56217 (2024). Celia Wade-Brown to the Minister of Conservation

56217 (2024). Celia Wade-Brown to the Minister of Conservation: What impact, if any, does the Minister expect the Budget 2024 will have on the Department of Conservation's contribution to work under the Implementation Plans for Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy Te Mana o Te Taiao?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Department of Conservation will continue to carry out work under the current (2022) implementation plan and that the savings identified for Budget 2024 were aimed at minimising impacts on conservation outcomes. I am further advised that the Department is working with Iwi / hapū and central and regional government to develop the next implementation plan for Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy to replace the 2022 plan. Actions in the new plan will seek to coordinate actions across central and local government and grow the contribution of others. The plan is being developed in line with my priorities for conservation – to target investment into high-value conservation outcomes; generate new revenue; and strengthen relationships with Iwi / hapū for better conservation outcomes.