
Don't go hunting says 'Fair and Reasonable'
The Fair and Reasonable Campaign - the campaign launched by the Coalition of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) following proposals to change New Zealand’s gun legislation - is reminding hunters that under the National State of Emergency any activity that could require Search and Rescue is not currently permitted.
This includes hunting, fishing, tramping, swimming, surfing and boating - “or other activities of a kind that expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.”
Writes Nicole McKee, spokesperson for the campaign: “Our lawyers have studied the new Order... In short, Police do have the ability to stop you from going hunting and can enforce this ban.”
She added she was making no comment, “but with the roar upon us” thought she had better publicise the fact.
The number of injuries, fatalities and search and rescue missions spike dramatically during this period every year.
According to the NZ Mountain Safety Council, almost one third of search and rescue missions happen in April, along with about 30 per cent of hunting fatalities. It's also when 19 per cent of all injuries happen.
During March to May (the roar or the rut) hunters trek into New Zealand's backcountry to find red stags that are actively and aggressively competing with each other for access to hinds for mating - which includes roaring aloud to warn off competitors.
The order expires at midnight on April 22 April 2020 unless revoked earlier or extended.


Share your favourite lime recipe and get a free copy of our June issue
Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the June issue.


Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.
If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

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58.6% Yes
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41.4% No
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0% Other - I'll share below

Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

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36.4% Yes, it serves us well
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62.8% No, I have concerns
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0.8% Other - I'll share below