7011 (2024). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation

7011 (2024). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation: Has the Minister ever stated that fast-track project approvals are likely to result in the extinction of species?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Government is focussed on balancing environmental and economic outcomes to support development in sectors critical to rebuilding the New Zealand economy. I am conscious of the scale of this job and the challenges facing the Department of Conservation given the approximately 4000 species that are most at risk in New Zealand. I have made it clear to the Department that I expect them to prioritise their conservation work with this balance in mind, focusing on high-value conservation areas to ensure they make the biggest difference possible.