The board which oversees Te Urewera in the Bay of Plenty says it is reviewing hunting permits to create a more efficient system.
Tamati Kruger. Photo: RNZ
As of July, Te Urewera National Park became a new legal entity governed by a board of Ngai Tuhoe and Crown appointees
The board's chair, Tamati Kruger, said all current permits are on hold and no new ones will be approved while it considers changes to how permission is given.
Mr Kruger said the review is about improving health and safety issues and making it a more efficient system and more equal for everyone.
This would also benefit the environment and biodiversity of Te Urewera, he said. The new process would include more protections, such as using information from microchips in pets to track lost hunting dogs.
Minister of Maori Development, Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell, said Tuhoe has not stopped hunters accessing Te Urewera indefinitely.
He said they are making sure there is strong protection for the forest and getting a better idea of how they it is used.
Mr Flavell said Tuhoe is still ensuring there is some recreational access to their rohe by letting walkers in while the permits are reviewed.
The board aims to complete the review by the end of this year.
