Commencing 1st October 2008 felt soles are banned from all New Zealand sports fisheries. The following rule applies to all areas and is included in Schedule One of the Angler's Notice published in the latest New Zealand Gazette.

2.4 No person shall fish for sports fish by using felt-soled waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a sole of felted, matted or woven fibrous material when sports fishing.

You can download a copy of the latest Angler's Notice and/or local rules from the Fish and Game website.