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

Rising wild deer numbers in South Westland have sparked urgent calls for action at the latest West Coast Conservation Board meeting. Board members described the situation as the worst on record, pressing the Department of Conservation (DOC) for solutions.

Ngāi Tahu representative Rob Wilson highlighted growing complaints from locals about deer damage. Farmers reported losses to pasture and expressed unease about hunters on their land. Wilson questioned how DOC would fund control measures and what steps were needed to secure extra resources.

Board member Barry Wards asked if immediate action was planned, but DOC wild animals manager Mike Perry responded with a firm 'No'. Perry acknowledged the problem's complexity and stressed the need for a long-term national deer strategy. He also called for greater public involvement in managing the population.

Meanwhile, DOC pointed to progress in controlling other feral species. Between 2021 and 2025, wild boar numbers in regions like West Coast, Northland, and parts of the South Island dropped by 20-40%. On the West Coast alone, pig populations fell by 35%, from over 10,000 to around 6,500, thanks to DOC culls, TBfree aerial operations, and hunting efforts.

Wilson criticised the lack of urgency and pressed for clearer funding plans. Perry admitted that a mix of sources would be required but offered no immediate timeline for action.

The board's meeting ended with no short-term fixes but ongoing discussions for a national deer plan. Public cooperation remains key to addressing the issue, though funding and implementation details are still unresolved. Farmers and hunters in South Westland continue to face challenges from the growing deer population.