The kฤkฤpo, kea and kiwi alongside our other iconic and threatened national species are at risk under this Government.
โThe mask slips as the Minister of Conservation says saving our threatened species would cost too much,โ said Conservation spokesperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan.
โThis is appalling from the Minister and a kick in the guts to the huge conservation efforts of the sector, which includes NGOs and volunteers all over the country, who are now being told their efforts are ultimately futile.
โOur natural environment is part of New Zealandโs charm. Itโs why millions of people travel here. Tama Potakaโs comments donโt make sense environmentally or economically. Once a species is gone, itโs gone forever.
โThe Minister went on to reference the Governmentโs commitment to protecting 30 percent of New Zealandโs oceans by 2030 as optional.
โThis means species like mฤui, hectorโs dolphins and hoiho penguins are also under threat by this Government.
โHe then attempted to defend the Governmentโs record by pointing to work underway to establish new marine reserves in the South Island and Hauraki Gulf/ Tฤซkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill โ both initiated by Labour.
โWe see now why the Government didnโt continue the Jobs for Nature programme which funded conservation roles in the sector, why plans have been scrapped for the Kermadec Ocean sanctuary, and why 6.5% has been cut from the Department of Conservation budget resulting in job losses across the country.
โWeโve already seen a raft of concerning decisions from this Government that shows it does not value our natural environment or wildlife. The Conservation Ministerโs comment only further confirms this Government has its priorities wrong,โ said Priyanca Radhakrishnan.