Ian Cole “get involved in your Fish and Game Council”
This is a timely comment by Ian Cole. It is indicative of the malaise which afflicts the voting public. The price of apathy is to have politicians of mediocre quality.
I believe this is reflected in some fish and game councils.
Before politicians in government get excited and step in and to take over fish and game councils, think again. The quality of politicians in local and central government is pretty mediocre too. The cause is apathy, i.e. indifference.
I would say this, if you’re not happy with your area F&G performance, step up and make your views and ideas heard, make yourself available