October 05, 2020
Shift from MPI would boost kauri recovery efforts
The Green Party wants responsibility for leading the government response to kauri dieback to shift from the Ministry for Primary Industries to the Department of Conservation.
The party is promising to spend $50 million of the existing Jobs for Nature package on kauri-related projects if it is part of the next government.
Conservation spokesperson Eugenie Sage says MPI has been unable to secure enough funding for a National Pest Management Plan for kauri, and a shift to DOC would ensure protection and work on kauri dieback gets the attention it deserves.
She says the Government has managed to find $100 million over four years to prevent the spread of wilding pines so it’s reasonable to spend at least $50 million over two years to look after the most iconic indigenous trees.
The Jobs for Nature funding would allow DOC to assign staff to work with iwi and alongside regional councils to upgrade tracks to protect kauri roots and control pests such as pigs which help spread kauri dieback.
It would increase investment in mātauranga Māori science and help improve surveillance, public education, monitoring and enforcement action.
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