Region nets managerial first

JOE DAWSON
AFTER years of sharing one manager between the whole East Coast, Hawke's Bay now has its own regional Fish and Game manager to be the face of the organisation.
The resignation of Steve Smith from the East Coast position paved the way for the hunting and fishing organisation to move away from the one-manager structure.
Long term senior Fish and Game officer Iain Maxwell was given the job.
Mr Maxwell said having its own manager dedicated to the region would benefit the Bay.
``Now people will have a person on the ground who has to be accountable to the Fish and Game council right here in the hot seat in Napier,' Mr Maxwell said.
Mr Maxwell assumes the responsibility for overseeing and delivering Fish and Game projects on time and within budget.
Mr Maxwell said Fish and Game, the organisation with statutory responsibility for the sports of freshwater sport fishing and gamebird hunting, generally work on two issues - habitat and access.
``We have a large number of wetland projects on the go, and provide technical expertise on the construction of wetlands.
``Access has taken a bit of a back seat, that's one I want to try to crank up in future.'
Developing a comprehensive database of areas where people can legally go and publicising it widely was the main goal, he said.
Managing relationships with other bodies, was also a significant part of the job description.
Mr Maxwell said he began fishing and hunting as a child and would bring to the role the perspective of both a recreational user and a resource manager.
He has a long history in monitoring fisheries and access work, including in Taupo and Rotorua.
``I've been trout fishing since I was a kid and a passion has turned into my career - I'm very fortunate in that regard.
``Hawke's Bay is hugely fortunate in a number of senses. ``We have access to world class fishing areas and great duck and pheasant hunting. We need to look after the quality of the resource.'