29924 (2025). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation

29924 (2025). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation: What plan, if any, does the Government have to eradicate or control invasive introduced species on priority sites, such as our small offshore islands or national parks?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation actively prioritises work to eradicate or control invasive introduced species on priority sites, such as our small offshore islands or national parks. Work is prioritised to ensure resources are allocated to areas with the greatest biodiversity gains and most urgent needs. Plans and priorities to manage introduced pests include: • The Predator Free 2050 goal of removing all mammalian pests from uninhabited offshore islands. • DOC’s Offshore Island Management Plan which aims to protect over 120 island groups through enhanced biosecurity and progressing eradications where feasible. • Funding through the International Visitor Levy to undertake critical weed control across the Hauraki Gulf Islands • The Department’s National Predator Control Programme, and National Wild Animal Management programme which target priority sites for mammalian pest control in National Parks and other public conservation estate on the mainland.