Tim Gale, General Manager of the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) is stepping away from the role at the end of January 2025.

“I’m incredibly proud to have spent the last five years working alongside some amazing people both within and outside of the hunting sector,” says Gale.

“The growth of the sector has been phenomenal during this time. This growth can be credited not only to hunter sector groups and organisations, but all hunters, their families and their networks.”

“Hunters provide so much value. They contribute to significant conservation projects, donate tonnes of high-quality wild venison meat to communities in need, help manage game animal populations and boost the economy through hunting activities.

“Hunters all over the country can be proud of the part they play in looking after our backcountry, showcasing the value of game animals and the importance of hunting to the social fabric of New Zealand.”

Gale is thankful to everyone he’s worked with over the last five years and looks forward to seeing the continued progress of the GAC, quality game animal management and hunting in New Zealand.

GAC Chair Grant Dodson says that the hunting sector is in a great place and it’s a good time for someone else to take on the GAC’s operational leadership role, to bring new skills and expertise to the organisation and wider sector.

“We have New Zealand’s first Minister for Hunting and Fishing. We have strength, unity, growth and strong relationships both within and outside the sector. All these things combined means it’s an exciting time to be a hunter in New Zealand and work in the hunting and game animal management sector,” Dodson says.

“We're at a time when the first Herds of Special Interest are being explored, when game animals are considered valued introduced species, and when hunting and fishing are being embedded in the political landscape of New Zealand. It’s all very exciting.”

A job description for the GAC’s Chief Executive Officer role will be available soon.

The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working towards the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.