14077 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Conservation

14077 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Conservation: What steps, if any, are being undertaken by the Department of Conservation to avoid any future mass wildlife in drying lake or wetland environments, such as the incident recently reported at Pukepuke Lagoon?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation is currently assessing climate vulnerability of native freshwater fish, which includes impacts of droughts. The Department is working with MPI on mass mortality events and how to report them to increase understanding. Salvage translocations have been identified by the Department, councils and universities as needing more research and monitoring as there is little information about whether the translocations (salvage or planned) are successful in terms of fish survival and the impacts they may have on the receiving habitat and fish species. The Department advocates for freshwater ecosystems and species via RMA processes, regional plan rules (including appeals to the Environment Court), consent applications, policy etc. Through the Arawai Kākāriki wetland restoration programme, the Department is working closely with Iwi and regional councils to restore and improve the management of the water levels and water quality for nationally significant wetlands and lakes, including Whangamarino Wetland, Ashburton Lakes (Ōtūwharekai) and Waituna Lagoon. The Department is also a partner with Ngāti Koata in a project that successfully raised water levels in the Moawhitu wetland on Rangitito ki te Tonga/d’urville Island.