Every person who wants to go fresh water fishing or game bird hunting must first purchase a licence.New Zaland.

The licence fees are primarily charged to cover the cost of managing the fish and birds and the habitat they depend on. The provision of services to anglers and hunters and advocating their interests is also included in the licence fee.

Licence fees were originally spent on increasing fish and bird populations. The priority changed in the 1960’s and became focused on protecting important habitat against development, both in the rural sector and through industry. It was quickly realised that quality habitat produces good numbers of sports fish and game birds.

Habitat advocacy remains the major focus of Fish and Game Councils and a significant percentage of the councils’ money goes into advocating habitat protection.

Over the last five or six years an emphasis has also been placed on providing better information and services to anglers and hunters and advocating their interests to the wider community.