Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager rode with Fish & Game rangers at first light for the start of the game bird season, saying he saw “strong compliance” from hunters and issuing a blunt warning to anyone planning to interfere with lawful hunts.

Meager said he swapped a shotgun for the passenger seat, travelling from Wainono Lagoon to Lake Opuha and into Temuka as rangers carried out routine checks on licences and bag limits. Fish & Game deploys about 60 staff rangers and 150 volunteer rangers for opening weekend, many of whom miss their own shoots to do compliance work.

“Vigilantes flying drones into the faces of Kiwis who are lawfully going about their business, or blocking access to public land, is totally unacceptable,” Meager said. He framed hunters as “one of New Zealand’s best conservation assets,” and said opening morning brought together people from “all walks of life.”

The Minister also used the opening to signal policy changes ahead. He said he is progressing “significant reforms to modernise and strengthen Fish & Game,” with the aim of making it simpler to go hunting and fishing, providing more game bird opportunities, and sharpening the organisation’s focus on improving fisheries and habitats.

No detail on the scope or timing of those reforms was provided in today’s statement.

Tens of thousands of hunters traditionally take part in opening morning, and rangers’ compliance checks typically focus on licences, bag limits and safety. Meager said the work helps keep the weekend safe and fair for everyone.