Key Takeaways:
- Residents in Whanganui are concerned about the growing deer population in the area, which is causing damage to private properties and posing a risk to road users.
- The Department of Conservation (DoC), Whanganui District Council, and Horizons Regional Council have stated that they are not responsible for managing deer on private land.
- Residents are being advised to contact local hunting clubs or consider using deterrents such as electric fencing or dogs to control the deer population.
- Horizons Regional Council is scheduled to review the Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) in 2027, which may provide an opportunity for deer to be deemed pests and for the council to take action.
- The review process will involve seeking community views and feedback, with information available on the Horizons website and through email.
Introduction to the Issue
The issue of deer roaming on private properties in Whanganui has become a growing concern for residents, with many feeling that something needs to be done to address the problem. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration that she should not have to pay to keep the deer out of her property. The Whanganui District Council, Horizons Regional Council, and Department of Conservation (DoC) have all stated that they are not responsible for managing deer on private land, leaving residents to find their own solutions.
Department of Conservation’s Response
The DoC’s acting wild animals manager, Mark Ryan, acknowledged that the department is aware of the ongoing deer issue in Whanganui. However, he stated that under the Wild Animal Control Act 1977, the DoC is only responsible for managing populations of wild animals on public conservation land. As the deer are spreading from private farmland, the DoC does not have the authority to enter private land without the landowner’s permission, except in high-priority areas. Ryan recommended that residents contact local hunting clubs, such as the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Whanganui Branch, for assistance in controlling deer on their property.
Whanganui District Council’s Role
The Whanganui District Council’s regulatory and compliance operations manager, Jason Shailer, stated that the animal management team only responds to reports of wild deer if they are creating a traffic hazard. The council works with police to reduce risks to road users, but managing wild deer on private property is outside the council’s jurisdiction. This means that residents are largely on their own when it comes to dealing with deer on their properties.
Horizons Regional Council’s Position
Horizons’ animal pests team leader, Daniel Hurley, stated that the regional council does not have the authority to deal with deer on private land because deer are not included in the Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP). Controlling deer is up to individual landowners or occupiers, and Horizons has not been made aware of any instances or reports about the deer. However, Horizons is scheduled to review the RPMP in 2027, which may provide an opportunity for deer to be deemed pests and for the council to take action.
Residents’ Concerns and Experiences
Residents such as Richard Thompson and Ben O’Leary have expressed concerns about the deer population in Whanganui. Thompson has requested that Horizons schedule deer as a pest in Whanganui so that the council can undertake pest control. He has experienced damage to his private gardens and forest, and believes that the deer are eating out palatable species and preventing native plants from growing. O’Leary, on the other hand, does not mind the deer and enjoys seeing them, but understands why some residents are concerned.
Potential Solutions and Next Steps
Arathoon acknowledged that some residents do not mind the deer, but emphasized that the issue needs to be addressed. She noted that possums were once considered cute, but are now recognized as a pest. Horizons is currently in the discussion document phase of the RPMP review and is seeking community views on the issues and options. Residents can provide feedback and queries through the Horizons website or by email. The review process may provide an opportunity for deer to be deemed pests and for the council to take action to address the issue. In the meantime, residents are being advised to consider using deterrents such as electric fencing or dogs, or contacting local hunting clubs for assistance in controlling the deer population.