Ray Grubb of Wānaka has been elected the new New Zealand Fish and Game Council chairman, after Paul Shortis stepped down.

Grubb was the first Otago person to hold the position in 30 years.

Grubb said protecting the country's freshwater would be top of the agenda for him in the new role.

"We are trying to work with every group that is interested in high-quality freshwater - that would be my aim in doing this job,"

He said the next three years leading to the abolition of mining water rights in 2021 were likely the most important in our fishing history.

“I see the overwhelming priorities for Otago are; participation in negotiations for new consents for excellent water quality; and two, reviewing current resource consents to be sure they provide for high quality in-stream habitat and renegotiating those that do not. And three, Fish and Game developing its scientific knowledge as the key tool in water right consent negotiations

Although the organisation was tasked with managing trout, salmon and game birds in the country, Grubb said he also felt a real responsibility to Kiwis who aren't interested in fishing or hunting.

Speaking to Newshub he said: “Not only do we represent 133,000 licence holders, we represent their children and grandchildren," he said. 

"We have the responsibility to interface with the Government and with regional councils and all the people that use water to try and create good habitat."

Grubb said fishing and hunting game birds was a "birthright" for New Zealanders and his "philosophy would be to make sure that continues."

Read edition 1003 of the Wānaka Sun here.

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