30382 (2023). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Conservation

30382 (2023). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Conservation: What steps, if any, will the Minister be taking to ensure that participants in the Sail GP racing set to return to Christchurch will not endanger Hector's Dolphins, and in particular that organisers will not ignore instructions to cease racing when dolphins are detected and the Department of Conservation will be able to enforce the prohibition of vessels operating within 300 metres of Dolphins?

Hon Tama Potaka: As the Minister of Conservation I do not have a role in permitting the SailGP event. There is no requirement for a permit. The Department of Conservation has a role to advocate for the protection of the marine mammals and undertake its regulatory and compliance functions where relevant. I understand that parties have agreed to having an independent person in the control room who will have the power to stop the racing if dolphins are at risk of entering the racecourse. The Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992 provide that vessels shall not exceed 10 knots within 300m of any dolphin. I am advised that the event organisers are reviewing their 2023 marine mammal management plan and that the Department of Conservation is providing feedback on the plan to advocate for the protection of the marine mammals.