Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced four appointments to the Game Animal Council, including the selection of a new chair to lead the body from July.
Current council member Matt Clarke has been appointed Chair for a two-year term beginning on 1 July 2026, succeeding outgoing chair Grant Dodson. Meager said Clarke had already made a valuable contribution to the council and brought extensive governance and leadership experience, along with a strong background in hunting and the outdoor sector.
Joining the council as new members are Paula Bennett, Bruce McKenzie and Jim Goodall, while Callum Sheridan has been reappointed. All four member appointments will run for three years from 1 July 2026.
Meager said Bennett’s experience as a former Deputy Prime Minister and current chair of Pharmac would bring strong governance, public sector leadership and stakeholder engagement skills to the council. He said McKenzie offered significant expertise in conservation science, land management and ecological systems, while Goodall contributed extensive commercial and governance experience from the primary production and wild game sectors. Sheridan’s reappointment, he added, would provide continuity and ongoing hunting sector expertise through his involvement with the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association.
The Game Animal Council advises the minister on hunting-related matters and works alongside the Department of Conservation, hunters and landowners to promote safe and sustainable hunting while improving hunting opportunities across New Zealand.
Meager also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing chair Grant Dodson and departing members John Cook and Andrew Simpson, thanking them for their service to the council.
