Nelson, New Zealand
Local media in the South Island City of Nelson, New Zealand, report that local deer hunters have donated over one tonne of venison to local food charities in under eighteen months.
The local New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) branch organises the program. SSAA and NZDA have a longstanding affiliation.
Between August 2022 and December 2023, 1.079 tonnes of wild venison was processed into sausages, patties, and mince by Richmond’s Meat Solutions and distributed to Nelson Community Food Bank and Kai Rescue, who in turn distributed the venison products to more than 60 community groups.
NZDA Nelson Committee Member David Haynes spoke of the success of the program. “We’re pretty stoked and a bit surprised by how successful it’s been; it’s taken on a life of its own. Hunters are more than happy to donate, and the food banks are equally stoked,” David said. “Every time we rock up at the food banks, they’re very grateful, and they make it very clear how thankful they are to us, which is wonderful.”
Donating game meat to food charities in New Zealand happens with the help of the government and regulators, with the Food Safety Authority of the Ministry of Primary Industries providing support and assistance in ensuring all hygiene and safety protocols are applied.
In November last year, SSAA Victoria supported a motion by Jeff Bourman MP to establish a pilot ‘Hunters for the Hungry’ program for Victoria. That included SSAA Victoria hosting a game meat barbecue in Parliament House for over 100 MPs and VIPs. In recent months, SSAA Victoria has been actively advocating to the Government for a trial to proceed.
