OTAGO FISH AND GAME COUNCIL
Candidate Profiles
Here are the profile statements for each candidate for the election to the Council in November 2012, pursuant to Regulation 10 of the Fish and Game Council Elections Regulations 1990. The Returning Officer of the Otago Fish and Game Council accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the content contained in the statements as supplied by the candidates.
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Candidates ALDRIDGE Colin (Dr)
Central Otago
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BARLOW John
Lakes
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COLE Ian
Lakes
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CRAVENS Casey
Dunedin/North Coast
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DOOLEY Kieran
Dunedin/North Coast
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GRUBB Ray
Central Otago
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HAMMOND Alan
Central Otago
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JILLETT John B
Dunedin/North Coast
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MAGUIRE Harvey
Lakes
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MCINTYRE Adrian
Clutha
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NATTA Robert
Dunedin/North Coast
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NEILSON Sean
Clutha
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RAE Daniel
Central Otago
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TURNER Mike (Dr)
Lakes
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WHYTE Vicky
Central Otago
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WITHEROW Dave
Dunedin/North Coast
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WRIGHT Monty
Dunedin/North Coast
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ALDRIDGE Colin (Dr)
Central Otago
For my first term as Councillor I was elected on a platform advocating that, “Fish and Game have, in recent years, ... focused too much on hiring expensive legal counsel to support what appears to have become an ‘our sport, right or wrong, or nothing’ stance.” During my term I have consistently promoted my earlierstated belief that, “... our considerable licence fee should be spent on improving hunting and fishing in cooperation with other land and water users ...”. My fellow Councillors have come to expect me to question legal expenditures. Also, to oppose what I believe to be any excessive focus of resources on narrow environmental issues. This has lead me to a minority position on the Council on a number of occasions. I do believe, however, that my stance has contributed towards more careful consideration of legal services and more emphasis being placed on using our own talented (and less costly) staff. Being a Councillor has given me an appreciation of the fine work F&G Otago personnel towards providing fishers and hunters with excellent experiences. I am now mostly retired from my employment as a Lecturer in the Department of Information Science. More time for fishing! If re-elected I will continue with my earlier platform, informed by my much increased knowledge of F&G and it’s operations.
BARLOW John
Lakes
I am 66 years old and married to Marilyn. We are retired and live in Wanaka. My association with Fish and Game (Acclimatisation Society in those days) began in the early 1980’s. I have served as Otago Fish and Game Chairman twice and was Otago’s representative at a national level for 12 years. If re-elected I will do my best to progress the following: • prevent hydro development on the Nevis River • support the Upper Clutha Fisheries Trust continue to completion the secure access regime on the Upper Clutha • continue to foster a good working relationship with our high country farmers • oppose the watering down of key elements in the Resource Management Act that protect fresh water • support the Regional Council in its water plan change with the proviso that the effects based approach is matched with intensive monitoring so everyone can see it is working as intended • continue to press for a change in the licensing system which is no longer equitable to all classes of anglers. For example folk fishing our degraded waters close to town 4
pay the same as other anglers able to fish our prime waters throughout the country for many days of the season.
COLE Ian
Lakes
I am 57 years of age and was born and educated in England where I spent much of my youth fishing and game bird hunting. After completing a degree I moved to Australia and then to Wanaka in 1989 where I was a partner and working manager in Relishes Café for over 16 years. Through my passion for both fishing and people I have become an active fishing guide. However, it is from a recreational angler and game bird hunter’s perspective that I originally sought election to council and now seek re-election. Experience • Past 18 years on the Otago Fish and Game Council • Past President of Upper Clutha Angling Club and 21 years on committee • Clutha Fisheries Trust Trustee Beliefs and concerns • Continual need to improve water quality, quantity and habitat. We are witnessing, at an alarming rate, the degradation of our freshwater habitats. We have to move to more environmentally sustainable management. • I am committed to free public access and totally opposed to any form of exclusive capture of the public resource while being mindful of individual landowners’ property rights. • I am committed to ensure our sporting opportunities remains so for future generations of New Zealanders to enjoy. Real need to increase encouragement of young New Zealanders in fishing and hunting. • Committed advocate of regional control of Fish and Game resources. Need for better and more considered national advocacy. • To support and nurture the talented staff resources of Otago Fish and Game. After 18 years on your council I feel there is an even greater need than ever to continue to advocate for an improved balance between economic requirements and recreational needs. I still have the energy, drive and commitment to reflect licence holders aspirations, and if re-elected would continue to bring your concerns to council’s attention.
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CRAVENS Casey
Dunedin/North Coast
I’ve had the privilege to fish Otago’s rivers and lakes for two decades. It’s a passion central to my life. As a fly-fishing guide and father, I’ve watched in dismay as our rivers--some of the finest on earth--have deteriorated from industrial agriculture’s intensification. It’s a complicated subject. We live in a country where many farmers are happy to let you fish rivers on their land if you just ask. So many of us for a long time have been reluctant to rock the boat. But we’ve reached a tipping point in the health of our rivers. Ninety percent of our lowland waters are unfit to swim in. This is simply unacceptable. How many cows are too many on our rivers? Is there a finite limit? It’s a common-sense question. If all the cows were people, they’d have to have a permit for every toilet required. But somehow cows have been excluded from regulation. Last month, the Environment Court passed a ruling on the Manawatu-Wanganui water plan with huge consequences. The upshot is that we no longer have to rely on industrial agriculture’s voluntary compliance with environmental standards. For once I’m optimistic that a more balanced approach to our natural resources will prevail. Armed with this decision, regional councils and Fish and Game New Zealand are now more empowered to protect our rivers for future generations. And I’d like to contribute to that process.
DOOLEY Kieran
Dunedin/North Coast
Kia ora, I am Kieran Dooley, an avid fisher and occasional bow hunter. I am running for candidacy for the Dunedin/North Coast sub-region of the Fish and Game Council. I spend as much time as physically possible exploring our region and its fishing resources and by running for Councillor I am hoping to give back as much as I can to protect and safeguard the resources which we hold dear. Within our region is an abundance of sports fishing opportunities, some of these I believe are majorly under utilised. I am referring primarily to the perch populations within our region that with a bit of management (as in an annual competition to control the numbers of smaller mature fish” could easily become a trophy fishery and our entire region could benefit from these “pest” fish. I would also like to liaise with the DCC to see rubbish bins and potentially toilets installed and serviced at our reservoirs and Tomahawk as these areas are highly frequented and no one likes to see the taint of litter. I would like to become involved in education about our fisheries as a resource, especially with the younger generation, because they are the future of our sport and it is essential that we instil in them virtuous values in order to protect the future of what we all love. 6
GRUBB Ray
Central Otago
The pressure on the fish and game resource has increased significantly, caused by many more users, by irrigation, by intensive land use and pollution. We need new ideas, better relationships and competent management to safeguard anglers’ and hunters’ sport. In 2009 as a new Councillor I undertook to protect access and habitat, and promote relevant international management practices. I have helped achieve; • a start towards genuinely sustainable bag limits based on better information, and changing attitudes to protection of sensitive fisheries (more to be done here) • more science based positions on flows and water quality including a special study on the Pomahaka • support for game bird research • non-resident fishing licences (so overseas anglers pay fairer fees) I also led moves locally and nationally to improve relations in the high country by resolving issues from geese decisions. Over the next year Otago will develop its 10 year Sports Fish and Game Management Plan which governs everything we do. I offer relevant skills in planning, statutory management and governance to this vital process. My priorities; • to ensure we get maximum input to the Plan from licence holders and develop new ideas • to have your licence fees used to work with, not against, all those interested in water use and improve relationships My background is in business and as co-owner of Lake Brunner Lodge (with Marian van der Goes). I am a recreational angler, and have learnt much about sports fish management from fishing around the world.
HAMMOND Alan
Central Otago
I have been a hunter and angler for the past thirty five years. During that time I have formed some strong beliefs on the importance of habitat protection, indeed enhancement, and the continuance of all New Zealanders traditional rights to access those habitats. I have particular concerns at the insidious degradation of both habitats and our traditional rights of access to them. A key issue I see for Fish & Game in the future is access to increased funding. I feel the Resource Management Act and increasing development has put pressure on Fish & Game energies and resources. I see funding from alternative sources as a way of relieving increasing licence costs. 7
I stand for: • wise use of our most important asset, water. Ensuring there is enough clean water to sustain New Zealanders for recreation and health and economically. • enhancement of our relationship with the rural community, recognising that they are potentially our greatest ally in the protection of habitats and access. • a correction of the misinterpretation in the law that allows commercial interests to close off public access to, and potentially capture exclusively, publicly owned resources. • a need to encourage increased participation in hunting and angling without watering down the core values and ethics that have traditionally guided hunters and anglers.
JILLETT John B
Dunedin/North Coast
I have been on the Otago Fish and Game Council since 1990, as chairman 1999-2007. I am also a trustee of the Clutha Fisheries Trust as nominee of the NZ Fish and Game Council. I see habitat protection, access, and water flow rates and quality as continuing primary issues. Water quality continues to deteriorate despite the efforts of the Otago Regional Council. Intensification of agriculture, often at inappropriate locations, is seriously affecting water-based recreational opportunities. Other issues include negotiation of assured access, further development of the backcountry fisheries regime, progress towards introduction of a Guides’ licence and the further protection of the Nevis River. I strongly favour the maintenance of a wide spectrum of recreational opportunity and believe the time is right to review the fishing licence regime. Those who fish far and wide, overseas tourists, for example, should pay more than anglers who operate only locally. Complicated or restrictive regulations should be avoided. While catch-and-release practices need to be encouraged, they need not be further controlled by regulations. My fishing experience has mainly been of Otago and Southland waters for over 40 years since coming to Dunedin to work at the University of Otago. My area of professional scientific expertise is aquatic biology and ecology, including zooplankton, coastal hydrology, fisheries, crustacean biology and environmental monitoring. In 1997 I was made an ONZM for services to marine biology.
MAGUIRE Harvey
Lakes
I have resided in Queenstown since 1970. I have already spent several terms on the Otago F&G Council. Having been approached by several licence holders, I have decided to throw my hat in the ring once again to serve the 8
local angling community. I have a keen interest in seeing that the decline in the Wakatipu fisheries, both lakes and rivers, is addressed. As you all probably know I am a long standing trout fishing guide and have been able to observe the fishery over a long number of years and can see where the work needs to be done. Cavalierly adjusting the District Anglers Notice without carrying out appropriate serious research or user group consultation is courting disaster. I look forward if elected to working with you all. Good luck for the new season.
MCINTYRE Adrian
Clutha
50 years old father, farmer, ecologist and dedicated outdoors man. West Otago farming is a sixth generation business shared by my wife, Lesley McIntyre and our children, Kirsten, (22 yrs), and Adam (20 yrs.) Hunting and fishing is a sixth generation passion shared by my family members. With great local hunting and fishing opportunities I see this role as an opportunity to contribute toward the future direction and governance of Fish and Game. I have a strong interest in game bird shooting and the family have developed an ecology and wetland project that has seen approximately 10 hectares of wetlands developed and managed. I have served two terms on the Council and I am currently a member of the Executive Committee. I am also a Trustee on the Game Bird Habitat Trust, the organisation that makes grants towards game bird habitat development using funds from duck stamps. Key opportunities and issues for me include: 1. Promoting outdoor opportunities in fishing and hunting to the next generation of young people. 2. Continuing to allow use of lead in 20 gauge and 410 shotguns to encourage young hunters into our sport. 3. Balancing the books to increase the focus on wetland retention whilst keeping licence prices affordable to the average New Zealand family. 4. Increasing the licence fees for non-residents to reflect the differential in heritage investment made by New Zealanders. 5. Keeping our rivers clean and clear and safe from the power companies. 6. Keeping all effluent out of our rivers.
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NATTA Robert
Dunedin/North Coast
Hi, my name is Robert Natta and I wish to stand for the Otago Fish and Game Council. I have been a keen fly fisherman for over 40 years and a fish and game voluntary ranger for nine years. I am a member and have been Past President of the Otago Anglers Association. I fish all around the Otago area and over the years have seen a lot of changes to our rivers and lakes, some good and some not so good. The fishing in the Otago area is great but we need to do a lot more for this fishery to survive. I look forward to your vote.
NEILSON Sean
Clutha
I have been a fisherman for the past twenty one years (since I was two) and a hunter for the past sixteen. I am passionate about all forms of hunting and fishing. I believe in protecting and enhancing the habitat of fish and game so future generations can enjoy the recreational opportunities that we can enjoy now. I live in Woodside which is on the Taieri plains near Outram. I am twenty three years old and have a two year old daughter who is in the process of being introduced to spin fishing (she caught her first trout in September). I am currently doing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Otago, majoring in politics. I am standing for election because I want to ensure that future generations can enjoy hunting and fishing in the same or better environment that we currently enjoy. I want to ensure access remains for hunting and fishing. I believe that the Otago Fish and Game Council have a need to enhance its relationship with the rural community and I believe I can help with this process, being a country boy myself. If elected I will be an advocate on the behalf of licence holders and will endeavour to bring their concerns to the attention of the council. I will also have an emphasis on the protection of habitat for our fish and game resources.
RAE Daniel
Central Otago
I am currently an executive member of Otago Fish and Game Council and also Chair of the Clutha Fisheries Trust. I am a keen angler and game bird hunter, particularly quail hunting. My wife and I live at Bannockburn. We used to farm in the Teviot area bordering Lake Onslow. The threats to our fish and game resources are numerous and include pollution, water abstraction, habitat loss via wetland development. Pollution is an ongoing problem and the current push to 10
expand dairy farming into areas of lighter soils, I see as a major potential contributor to pollution and pressure on fresh water resources. I await with considerable interest the outcome of the Environment Court appeal regarding the Nevis River. The effort to save our last free flowing river in Central Otago has been huge for both Otago F&G and the Clutha Fisheries Trust. Public access is also high on my agenda. I am currently involved with discussions regarding two unformed legal roads within the QLDC both of which are important for recreation access. It is a pleasure to work within Fish and Game managing some of the best angling and hunting resources in NZ. I would appreciate your support to continue in this role.
TURNER Mike (Dr)
Lakes
In 1973 I came to live and fish in New Zealand from Scotland where Game was strictly preserved for those with money and privilege. New Zealand was indeed paradise, with freedom to fish, hunt and roam for all at a small licence fee. In the intervening years I have seen many changes, with the priceless resource and environment under pressure from many directions. Hydro-electricity, with both major and minor schemes completed or proposed. Commercial exploitation of rivers for tourism, jet boating. Guided angling with helicopter exploitation of the back country. I would like to see affordable licences for Otago residents as well as the introduction of an overseas and Guide licence. New guidelines for measurement and management of pollutants and sediment have been gazetted by the Otago Regional Council (ORC). Hopefully this will reverse the decline in water quality. I have published and talked on the deteriorating health of the Waipahi River as an example of the decline of an iconic lowland river. Reclassification of wetlands and associated game bird species by the ORC is a new concern. This poses a threat to wetland habitat and associated game birds. I would like to see more wetland development as wetlands are vital for watercourses and game bird populations. Fish and Game represents the interests of fishermen and hunters. I am an elected Fish and Game Councillor and would like to continue working with Fish and Game in the campaign for healthy, sustainable conditions for fishermen and hunters.
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WHYTE Vicky
Central Otago
The Teviot Valley – Roxburgh is where you will find me! My interests include: St John, Teviot Angling Club, Womens Institute and Roxburgh Raiders Ice Hockey Team. Central Otago is definitely the place to be! Spectacular lakes, high country and great wild rivers – we have some of the best fish and game in the country. What more could anyone want? Well actually now that you ask – • let’s improve our waterways – say no to pollutants. Keep them clean, clear and safe to drink. • habitat protection – for all our fish and game • lakes and rivers – abundant with water life – trout/ salmon etc • access – building good relationships with landowners is vital • licences – keep them affordable! Structure them using common sense. Keep licence holders informed on what and where monies are spent. Is our passion becoming a sport for the elite? My first term on the council has indeed been interesting, educational and challenging! I can honestly say when I walk into a council meeting I am there for you the licence holders, and our future generations. We need to work together so we can all enjoy and appreciate what is in our own backyard!
WITHEROW Dave
Dunedin/North Coast
If re-elected I will continue to work for the protection of the various habitats that our fish and game species depend upon. If we lose these we have no resource. The threats to these habitats are the familiar ones of hydro-damming, water abstraction, land modification, and pollution. The threat from hydro has diminished somewhat, due to the continuing recession. Contact energy has withdrawn entirely from the Clutha, and other large projects are being mothballed. In the Nevis, however, Pioneer Energy persists with its superfluous and destructive proposal. There are unsustainable projections for the expansion of irrigation throughout the country, and I believe that maintaining the quality of our fisheries in the face of this potential expansion will be one of Otago Fish and Game’s main challenges over the next decade or so. Water quality continues to decline in many catchments, despite occasional prosecutions by the Otago Regional Council. This is unacceptable, and I believe that Fish and Game must hold the Regional Council responsible for its demonstrated shortcomings in this area. 12
Apart from environmental matters I have long been concerned about the ever-escalating cost of our fishing licences. The whole-season licence, in particular, is much too expensive for many anglers who many only get out half-adozen times in the season, and I will continue to push for licenses that more realistically reflect the needs of individual anglers. I am also convinced that a family licence for hunting is long overdue.
WRIGHT Monty
Dunedin/North Coast
We are incredibly lucky to live in a region as diverse as Otago. I have lived in Dunedin all my life, enjoying the unique game bird hunting and fishing that we have our region. I am stand for my fourth term as a councillor and have also served on the Executive and as your Chairman for the last three years. I worked for 26 years as a Fish and Game officer throughout the entire Otago region. This has given me hands-on experience at working with all sections of the community to protect and enhance our environment. Over this time I have built up an extensive knowledge of water resources and wish to continue to use this knowledge to assist in managing Otago’s natural resources for the game bird hunters and anglers into the future. Issue that currently face us are maintaining fish and game stocks, water quality, water quantity, and access and wetland protection. All these need to be tackled effectively, to make our future both productive and safe. We have to think today for the future. My determination is to protect all these for not only you and I, but also our children and grandchildren for all our use. With my environmental experience, ability to communicate and commitment, I am sure I can do a good job for you and our sport.
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