14047 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation

14047 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister of Conservation: What, if any, additional measures will the Minister take to ensure that scientific research on Hector’s dolphins results in concrete conservation actions?

Hon Tama Potaka: I understand from the Department of Conservation that the Threat Management Plan for Hector’s and Māui dolphins, which is managed by the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries, uses a robust science process, and that the best available science is used to inform the goals and objectives of that plan. Findings from the Otago Hector’s dolphin survey will be included alongside all other research on the dolphins, and the threats they face, to inform management.