38470 (2025). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity

38470 (2025). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity: What is the total resources dedicated to managing the response to Exotic Freshwater Clams, including FTE staff and funding?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: Since the first detection of exotic corbicula species in Waikato River in 2023, MPI spent approximately $2.5 million to June 30, 2025. The funding allocation for the current financial year (to June 2026) is approximately $800,000. A number of regional councils, iwi and hapū also commit resource to help manage this problem as do hydroelectric power generation companies and municipal water authorities utilising the infested part of the Waikato River. The value of these contributions has not been quantified. Biosecurity New Zealand has around four (4.0) full-time equivalent (FTE) roles supporting this programme to work alongside stakeholders. The Crown has also invested $10.2 million through NIWA (now part of Earth Sciences New Zealand) as part of a multi-year research programme to better understand the impacts of corbicula, and to develop tools and approaches for managing it.