Tararua District Council has decided to decommission the Dannevirke Deer Park, located at the Dannevirke Lower Domain, following its meeting on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

The decision follows an endorsement for its decommissioning by the Dannevirke Community Board, and a detailed report to Council, which outlined the challenges associated with continuing to operate the Deer Park, including rising maintenance costs, meeting animal welfare requirements, as well as the need for ongoing veterinary and specialist care for the animals.

The deer park, established in 1969, has been a long-standing feature of the Dannevirke Domain. However, Council maintaining the facility to modern standards would require significant investment, including approximately $249,000 for fencing upgrades alone, alongside ongoing operational and compliance costs.

Council also noted that the park does not generate revenue and is fully funded by rates. “We recognise that the deer park means a lot to some members of our community. However, as a Council we need to balance that with the need to be responsible with ratepayer money and focus on keeping costs affordable for everyone,” says Mayor Scott Gilmore.

The current Deer Park contractor, Puke Ngatai, has cared for the deer since 2018 and is now preparing to retire. His forthcoming retirement creates an operational gap that cannot be easily or affordably filled. “We’re incredibly grateful for the care and dedication Puke has shown to the deer over the past eight years. He has played an important role in maintaining the park and looking after the animals to a high standard”, says Mayor Scott Gilmore.

There are currently eight deer in the deer park, which covers approximately 1.84 hectares.

At the Council meeting, a range of options for the future of the site were discussed, including leasing it out, and turning it into a green space. Decommissioning was identified as the most sustainable and cost-effective approach, which would allow Council to investigate other suitable uses for the site.

Council will engage with the community on potential future uses of the space and encourage community involvement in shaping its next chapter.