Possums are the only losers in new deal announced by the Department of Conservation.

DOC is partnering up with the New Zealand Fur Council to make it easier for accredited fur collectors.

The deal means hunters will have greater access to hunt and trap on conservation land.

Council Chair Neil Mackie says they need more fur to accommodate for the blossoming industry.

"The actual size of the possum merino business in New Zealand is estimated to be between 100 to 150 million dollars. The potential is to actually double that."

He says the fur is used for all sorts of clothing items.

"It's knitwear, accessories like gloves, scarves, socks, and most of that is actually exported by default through the New Zealand tourist sector."