- New rules will allow both adults on a family licence to fish independently and vote
- Change removes outdated restrictions that limited women's full participation in freshwater fishing
- Licence fees will remain the same for the next season despite these significant updates
Fish & Game New Zealand’s family fishing licences are getting a major update from the 2025/26 angling season, aiming to make fishing more accessible and inclusive for women and families.
The current licensing setup has been criticised for being outdated. Under the existing rules, only one adult on a family licence can fish independently or vote in Fish & Game elections. The second adult – often a woman – must be accompanied by the primary holder or their children and cannot vote or stand for election.
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced that this will change. From the new season, both adults on a family licence will be able to fish independently and have equal rights to participate in elections.
“This is a common-sense change to modernise an outdated aspect of the system and bring family licences into 2025. It’s my hope this will remove accessibility barriers and make it easier for more women and young families to enjoy angling,” Meager said.
The update comes after University of Otago research, commissioned by Fish & Game, highlighted the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in freshwater fishing. Groups like Women on the Fly NZ have also pushed for changes.
Fish & Game Patron Dame Lynda Topp welcomed the update, saying it would help encourage more women to enjoy New Zealand’s rivers.
Richie Cosgrove, Acting Chief Executive of Fish & Game, noted that while only 13% of individual fishing licence holders are women, around 30% of secondary adults on family licences are women. “If women angled at the same rate as men, we could see up to 60,000 more enjoying our rivers and lakes,” he said.
The licence update is part of a broader move to make freshwater fishing more inclusive and accessible. It also comes with confirmation that there will be no increase in licence prices for the 2025/26 season — the first time prices have remained the same in five years.
“Kiwis are doing it tough and the last thing they need is another financial burden hitting their wallets when they’re trying to put food on the table for families,” Meager said.
A review of licence fees is expected in 2026. It will consider operational improvements, value for money, and aligning the family licence with DOC’s Taupō fishing licence structure.