55067 (2025). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister of Conservation

55067 (2025). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister of Conservation: What is being done to enable the required “significant reduction in mortality across all sources” to enable the Hoiho population to recover?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that Hoiho conservation is multifaceted in approach and involves treating sick or injured birds, supplementing feeding during critical periods, and managing disease, as set out in the Hoiho strategy Te Kaweka Takohaka mō te Hoiho and five-year action plan Te Mahere Rima Tau. These were developed by the Department of Conservation in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust/Te Tautiaki Hoiho, and Fisheries New Zealand/Tini a Tangaroa. Joint efforts also focus on reducing marine threats and protecting habitats, controlling human disturbance near breeding sites, and managing predator impacts. Furthermore, strategic research is ongoing aimed at addressing mortality causes and developing interventions for long-term survival of the species. External factors outside the Department’s control, such as climate change affecting sea temperatures, weather patterns, and food availability, require adaptive strategies in addition to local conservation actions.