by Dr Peter Trolove, President NZ Federation Freshwater Anglers
The New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers will be watching with a keen and alert interest the targeted ministerial review of Fish and Game New Zealand and regional Fish and Game councils announced by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage 10 June 2020.
The NZFFA is reassured that “the review is limited to a health check of the governance of Fish and Game. It is not a review of Fish and Game’s statutory roles or functions”.
Governance relates to the processes of the interactions and decision-making among the parties involved.
Part 5A of the Conservation Act 1987 –Sports Fish and Game Councils proscribes the role of the parties as determined by the relevant legislation.
The Minister for Conservation, Director-General of DOC, and DOC’s Director of Governance, are non-voting parties.
The Chair, and National Council, and regional councillors are voting parties.
It should be foremost that license holders elect the Regional councillors and that the CEO, Central and regional staff are employees of Fish and Game.
A governance review will be helpful by providing clarity regarding the interactions and decision making for all the participants involved with Fish and Game.
The NZFFA wishes to state its support of Fish and Game, an organization that has much in common with the aims and objectives of the Federation.