Our Wise Council members are a group we are gathering of people who are experienced in various areas that the board can refer to for advice and guidance in a variety of Areas 

Alan Simmons launched then Outdoors Party in 2015 (Later the name would change to the New Zealand Outdoors & Freedom Party) , reflecting his firm belief that the solution to much of the disrespectful and poisonous policies past governments have introduced to the public’s outdoor heritage and environment, is to get into the political arena and start sparring.

His motivation stems from a lifetime involvement in outdoors political issues. For instance, in 1975 Alan was one of three anglers appointed to visit Parliament to cement the “no trout farming” deal under the newly elected government. The agreement has stood the test of time.

And he’s sat on a number of national body executives, boards, NGO and management groups, including the NZ Professional Hunting Guides Association (at one stage as National President), Electricorp Environmental Management Board, NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers and the NZ Professional Fishing Guides Association. Many will know him through his website, the hugely popular New Zealand FishnHunt forum which serves up 10.5 million pages a month.

Some of his past involvement includes:-

• In 1990 one of twelve appointed by the Conservation Minister to set up the NZ Fish and Game Council as per a new act of Parliament.
• An elected Councillor for eleven years on several regional Fish and Game councils.
• For twenty five years a ministerial appointee to the Taupo Fishery Advisory Committee and recently part of a four man team that undertook a Ministerial review of the Taupo Fishery.
• An executive member of the NZ Professional Fishing Guides Association for twenty seven years and currently an executive member of the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers which represents the collective interests of NZ angling clubs.
• As a free range hunting guide Alan was at the forefront of an emerging industry, an occupation he loved until it was consumed by Safari park hunting.
• Author of the first book on Sika Deer Hunting. (“How To Hunt Sika Deer”) as well as starring in many overseas TV fishing & hunting shows. Alan’s latest book  “Born To The Outdoors” has already sold out and is in reprint.
• Stood as a list MP in the 2011 and 2014 elections as a candidate for United Future and became president of the party leading it through a rebuilding process. He has since resigned so he could build a new party focused on outdoors values.