Long-serving Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Bryce Johnson is retiring.

He has held the position since Fish & Game was established in 1991.

He was previously the first national director of Fish & Game's predecessor, the Acclimatisation Societies, from 1980.

Fish & Game New Zealand chair Lindsay Lyons says Bryce's decision to retire is a significant landmark for the organisation.

'Bryce is the face of Fish & Game New Zealand and has been a hugely effective leader and advocate.

"He has been in his role since Fish & Game's inception and his hard work has helped shape it into a widely respected and effective environmental organisation.”

Lindsay says Bryce has championed both the environment and the public's rights.

'Bryce has been one of the foremost defenders of New Zealand's environment. He is passionate about protecting our waterways, wildlife habitat and public access to our wild places – the environment and New Zealanders have benefited hugely from his efforts.”

'It is thanks to him that water quality is now such a public issue.”

Bryce says the decision to retire hasn't been easy.

'I have enjoyed my role as chief executive immensely. Fish & Game has not been afraid of tackling the big issues and I am grateful for the support the New Zealand Council has given me.”

During his time at the helm, Fish & Game has come to be regarded as one of New Zealand's leading environmental organisations, responsible for securing a dozen of the country's 15 Water Conservation Orders (which provide the equivalent of national park status).

The organisation also spearheaded concern about the impact dairying was having on freshwater quality, sparking the water pollution debate that's now becoming a key political issue in the lead up to the election.

Bryce believes it is an issue that won't go away.

'I think politicians are finally starting to realise the public is fed up with what is happening to our waterways.

'Every New Zealander deserves to have freshwater they can swim in, fish in and gather food from. I hope I can retire with politicians committed to that goal.”

Fish & Game New Zealand will begin advertising for a new chief executive shortly.