39054 (2026). Tākuta Ferris to the Minister of Conservation

39054 (2026). Tākuta Ferris to the Minister of Conservation: What assessment, if any, was undertaken on the vaccination of the local Kaikōura population of kororā, and was the decision not to vaccinate this population made by the Department of Conservation or the Minister of Conservation?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Department of Conservation has not assessed the Kaikoura population of kororā / little blue penguins for vaccination for H5 bird flu, as the species is not nationally threatened. As an operational matter, this decision was taken by the Department of Conservation.