Cat hunting competition backtracks on controversial category

Organisers of a hunting contest in the South Island have made a U-turn after receiving what they describe as "vile emails and messages".

The North Canterbury Hunting Competition planned to give $250 in prize money to the junior who shot the most feral cats.

But after a strong backlash, that part of the competition has been abandoned.

The organisers declined an interview with RNZ, but biosecurity consultant Dr Helen Blackie, who has studied feral cats for two decades, says they have made the right decision.

She spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.