What actions, if any, in the last 3 years has the Minister taken to limit the spread of invasive browser animals?

Answer

I have released the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Implementation Plan ‘Action for Nature’: prioritising reduction of invasive species impacts, including expanded browser control and improved national coordination. I have also championed the refresh and launch of the “Predator Free 2050 Strategy (2026-2030): Innovate for a Predator Free NZ” and the associated Action Plan, and the resources to implement these. The Predator Free 2050 target species list includes possums which are an invasive browser. Through the International Visitor and Conservation Levy I have approved $3.5m for expanded wild deer control, $6.9m for large-scale wild goat control and eradication projects through to 2027/28 and overseen a significant increase in the Department’s predator control programme.