4651 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation

4651 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation: Further to Reply 289 (2026), how many FTEs have been working on investigating breaches of the Wildlife Act, each year for the past 5 years?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation advises it has a dedicated Wildlife Crime Team that has been operating since 2020. It has grown from three full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to six FTEs. In addition to this team, some of the Department’s rangers hold a warrant of authority under the Wildlife Act 1953 and may investigate alleged breaches as part of their wider duties. The Department further advises that 102 warrant holders investigated one or more alleged breaches of the Wildlife Act in the past five years.