Native Forest Champions Honoured at Fieldays 2026
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
It marks a 22% rise from last year.
Spearheaded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with support from Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ and the Firearms Safety Authority, the competition connected over 800 hunters and landowners, improving access to private land and significantly impacting wild goat populations.
The competition also saw $70,000 in prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector.
“This competition is about more than just numbers – it’s about New Zealanders coming together to protect our unique ecosystems,” says NZDA president Callum Sheridan.
“Hunters play a critical role in controlling introduced species, and this year’s record turnout shows the power of hunter-driven conservation.”
Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay says the result is “fantastic” and demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships across the hunting community in addressing the damage wild goats can cause to farmland and native ecosystems.
“Prize winners have been announced today on the competition webpage and via NZDA and DOC’s social media channels,” McClay says.
“I look forward to next year’s competition and wild goat hunting becoming a regular feature in the hunting calendar.”
