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What assurance, if any, can the Minister provide that New Zealand has adequate wildlife‑focused resources — including field teams, diagnostic pathways, and rehabilitation capacity — to manage a significant H5 bird flu outbreak?

Answered Question 37242 (2026)
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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • What assurance, if any, can the Minister provide that New Zealand has adequate wildlife‑focused resources — including field teams, diagnostic pathways, and rehabilitation capacity — to manage a significant H5 bird flu outbreak?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

As part of the Government's One Health approach, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation has comprehensive wildlife-focused preparedness arrangements in place to support the response to a significant H5 bird flu outbreak.