What advice, if any, has the Minister received regarding public funding for the Game Animal Council and/or management of the Sika Herd of special interest?

Answer

I have received advice from the Department of Conservation, regarding public funding for the Game Animal Council (GAC) and/or management of the Sika Herd of Special Interest, that it considers the GAC’s funding sufficient to perform its legislated and delegated functions. I have received advice from the GAC that with increased management responsibilities such as the Sika Herd of Special Interest in addition to the core functions of the Game Animal Council, it considers its overall current funding will be insufficient to deliver future management expectations.