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Record numbers of threatened species are now being actively managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), thanks in part to a new and world leading system, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has announced.

The newly completed Natural Heritage Management System (NHMS) is a long-term initiative that will see our native flora and fauna managed more efficiently.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Yerex as a director on the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Board.

The QEII National Trust helps protect significant natural and cultural heritage sites on private land.

As at 30 June 2012 there were 3,659 registered QE II covenants on private land covering 99,782.67 hectares.

Two areas of Canterbury native bush and a rare native plant will receive part of a $2 million grant to help with their preservation, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said today.

The grants are part of 66 conservation projects to receive funding in the latest round of Government Biodiversity Funds.

“These projects are great examples of where the Government works with landowners to protect our native plants, animals and their habitats in areas outside of public conservation lands,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Cabinet has agreed to tough new measures for people caught attempting to smuggle native wildlife out of the country, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

The Wildlife (Smuggling Deterrence) Amendment Bill will increase the maximum penalty for smuggling of native animals such as tuatara, parrots, and geckos from 6 months imprisonment or a $100,000 fine to up to five years imprisonment and/or a $300,000 fine.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has announced Dunedin Ecologist Dr Ralph Allen the 2012 winner of the prestigious Loder Cup for his outstanding achievements in plant conservation work.

A professional plant ecologist for 30 years with the former DSIR and then Landcare Research, Dr Allen has been pivotal in protecting thousands of hectares of native forest, shrublands, and coastal vegetation throughout Otago, Southland, and the Kapiti Coast.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has welcomed the start of Conservation Week 2012 today.

This year’s theme is 'Love your parks' and will involve celebrating the 60th anniversary of the National Parks Act and the 125th anniversary of Te Heuheu Tukino IV gifting the Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe mountain peaks to the people of New Zealand.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has appointed a new Chair, re-appointed three existing members and appointed a new person to the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Monowai and Te Anau.

Ms Wilkinson has also extended the term of the Guardians from three to five years.

“Teresa McClelland of Invercargill is re-appointed to the position of Chair of the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Monowai and Te Anau,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Taupō MP Louise Upston have met with iwi, community and tourism industry leaders at Tongariro National Park today to discuss last week’s volcanic eruption.

Ms Wilkinson said it was important to fully understand the science behind the eruption and appreciate the cultural and economic significance of the event.

“This will help us support local iwi, community and business leaders in the future,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Main Road North, Belfast, Christchurch
11 August 2012

Kia ora, it's great to be back here in Christchurch to celebrate the second year of the Living Legends project. It's also great to see so many people here today to help get these trees in the ground and to honour our local Rugby Legend, Tane Norton.

Firstly I'd like to acknowledge the organisations that continue to work hard to make the Living Legends projects happen - Project Crimson, The Tindall Foundation, Meridian and of course DOC.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson was in Whanganui today to celebrate the completion of the Whanganui National Park Management Plan.

The plan sets out the philosophy and priorities for the management of the park for conservation and recreation purposes, and provides strategic direction and day-to-day guidance on the management of Whanganui National Park.

10 August 2012

Good morning and thank you for such a warm welcome.  It's fantastic to see so many people here today to celebrate this significant occasion.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the chair of the Whanganui River Māori Trust Board,  Dr Te Tiwha Puketapu and kaumātua John Maihi, the Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board and its chair, Mr Darryn Ratana, and Whanganui Mayor Her Worship Annette Main.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley today launched the new Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations.

The new code is a set of operational requirements that aim to protect marine mammals from potential impacts of seismic survey work used in oil and gas exploration, seabed minerals prospecting and scientific research.

Good afternoon. I’m pleased to welcome so many of you here today for the launch of the Code of conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations.

There’s no doubt that conservation is important to New Zealanders as a whole. This is a fantastic attribute – it means we take a keen interest in conservation matters and also means that there is no shortage of challenging issues that gain a high profile in the media and around dinner tables across the country.

I am very pleased to be here at the signing of the Taranaki Biodiversity Forum Accord. This is a big step forward and sees a range of agencies and parties working together to better protect the special values of the region.

First of all though, I want to congratulate you on recognising the importance and value of biodiversity. Often people ask - what is the importance of biodiversity? Why do we need to worry about it?

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson was in Taranaki today to witness the signing of an historic accord.

The Taranaki Biodiversity Forum Accord is a regional response to protecting native plants, animals and habitats.

Signatories include the Department of Conservation, Taranaki Regional and District councils, as well as community groups including the East Taranaki Environment Trust, Taranaki Kiwi Trust, Forest and Bird and the Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust.

Five aerially assisted trophy hunting (AATH) concessions for the Hooker-Landsborough, Adams and Olivine Wilderness Areas are to be granted by Associate Conservation Minister Peter Dunne.

They are being granted under section 17Q of the Conservation Act and section 22 of the Wild Animal Control Act.

Mr Dunne said he was obliged to consider the five applications within the framework of current legislation and has taken into account the recent public submission process.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Environment Minister Amy Adams will consider a new report that challenges law makers to think about issues such as the trade-offs between renewable energy and wild and scenic rivers.

Conservation Boards are an important link between DOC and the community - you are independent and whilst you do not have a formal function to represent or be your community’s voice in conservation management – you are representative of your communities . Your members are drawn from your communities with extensive regional knowledge, varying skills and networks. You bring an understanding of what locals want, what is important to your communities and also how conservation initiatives can help them grow.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has welcomed the conviction of an endangered gecko smuggler but says tougher penalties are needed.

Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson joined with a group of cyclists today to celebrate the completion of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail.

The 245km trail starts at Ruapehu, crosses the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks and ends near the mouth of the Whanganui River.

Ms Wilkinson, accompanied by Associate Conservation Minister Peter Dunne, met with the cyclists, Whanganui Iwi representatives and local mayors to unveil a carved pou at the junction of the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Valleys in Whanganui National Park.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has welcomed the signing of a new commercial partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Air New Zealand working together to protect and promote our unique wildlife and special landscapes.

Under the partnership, which was announced in Auckland today, Air New Zealand will fly endangered species to new breeding sites around the country and invest directly in conservation programmes alongside the Great Walks network.

Introduction

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you all today.

Health and safety within New Zealand workplaces is something the Government takes very seriously and is a key focus area for me personally, so I am pleased to be able to come and talk to you about the issues and our priorities for the next three years.

This term the Government has four key priorities. These are to responsibly manage our finances; deliver better public services; build a more competitive and productive economy; and rebuild Christchurch.