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Why has the Department of Conservation not used any of the $640,000 Bittern Management Fund provided as mitigation for the construction of the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm, which, as reported by the Northern Advocate, has now "swelled" to $1.36 million?

Answered Question 35158 (2026)
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Why has the Department of Conservation not used any of the $640,000 Bittern Management Fund provided as mitigation for the construction of the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm, which, as reported by the Northern Advocate, has now "swelled" to $1.36 million?

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 the Matuku/Bittern Management Fund, a total of $640,000, cannot be uplifted until the working plan proposal is signed off by Mercury. The working plan is currently being finalised.