24963 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister of Conservation

24963 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister of Conservation: What actions, if any, does the Minister plan to limit the spread of invasive browser animals?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am taking a range of actions to limit the spread of invasive browser animals, with a strong focus on prevention, containment, and coordinated national effort. These include: • Driving implementation of the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, which prioritises reducing the impacts of invasive species through expanded control, stronger coordination, and improved monitoring • Driving delivery of significant deer, goat and wallaby investment through the International Visitor Levy • Overseeing implementation of the Predator Free 2050 Strategy, strengthening landscape-scale pest management, partnerships, and system capability that also supports browser control • Directing officials to strengthen national coordination • Supporting increased on-the-ground control by DOC.