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Is it correct that there is a Bittern Management Fund of $1.36 million, provided by Mercury in relation to the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm, available to the Department of Conservation that has not been used at all by the Department, as reported in the Northern Advocate on 3 August 2026?

Answered Question 35154 (2026)
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Is it correct that there is a Bittern Management Fund of $1.36 million, provided by Mercury in relation to the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm, available to the Department of Conservation that has not been used at all by the Department, as reported in the Northern Advocate on 3 August 2026?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I have been advised by the Department of Conservation that this is not correct, the Bittern Management Fund is a total of $640,000. I understand that the working plan is currently being finalised and needs to be agreed to by Mercury, before the funds can be used.