Fish & Game New Zealand today announced the game bird season will open on the Saturday following the move to Alert Level 2 except if the date falls on 30 May.

Traditionally, duck hunting opens on the first Saturday in May, but the government have announced this will not be happening this year.

If the Saturday following the move to Alert Level 2 is 30 May, the opening will be delayed to avoid opening day clashing with "Gypsy Day" - which is 1 June. Gypsy Day is the day many farmers move to new farms.

The season will likely be extended in some regions.

See the Fish and game website for the full details.

The government also announced limited hunting will be allowed under Alert Level 3.

Hunters will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions when New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 3, but not on public conservation land, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today.

Hunting has not been allowed since New Zealand moved to Alert Level 4, but a shift to Level 3 next Tuesday morning will mean hunters can once again hunt locally - as long as they have the landholder’s permission and stick to the rules.

“We know that hunting is an important part of life for many New Zealanders, and in some cases a critical source of food. At Level 3 we also need to minimise the risk of losing the great progress we’ve made together in Alert Level 4 in stamping out the virus. We have to strike a balance, and that’s why these rules are designed to allow hunting in a limited way,” Grant said.

“Cabinet has agreed hunting on private land will be allowed under Alert Level 3, so long as hunters stay within their region and stick to their bubble. Hunting is only permitted on foot and overnight trips are not allowed. The use of quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters and other motorised vehicles is prohibited.”