Become a Professional
Outfitter or Guide
If you're looking to become a professional hunting guide or want to take your guiding business to the next level, then you should seriously consider becoming an NZPHGA member.
Being a professional means executing your duties to the highest possible level under the three core principles of Safety, Service and Standards. The NZPHGA represents the highest hunting guide qualification available in New Zealand through the Professional Hunter Academy (PHA).
Guiding in New Zealand
New Zealand has a proud recreational hunting tradition that originates from the first wild game animal populations established shortly after the European settlers arrived.
A combination of a temperate climate, no natural predators, plentiful food and minimal competition has allowed many game species to thrive in New Zealand’s natural environment and consequently, some of the world's finest trophy species are found here.
These species, combined with a pristine environment, exceptional terrain, a safe travel destination and welcoming attitude means New Zealand has been seen as a hunter’s paradise for generations. The NZPHGA seeks to preserve this status through sound guiding practice for both visitors and future generations of New Zealanders.
It is important to note that the New Zealand guiding industry is unregulated, in that there is no statutory government body that sets industry standards or qualifications. The NZPHGA was set up as a self-regulating industry body in order to protect stakeholders within New Zealand's guided hunting industry in the event of an incident or change of legislation that could threaten the livelihoods of those who make a living from guided hunting.
In the absence of a regulatory authority, the NZPHGA has developed its own set of standards and industry training that members must meet in order to be accepted as a member of the association. As a result, the NZPHGA holds powers of censure over its members and can hold them to account if required, which gives the hunter reassurance they will get a quality experience.
Outfitters and Guides to who choose to remain outside the NZPHGA or fail to meet the criteria are effectively 'on their own' and remain unverified in terms of any standard they claim to meet. Clients who choose to hunt with them do so at their own risk.
Setting the Standard of Guided Hunting in New Zealand
Being a member of the NZPHGA has a number of advantages for those wishing to become professionals.
1. PROFESSIONAL HUNTER ACADEMY (PHA)
New members are required to attend the PHA, an intensive seven-day training course that covers all aspects of professional guiding. For a full-breakdown of what the course covers, click here.
2. NZPHGA DOC CONCESSION
Outfitter members have access to the NZPHGA DOC collective concession which allows them to conduct hunts on Department of Conservation administered land (public land). This concession grants our outfitter members access to huge tracts of public land.
3. INDUSTRY SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
Members will have access to training, advice and development opportunities in addition to support from the NZPHGA in the event of an incident or dispute.
4. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
New Zealand's leading outfitters and game estates employ NZPHGA guides and the likelihood of gaining an opportunity with one of them will be greatly enhanced by NZPHGA membership.
5. ADVOCACY
The NZPHGA is a member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand (TIANZ) and works closely with a number of allied organisations, giving New Zealand guided hunting representation through advocacy at the highest levels of government and industry.
Hunting Environments in New Zealand
Recreational hunting in New Zealand takes place in a number of environments, in accordance with a range of definitions. It is important to understand what each of these mean when deciding the sort of guided hunt you want to offer your clients.
The NZPHGA supports definitions of Fair Chase from internationally reputable hunting organisations:
Safari Club International (SCI) ‘Fair chase is defined as pursuit of a free roaming animal or enclosed roaming animal possessed of the natural behavioural inclination to escape from the hunter and be fully free to do so.’
Boone & Crockett Club ‘Fair chase is the ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit and taking of free ranging wild game animals in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper or unfair advantage over such animals.’
Game Animals in
New Zealand
In addition, New Zealand has a number of small game species, game birds, freshwater fish and saltwater fish available to complement your big game hunts. Many are subject to seasons and these need to be considered in what you offer as a guide.
