Fiordland wapiti Photo: http://www.fwf.net.nz/
Hunting groups want Wapiti in Fiordland cemented in law as a herd of special interest, while environmentalists say they are wrecking delicate native habitats.
A proposal to make Wapiti in Fiordland National Park a Herd of Special Interest was sent to the Hunting and Fishing Minister to consider, and it has now been debated at the Environment Select Committee.
A report is due back at the end of next month. Wapiti is the second species to be put forward for HOSI status, following an application to make sika deer the same status in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks.
Roy Sloan, general manager of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, has been leading the work managing Wapiti since 2005.
Jesse Bythell is a member of the Plant Conservation Network, which has opposed the HOSI application.
