$22 million to enhance wildlife visitor experiences

Significant investment into supporting native species and tackling invasive pests in national parks has been announced by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

Potaka visited the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust facility near Christchurch, where he announced $22 million from the International Visitor Levy will go to restoring unique wildlife in national parks, islands and other popular visitor sites over the next three years.

Last year, nearly three-quarters of international visitors said they did a hike, walk or tramp while in Aotearoa New Zealand, and around half visited a national park.

“Conservation-related tourism is worth around $3.4 billion a year,” says Potaka.

“By backing conservation and sustainable tourism, the government also boosts our economy. This funding is strategically split between supporting our native species and tackling invasive pests—giving birds, bush, marine life and landscapes respite to recover.

“We’re putting $4.15 million into expanding predator control, plus $11.5 million on the recovery of highly threatened species, including tara iti, at national parks and popular sites so visitors can enjoy thriving natural areas where their funds have contributed.

“Almost $7 million will target feral goats which remove the forest undergrowth and prevent regeneration.

“People fly here with the dream of enjoying our world-class environment and we want to make that experience even better for them. It’s about generations of whānau camping out and struggling to sleep because of noisy kiwi calling outside; later waking to find only precious footprints.

“I’m delighted $1.7 million of this will go towards protecting critically endangered Canterbury locals—kakī/black stilts and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeets.

“There are only about 400 of these parakeets in the world. They nest in trees, cared for by both parents – but parent birds are no match for rats and stoats. If these invasive predators are around, eggs and chicks are quickly wiped out.

“We want to protect and grow rare species like these so more people can enjoy them at places closer to home like at The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary near Nelson.

“Budget 2025 allocates $55 million per annum to DOC for new investments from money raised under the new $100 IVL rate.

“New Zealand attracts visitors who care about nature and every cent that goes into conservation is an investment in our environment and our economy.”