82119 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

Written Question

Published date: 21 Jan 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	82119 (2024)
Question asked:	16 Dec 2024
Member asking:	Hon Jo Luxton
Portfolio:	Minister for Biosecurity
Minister replying:	Hon Andrew Hoggard
Answer received:	14 Jan 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_82119_2024
Document guid:	18147953-5bc7-4ccf-b4a7-a75fd8ae1aab

82119 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: Does the Minister consider the government response so far to Caulerpa sufficient and if so, how so?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: Exotic caulerpa species are a significant challenge for the parts of New Zealand in which they are likely to be able to establish (suitable habitat between Cape Reinga and East Cape). They are well established in several locations, and they spread easily. There has been a substantial focus on trying to prevent further spread since exotic caulerpa was first detected in New Zealand in 2021. In February 2024 I announced a $5 million investment for an urgent work programme to develop further tools and techniques to deal with exotic caulerpa. In August 2024, I announced an additional $10 million of funding.