Moving Fish & Game into the modern world

THE switch from working with farmers to an organisation managing fish and game was not as daunting for Corina Jordan as it may appear.

The chief executive of the New Zealand Fish & Game Council, Jordan previously worked for the organisation before joining at Beef + Lamb NZ in policy and strategy roles.

She says the same values, passion and connection to the environment and communities evident among farmers are apparent in those she deals with in her new role.

As with those working in agriculture, Jordan says, Fish & Game staff use science, policy and professionalism to manage the environment for the betterment of the fish and hunting resource.

That commonality provides Jordan with a foundation on which to repair the strained relationship between landowners and the Fish & Game Council that took root under the previous administration.

She has two immediate challenges: restructuring the organisation and establishing better connections with landowners.

Former conservation minister Eugenie Sage commissioned a wide-ranging review of the governance of the organisation, which sits within the conservation portfolio.

The review panel concluded government appointees and iwi representatives with voting rights should sit on both national and regional Fish & Game Councils, and the number of regional entities should be reduced by amalgamations.

It was not popular.

Sage’s successor, Kiritapu Allan, announced in August 2021 that legislation implementing those changes would not be introduced, effectively parking the issue, at least until after the election.

Jordan says that, as part of its new strategy, the council intends enacting recommendations that do not require government legislation.

This will be the first strategy in the 30 years since Fish & Game was created out of the old acclimatisation societies.

“It will move Fish & Game into the modern world and ensure it remains a relevant organisation,” says Jordan.

Forced amalgamation of regions would require a change to legislation, so will not occur.

Two regions have signalled their intention to work together on operational matters.

A ground-up approach to implementing strategy fits Jordan’s management philosophy as it enables buy-in from staff and licence holders.

The aim of this strategy is to create a more efficient organisation with a clear focus on promoting hunting and fishing as a popular, healthy and sustainable activity and source of protein.

It also aims to enhance the social licence and expand the demography and interest of women in hunting and fishing.

This is occurring at a time when, Jordan says, society is starting to question hunting and fishing values despite these being important activities for many people and readily available sources of food that “resonate with many communities”.

Jordan is enthusiastic about the National Party having created a hunting and fishing portfolio. Todd McClay has been appointed as its spokesperson.

She considers this an important step given what she sees as moves by policymakers to no longer recognise hunting and fishing values.

For example, proposed changes to the Wildlife Act would have stripped legislative acknowledgment of introduced species of game.

“We are seeing a policy shift in those values from politicians and policy makers with the ability to write those values out of legislation,” Jordan says.

The other task facing Jordan is for the organisation to have a better relationship with rural communities and landowners, and she intends to lean on her experience with BLNZ and the way the organisation nurtures relationships and connections with farmers.

Jordan also wants to end what she sees as a “them and us” approach between Fish & Game and landowners.

“Success will come from us working together and realising that we have the same values,” she says.

“We see room for us to naturally work together because we have aligned value sets.

“I’m not sure why it hasn’t happened before.”

She concedes it will take time to heal that divide, but says catchment groups provide an opportunity and vehicle, and she wants to champion their work to the wider public.

“They are a cornerstone of success for conservation, hunting and fishing and resource management.”

Fish & Game staff can contribute to these groups with expertise in habitat and wetland management and restoration, along with some funding.

The organisation has areas of common interest with the primary sector in afforestation and climate change, along with common concerns about proposed changes to the Resource Management Act.

That does not mean Fish & Game will not talk publicly about environmental issues or concerns.

“We will talk pointedly on an issue rather than tar everyone with the same brush,” she says.

Jordan spent the first eight years of her career in animal health and research before joining Fish & Game and working in environmental management from 2008-16.

Five years at BLNZ followed before her current appointment.

Fish & Game has about 150,000 licence holders, a significant and influential number of people.

Jordan is enhancing its clout through working with the Big Game Council on areas of mutual interest.

Keen on the outdoors, she has interests in horse riding, working with dogs, tramping and scuba diving.

She is also interested in art and dancing, and is a qualified jazz and ballet teacher, having competed nationally and internationally.

The owner of two horses, Jordan runs sheep and cattle on a lifestyle property at Waituna West in the Rangitīkei region, working from home when she does not have to travel.