Our reference: qA124019
Enquiries to
: [Southland Regional Council request email] 29 April 2026
Liam White
[FYI request #34322 email] Dear Liam
Official Information Request for Fiordland Moose presence in Fiordland National Park (FNP)
I refer to your official information request dated 31 March 2026 for Fiordland Moose –
sightings and advice:
“I request the following information regarding the potential continued presence of
Moose / Elk (A. alces) in Fiordland National Park, held by Southland Regional
Council.
Since 1995:
•
Reports of moose sightings from members of the public.
•
Any advice to Council on the presence of moose in the Fiordland National Park.
•
Any other information that would be relevant to determine the current status
and history of moose in the Fiordland National Park.
•
The official position of Southland Regional Council on the "Fiordland moose
question".
We have granted your request in full, and the information you have requested is below.
Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council):
• has no record of moose reports from members of the public
• has provided no advice to Council regarding the presence of moose in Fiordland National
Park
• holds no additional information relevant to the status of moose in Fiordland National Park
• holds no official position on moose.
By way of context, Moose are considered a Crown land issue, which comes under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation, and they are not included in th
e Southland
Regional Pest Management Plan, which the Council is responsible for.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact the organisation at
[Southland Regional Council request email]
Yours sincerely
Lucy Hicks
General Manager Integrated Catchment Management
