South Westland's deer overpopulation crisis sparks urgent calls for action

Rising deer numbers in South Westland have sparked urgent calls for action. At a recent West Coast Conservation Board meeting, members highlighted a sharp increase in wild deer, describing the situation as the worst in years. Concerns grew over the lack of immediate plans to tackle the problem.

Board member Rob Wilson raised the issue, pointing to growing public complaints about deer overpopulation. He stressed that locals wanted a say in how the population was managed. Wilson also questioned how the Department of Conservation (DOC) would fund control measures and whether enough resources were available.

Barry Wards, another board member, asked DOC's Mike Perry about immediate steps to reduce deer numbers in South Westland. Perry admitted there were no short-term plans, though he acknowledged the issue's complexity. He stopped short of outlining a concrete solution. The board called for greater public involvement in controlling deer populations. Meanwhile, discussions for a national deer management plan remain ongoing. Over the past five years, invasive species like deer and wild pigs have surged by 20–30% in national parks such as Tongariro and Fiordland. Current control methods include poison baits, traps, sharpshooters, and drone surveillance, with over 300,000 pigs culled annually since 2021.

The meeting ended with no immediate action plan, though DOC recognised the need for long-term solutions. Public pressure continues to grow for better funding and more effective deer control strategies. The board's next steps will depend on further discussions with conservation authorities.