35159 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation

35159 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation: Why did the Department of Conservation change its position from opposing to supporting the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm project, after - as reported in the Northern Advocate - "Mercury increased its proposed conservation offering from $250,000 to $640,000" ?

Hon Tama Potaka: I have been advised that the Department of Conservation originally opposed the Kaiwaikawe Windfarm project because the project could result in a net conservation loss to bittern. Through negotiation by the parties during the process, agreement was reached on how a net conservation gained for bittern could be achieved. This resulted in improved conditions for the application to protect the species as well as increased funding being available through the Bittern Management Fund.