Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2024
Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2024: revoked, on 1 October 2025, by clause 19 of the Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2025 (SL 2025/177).
Version as at 1 October 2025
Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2024
(SL 2024/167)
Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2024: revoked, on 1 October 2025, by clause 19 of the Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2025 (SL 2025/177).
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This notice is administered by the Department of Conservation.
This notice is made by the Minister of Conservation under section 48A(2A) of the Conservation Act 1987.
Contents
Notice
1 Title
This notice is the Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2024.
2 Commencement
This notice comes into force on 1 October 2024.
3 Interpretation
In this notice, unless the context otherwise requires,—
adult means a person aged 18 years or over on 1 October 2024
child means a person aged under 12 years on 1 October 2024
Clinton River controlled fishery means the Clinton River catchment upstream from Lake Te Anau to Prairie Flat at NZTopo50/CB08 9045 2047
controlled fishery means any of the following:
(a)
the Clinton River controlled fishery:
(b)
the Ettrick Burn controlled fishery:
(c)
the Greenstone River controlled fishery:
(d)
the Hurunui River North Branch controlled fishery:
(e)
the Hurunui River South Branch controlled fishery:
(f)
the Ōhau River controlled fishery:
(g)
the Worsley River controlled fishery
controlled period means,—
(a)
in relation to the Greenstone River controlled fishery, the period beginning on 1 February 2025 and ending on 31 March 2025:
(b)
in relation to the Hurunui River North Branch controlled fishery and the Hurunui River South Branch controlled fishery, the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 April 2025:
(c)
in relation to the Ōhau River controlled fishery, the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 4 November 2024 and the period beginning on 6 September 2025 and ending on 30 September 2025:
(d)
in relation to the Clinton River controlled fishery, the Ettrick Burn controlled fishery, and the Worsley River controlled fishery, the period beginning on 1 November 2024 and ending on 31 May 2025
controlled-period licence means a licence that entitles the following people to fish for sports fish in a controlled fishery during a controlled period, but only during the period, and on the reach, specified in the licence:
(a)
the holder of the licence; and
(b)
eligible family members; and
(c)
in the Greenstone River controlled fishery, 1 or more anglers accompanying the holder who are named in the controlled-period licence in accordance with clause 18(5)(b), and who hold a standard whole-season licence, a family whole-season licence, a loyal senior whole-season licence, or a local area whole-season licence for the region that includes the Greenstone River fishery; and
(d)
in each of the other 6 controlled fisheries, 1 or more anglers accompanying the holder who are named in the controlled-period licence in accordance with clause 18(5)(b), and who hold a standard whole-season licence, a family whole-season licence, a loyal senior whole-season licence, or a local area whole-season licence for the region that includes that controlled fishery, as long as the total size of the group (including the holder and any eligible family members) does not exceed 4
designated waters day licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish for sports fish during the day specified in the licence in all designated waters fisheries situated in the region of the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence, except in a controlled fishery during a controlled period
designated waters fishery means any of the following:
(a)
the Dingle Burn fishery:
(b)
the Greenstone River fishery:
(c)
the Hunter River fishery:
(d)
the Hurunui River North Branch controlled fishery:
(e)
the Hurunui River South Branch controlled fishery:
(f)
the Karamea River fishery:
(g)
the Lewis Pass fishery:
(h)
the Lochy River fishery:
(i)
the Mātakitaki River fishery:
(j)
the Mokihinui River fishery:
(k)
the Nevis River fishery:
(l)
the Ōreti River fishery:
(m)
the Pomahaka River fishery:
(n)
the Rangitīkei River fishery:
(o)
the Travers River fishery:
(p)
the Waiau Uwha River fishery:
(q)
the Wairau River fishery:
(r)
the Wilkin River fishery:
(s)
the Young River fishery
designated waters season licence means a licence that entitles the holder and eligible family members to fish for sports fish in the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 September 2025 in all designated waters fisheries situated in the region of the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence, except in a controlled fishery during a controlled period
Dingle Burn fishery means the Dingle Burn upstream of the bridge on the Dingle Burn Station access road
eligible family member, in relation to a licence, means any of the following who are named in the licence in accordance with clause 18(3), (4), or (5)(a):
(a)
the partner of the licence holder, if accompanying the holder or another eligible family member:
(b)
a child or junior, if accompanying the holder or named partner
Ettrick Burn controlled fishery means the Ettrick Burn from Lake Te Anau to the upstream limit of Log Cabin Slip at NZTopo50/CC07 796753
family whole-season licence means a licence that entitles the holder and eligible family members to fish in all regions for sports fish in the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 September 2025, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
Fish and Game Council has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Conservation Act 1987
Greenstone River controlled fishery means the Greenstone river catchment upstream of the confluence with Sly Burn
Greenstone River fishery means the Greenstone River catchment, namely—
(a)
the Greenstone River upstream of the swing bridge at the carpark at the end of Greenstone Station Road; and
(b)
all tributary streams flowing into the Greenstone River, including the Caples River
Hunter River fishery means the Hunter River catchment upstream from the river’s mouth where the river enters Lake Hāwea
Hurunui River North Branch controlled fishery means the Hurunui River North Branch catchment upstream of the signposts at NZTopo50/BU22 3088 7229
Hurunui River South Branch controlled fishery means the Hurunui River South Branch catchment upstream of the confluence with the North Esk River
junior means a person aged 12 years or older, but under 18 years, on 1 October 2024
Karamea fishery means the Karamea catchment upstream of the confluence with the Kākāpō River
Lewis Pass fishery means the Hope River catchment upstream of the State Highway 7 bridge across the Hope River
local area whole-season licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish for sports fish in the region of the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence in the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 September 2025, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
Lochy River fishery means the Lochy River catchment upstream of the confluence with Disputed Creek
long-break licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish for sports fish in all regions for a continuous 9-day period specified in the licence, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
loyal senior means a person who, on 1 October 2024,—
(a)
is aged 65 years or older; and
(b)
has for the last 5 years held a standard whole-season licence, a family whole-season licence, or a loyal senior whole-season licence
loyal senior whole-season licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish in all regions for sports fish in the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 September 2025, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
Mātakitaki fishery means the upper Mātakitaki River and its tributaries upstream from the Horse Terrace bridge
Mokihinui fishery means the Mokihinui catchment upstream of the confluence with the Rough and Tumble Creek
Nevis River fishery means the Nevis River catchment upstream of the confluence with the Kawarau River
non-resident means an individual who, on 1 October 2024, is not a resident
Ōhau River controlled fishery means the Ōhau River from Lake Ruataniwha to Lake Ōhau
Ōreti River fishery means the Ōreti River and its tributaries upstream of the State Highway 97 bridge
partner means a spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner
Pomahaka River fishery means the Pomahaka River catchment upstream of the Hukarere Station bridge on Hukarere Station Road
Rangitīkei River fishery means the upper Rangitīkei River and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with the Ohinewaione Stream
region means the region of a Fish and Game Council
resident means an individual who, on 1 October 2024,—
(a)
is a New Zealand citizen; or
(b)
ordinarily resides in New Zealand
sea-run salmon licence means a licence that entitles the holder and eligible family members to fish for salmon in sea-run salmon waters during the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 September 2025
sea-run salmon waters means the following waters:
(a)
in the Central South Island Fish and Game Region,—
(i)
the Ashburton River/Hakatere:
(ii)
Bells Pond (the Waitaki River irrigation pond at Ross Road):
(iii)
Bortons Pond (the Waitaki River irrigation pond at Black Point, State Highway 83):
(iv)
Deep Creek (a tributary of the upper Rangitata River):
(v)
Deep Stream (a tributary of the upper Rangitata River):
(vi)
the Hakataramea River:
(vii)
the Hinds River:
(viii)
the Kakanui River:
(ix)
the Maerewhenua River:
(x)
Ohapi Creek:
(xi)
the Ōpihi River:
(xii)
the Opuha River and tributaries:
(xiii)
the Orari River and tributaries:
(xiv)
the Pareora River:
(xv)
the Rangitata Diversion Race upstream of the Rakaia River Road bridge:
(xvi)
the Rangitata River and tributaries:
(xvii)
Te Ana-a-Wai (Tengawai) River and tributaries:
(xviii)
the Temuka River and tributaries:
(xix)
the Waihao River:
(xx)
the Waihī River and tributaries:
(xxi)
the Waitaki River:
(b)
in the North Canterbury Fish and Game Region,—
(i)
the Ashley River downstream of Ashley Gorge Road:
(ii)
the Avon River downstream of the Barbadoes Street bridge:
(iii)
the Cam River/Ruataniwha from the Kaiapoi River confluence to the Smith Street bridge:
(iv)
the Heathcote River downstream of the Colombo Street bridge:
(v)
the Hurunui River below the South Branch confluence:
(vi)
the Kaiapoi River downstream of the confluence of the Cust Main Drain:
(vii)
Lee Stream:
(viii)
the Rakaia River downstream of the Coleridge Tailrace confluence:
(ix)
Saltwater Creek:
(x)
Tentburn Outfall:
(xi)
the Waiau Uwha River downstream of the Hope River confluence:
(xii)
the Waimakariri River downstream of the Staircase Stream confluence
short-break licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish in all regions for sports fish for a continuous 3-day period specified in the licence, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
standard day licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish in all regions for sports fish during the 24-hour period specified in the licence, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
standard whole-season licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish for sports fish in all regions in the period beginning on 1 October 2024 and ending on 30 September 2025, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
Taupō District means the district described in the Schedule of the Taupo District Order 1983
Travers River fishery means the Travers River catchment upstream of Lake Rotoiti
Waiau Uwha River fishery means the Waiau Uwha River catchment upstream of the confluence with the Hope River
Wairau fishery means the upper Wairau River and its tributaries (but excluding Fish Lake) upstream from Six Mile Creek (near end of tarseal road below Rainbow Skifield)
Wilkin River fishery means the Wilkin River catchment upstream from the confluence with the Makarora River
winter licence means a licence that entitles the holder to fish for sports fish in all regions in the period beginning on 1 April 2025 and ending on 30 September 2025, except in—
(a)
the Taupō District:
(b)
designated waters fisheries:
(c)
controlled fisheries during a controlled period:
(d)
sea-run salmon waters if fishing for salmon
Worsley River controlled fishery means the Worsley River catchment upstream from the confluence with Lake Te Anau
Young River fishery means the Young River catchment upstream from the confluence with the Makarora River.
Eligibility for sports fish licences, classes of licences, and fees
4 Licences issued by Fish and Game Councils
(1)
Every Fish and Game Council may issue the following licences in accordance with clauses 5 to 12:
(a)
standard whole-season licences:
(b)
family whole-season licences:
(c)
loyal senior whole-season licences:
(d)
local area whole-season licences:
(e)
standard day licences:
(f)
short-break licences:
(g)
long-break licences:
(h)
winter licences.
(2)
Each of the following Fish and Game Councils may issue designated waters season licences, and designated waters day licences, for its own region in accordance with clauses 13 and 14:
(a)
the Central South Island Fish and Game Council:
(b)
the Nelson/Marlborough Fish and Game Council:
(c)
the North Canterbury Fish and Game Council:
(d)
the Otago Fish and Game Council:
(e)
the Southland Fish and Game Council:
(f)
the Wellington Fish and Game Council:
(g)
the West Coast Fish and Game Council.
(3)
Each of the following Fish and Game Councils may issue controlled-period licences for its own region in accordance with clause 15:
(a)
the Central South Island Fish and Game Council:
(b)
the North Canterbury Fish and Game Council:
(c)
the Otago Fish and Game Council:
(d)
the Southland Fish and Game Council.
(4)
Each of the following Fish and Game Councils may issue sea-run salmon licences in accordance with clause 16:
(a)
the Central South Island Fish and Game Council:
(b)
the North Canterbury Fish and Game Council.
5 Standard whole-season licence
(1)
A resident who is an adult or a junior may obtain a standard whole-season licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
(2)
A resident who is a child may obtain a standard whole-season licence from a Fish and Game Council without payment, as indicated in the Schedule.
(3)
A non-resident may obtain a standard whole-season licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
6 Family whole-season licence
A resident who is an adult may obtain a family whole-season licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
7 Loyal senior whole-season licence
A resident who is a loyal senior may obtain a loyal senior whole-season licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
8 Local area whole-season licence
A resident who is an adult may obtain a local area whole-season licence from a Fish and Game Council for that Council’s region on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
9 Standard day licence
(1)
A resident who is an adult or a junior may obtain a standard day licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
(2)
A resident who is a child may obtain a standard day licence from a Fish and Game Council without payment, as indicated in the Schedule.
(3)
A non-resident may obtain a standard day licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
10 Short-break licence
A resident who is an adult may obtain a short-break licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
11 Long-break licence
A resident who is an adult may obtain a long-break licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
12 Winter licence
A resident who is an adult may obtain a winter licence from a Fish and Game Council on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
13 Designated waters season licence
(1)
The following people may obtain a designated waters season licence from a Fish and Game Council referred to in clause 4(2) for that Council’s region on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule:
(a)
a resident who holds a local area whole-season licence for that region:
(b)
a resident who holds a standard whole-season licence, a family whole-season licence, or a loyal senior whole-season licence:
(c)
the partner of the holder of a family whole-season licence.
(2)
A designated waters season licence obtained by the partner of the holder of a family whole-season licence must be issued in the name of the holder of the family whole-season licence (who is, accordingly, the holder of the designated waters season licence).
(3)
A person entitled to fish in a designated waters fishery under a designated waters season licence must, when requested by the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence, provide to the Council information on the use of any part of the designated waters fishery by that person and any angler accompanying that person.
14 Designated waters day licence
(1)
A non-resident who holds a standard whole-season licence may obtain a designated waters day licence from a Fish and Game Council referred to in clause 4(2) for that Council’s region on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
(2)
However, a Fish and Game Council must not issue more than 5 designated waters day licences for its region to the same person.
(3)
A person entitled to fish in a designated waters fishery under a designated waters day licence must, when requested by the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence, provide to the Council information on the use of any part of the designated waters fishery by that person and any angler accompanying that person.
15 Controlled-period licence
(1)
The following people may, on application, obtain a controlled-period licence from a Fish and Game Council referred to in clause 4(3) for a controlled fishery situated in that Council’s region:
(a)
the holder of a local area whole-season licence for that region:
(b)
the holder of a standard whole-season licence, a family whole-season licence, or a loyal senior whole-season licence:
(c)
the partner of the holder of a family whole-season licence.
(2)
However, the Fish and Game Councils must not issue more than—
(a)
184 controlled-period licences for the Clinton River controlled fishery:
(b)
70 controlled-period licences for the Ettrick Burn controlled fishery:
(c)
180 controlled-period licences for the Greenstone River controlled fishery:
(d)
90 controlled-period licences for the Hurunui River North Branch controlled fishery:
(e)
90 controlled-period licences for the Hurunui River South Branch controlled fishery:
(f)
254 controlled-period licences for the Ōhau River controlled fishery:
(g)
92 controlled-period licences for the Worsley River controlled fishery.
(3)
The available controlled-period licences for the following controlled fisheries must be allocated according to the order in which applications are received:
(a)
the Ettrick Burn controlled fishery:
(b)
the Greenstone River controlled fishery:
(c)
the Hurunui River North Branch controlled fishery:
(d)
the Hurunui River South Branch controlled fishery.
(4)
The available controlled-period licences for any other controlled fishery must be allocated to applicants by ballot.
(5)
If a controlled fishery, or part of a controlled fishery, is also a designated waters fishery, a controlled-period licence is not valid for that controlled fishery or part during any period unless its holder also holds a designated waters season licence, or a designated waters day licence, for the designated waters fishery for that period.
(6)
A controlled-period licence obtained by the partner of the holder of a family whole-season licence must be issued in the name of the holder of the family whole-season licence (who is, accordingly, the holder of the controlled-period licence).
(7)
A person entitled to fish in a controlled fishery under a controlled-period licence must, when requested by the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence, provide to the Council information on the use of any part of the controlled fishery by that person and any angler accompanying that person.
(8)
No fee is payable for a controlled-period licence, as indicated in the Schedule.
16 Sea-run salmon licence
(1)
The following people may obtain a sea-run salmon licence from a Fish and Game Council referred to in clause 4(4) on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule:
(a)
the holder of a standard whole-season licence, a family whole-season licence, or a loyal senior whole-season licence:
(b)
the partner of the holder of a family whole-season licence.
(2)
The holder of a local area whole-season licence for the region of a Fish and Game Council referred to in clause 4(4) may obtain a sea-run salmon licence for sea-run salmon waters in that Council’s region on payment of the appropriate fee specified in the Schedule.
(3)
A sea-run salmon licence obtained by the partner of the holder of a family whole-season licence must be issued in the name of the holder of the family whole-season licence (who is, accordingly, the holder of the sea-run salmon licence).
(4)
A person entitled to fish in sea-run salmon waters under a sea-run salmon licence must, when requested by the Fish and Game Council that issued the licence, provide to the Council information on the use of any part of the sea-run salmon waters by that person and any angler accompanying that person.
17 Fees exclusive of GST
The fees specified in the Schedule are exclusive of goods and services tax.
Forms
18 Forms of licences
(1)
Every licence must be in writing and must specify—
(a)
the holder’s full name, postal address, phone number (if any), and date of birth:
(b)
the effect of the licence:
(c)
the time and date of issue:
(d)
the period during which the licence is valid:
(e)
whether the holder is an adult, a junior, or a child:
(f)
whether the holder is a resident or non-resident.
(2)
If the applicant applies to receive their licence in electronic form, the licence must also state that, by applying for the licence in electronic form, the applicant consented to its provision in that form in accordance with Part 4 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
(3)
A family whole-season licence must also specify the full names of 1 or more of the following family members of the holder:
(a)
the holder’s partner:
(b)
up to 4 children or juniors who are—
(i)
dependants of the holder, or of the holder’s partner, who ordinarily or periodically reside with them; or
(ii)
grandchildren of the holder or the holder’s partner.
(4)
A designated waters season licence or sea-run salmon licence issued to, or in the name of, the holder of a family whole-season licence must also specify the full names of family members that are specified in the family whole-season licence.
(5)
A controlled-period licence—
(a)
must, if issued to, or in the name of, the holder of a family whole-season licence, also specify the full names of family members that are specified in the family whole-season licence; and
(b)
may also specify the full names of up to 3 other individuals.
(6)
Each of the following licences must also specify the name of the region to which it applies:
(a)
a local area whole-season licence:
(b)
a designated waters season licence:
(c)
a designated waters day licence:
(d)
a sea-run salmon licence obtained under clause 16(2).
Revocation
19 Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2023 revoked
The Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2023 (SL 2023/197) is revoked.
Schedule Fees payable for sports fish licences
| Class of licence | Class of applicant | Fee (exclusive of GST) ($) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard whole-season licence (resident) | Adult | 135.65 | ||
| Junior | 26.96 | |||
| Child | No fee | |||
| Standard whole-season licence (non-resident) | Adult | 234.78 | ||
| Junior | 44.35 | |||
| Child | 44.35 | |||
| Family whole-season licence | Adult | 176.52 | ||
| Loyal senior whole-season licence | Loyal senior | 115.65 | ||
| Local area whole-season licence | Adult | 108.70 | ||
| Standard day licence (resident) | Adult | 21.74 | ||
| Junior | 5.22 | |||
| Child | No fee | |||
| Standard day licence (non-resident) | Adult | 33.04 | ||
| Junior | 20.00 | |||
| Child | 20.00 | |||
| Short-break licence | Adult | 48.70 | ||
| Long-break licence | Adult | 94.78 | ||
| Winter licence | Adult | 81.74 | ||
| Designated waters season licence | All classes | 4.35 | ||
| Designated waters day licence | All classes | 34.78 | ||
| Controlled-period licence | All classes | No fee | ||
| Sea-run salmon licence | All classes | 4.35 |
Dated at Wellington this 14th day of August 2024.
Hon Todd McClay,
Minister for Hunting and Fishing.
Explanatory note
This note is not part of the notice but is intended to indicate its general effect.
This notice, which comes into force on 1 October 2024, revokes and replaces the Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2023. This notice—
fixes the forms and classes of licences to fish for sports fish:
fixes the scope and effect of those classes of licence:
provides for licences issued by the Fish and Game Council of 1 region to also be valid in other regions (with some exceptions):
fixes the fees payable for the licences. Those fees have been set to recover the anticipated costs of management of the freshwater sports fish resource by Fish and Game New Zealand for the 2024 to 2025 season.
Date of notification in Gazette: 19 August 2024.
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2024 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2025 (SL 2025/177): clause 19