Molesworth is an iconic, sprawling landscape where vast tussock basins, working farm heritage and wild game intersect. The Molesworth Game and Conservation Trust exists to ensure this unique environment thrives for generations to come.
We represent a pragmatic, ground-level approach to conservation: recognising that game animals are a valued backcountry resource that requires active, evidence-led management rather than neglect. By uniting recreational hunters, land managers and conservationists, the trust will work to maintain healthy herds, ecological stability and safeguard public access to this remarkable public asset
Game herds should be managed with purpose, respect, and science. We advocate for structured, hunter-led population management that prevents over-browsing, maintains herd genetics and health, and treats wild game as valued food and recreational resource rather than an afterthought
The health of the herds depends entirely on the health of the land. The Trust will promote weed and pest control, assisting where possible, vegetation monitoring and habitat protection in sensitive areas to ensure native flora and fauna flourish along well managed game animals
Molesworth belongs to everyday New Zealanders. We will actively defend equitable, low-barrier public access for foot hunters and trampers, support the upkeep of historic huts and track infrastructure, and promote traditional backcountry ethics and self-reliance
deliver to our charitable purposes through programs that -
support the development of evidence driven, adaptable, sustainable integrated management systems for game animals across Molesworth
assist in guiding the ethical management of specified game animal herds to maintain their long term viability, quality and availability as a readily accessible resource for recreational harvest
support efforts to secure, maintain and enhance public access and recreational opportunities
support education and research into public land management, game animal ecology and ethical hunting practices
raise and distribute funds, gather donations and hold assets in trust to finance community-led game animal management and control initiatives
establish lasting relationships with agencies both government and non-government who support our approach to community led management of Molesworth Recreation Reserve
Setting up the trust for success -
developing the building blocks of infrastructure ( website, social media, communications, document and data storage)
establishing connections with like minded individuals and organisations
engaging with local Department of Conservation staff and political leaders
working with visitors to the reserve to understand their needs and desires for the future and today
developing dialogue and presenting knowledge based options for management going forward
assisting with development of game management policies and practices
gathering information and recording new data on current usage of the reserve
