50775 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment

50775 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment: What advice, if any, has she received or requested on the effect of light pollution on native wildlife, including nocturnal insects and migratory birds, and what actions, if any, is the Government taking to mitigate those effects?

Hon Penny Simmonds: As Minister for the Environment, I received a summary of recent evidence on the effects of light pollution on native species as part of the report - Our Air 2024. Growing (while still limited) evidence indicates that light pollution negatively impacts some species in New Zealand, including natives. The cited research found that light pollution is particularly disturbing for native bats, wētā and seabirds, disrupting their mating and foraging habits. The member can find more information on this at https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/Environmental-Reporting/Our-air-2024.pdf