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Showing 1 to 50 of 398 written question sets.

Answered

Question 41386 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What assessment, if any, has the Department of Conservation undertaken of the current capacity of wildlife hospitals to manage increased numbers of sick or injured wild birds during an H5 bird flu outbreak; if so, what were the findings?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that there is no specific effective treatment for H5 bird flu and as such the Department of Conservation has not assessed capacity for treating birds that have bird flu. The Department has been supporting wildlife hospitals to…

Answered

Question 41083 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 38349 (2026), have any of the approved access arrangements been given despite analysis by the Department of Conservation that suggests or recommends they should be declined?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

No. I am advised all access arrangements approved by the Department of Conservation under delegated authority have met requirements to be recommended for approval. None have been approved contrary to recommendation to decline.

Answered

Question 41084 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 38349 (2026), what documentation, if any, of assessment for or against granting an access arrangement does the Department of Conservation hold for decisions on mines and/or mining operations?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that decisions on access arrangements are documented in the Department of Conservation Recommendation and Decision Report (RDR) prepared for each application.

Answered

Question 41085 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 38349 (2026), what guidance or direction, if any, has the Minister provided to the Department of Conservation for how they exercise delegated authority over access arrangement decisions for mines and/or mining operations under…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The only guidance or direction I have provided to the Department of Conservation regarding the exercise of my delegated authority over access arrangement decisions for mines and/or mining operations is that mining related applications…

Answered

Question 41003 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many, if any, kiwi eggs or chicks handled under Operation Nest Egg or equivalent programmes have failed to survive to release in each year since 2017, broken down by year and facility?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation does not hold a national dataset of kiwi egg and chick deaths prior to release from Operation Nest Egg or equivalent programmes. As a result, this information is not readily available by…

Answered

Question 40896 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many of the kiwi deaths recorded by the Department of Conversation in each year since 2017, if any, occurred at (a) privately owned sanctuaries or crèches, (b) predator-fenced community sanctuaries, (c) captive facilities such as zoos,…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised the Department of Conservation does not maintain a complete national dataset of all kiwi deaths. Deaths reported as a condition of a permit are recorded in the permission file for individual permit holders. Data relating to…

Answered

Question 40897 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    For each kiwi death recorded by the Department of Conservation since 2017, if any, what cause of death was recorded, broken down by year and cause?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised the Department of Conservation does not maintain a complete national dataset of all kiwi deaths. Information on kiwi deaths is held across a range of records, including reports from members of the public, DOC-led kiwi…

Answered

Question 40898 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many, if any, kiwi held or handled under a permit or authorisation issued by the Department of Conservation have died in each year since 2017; and in how many of those cases was the death reported to the Department within the timeframe…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation does not maintain a complete national dataset of all kiwi deaths. Deaths reported as a condition of a permit are recorded in the permission file for individual permit holders. There is no…

Answered

Question 40899 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many, if any, kiwi deaths have been recorded by the Department of Conservation in each year since 2017, broken down by year and by taxon?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised the Department of Conservation does not maintain a complete national dataset of all kiwi deaths. Information on kiwi deaths is held across a range of records, including reports from members of the public, DOC-led kiwi…

Answered

Question 40956 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Are purchasing arrangements for the Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine made by the Department of Conservation (DOC) through the Ministry for Primary Industries, or does DOC directly purchase these vaccines?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation directly orders the vaccine required for the approved H5 bird flu vaccination programme from the distributor, who provides this free of charge.

Answered

40745, 40883 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Priyanca Radhakrishnan

    List MP · Labour Party

    40745 (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 7 September 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    40883 (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their office received, if any, during the week beginning 07/09/2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The list of advice, reports, briefings, and aides-memoire that I have received from 7 to 11 September is attached. Two titles have been withheld in accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 199/6.

Answered

40862, 40882 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Priyanca Radhakrishnan

    List MP · Labour Party

    40862 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 7 September 2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    40882 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 07/09/2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I took one paper to Cabinet in the week beginning 7 September 2026. QEII National Trust: Chair Appointment

Answered

Question 40524 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received regarding public funding, including Department of Conservation funding, for the Game Animal Council and/or management of the Sika Herd of special interest?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I refer the member to the response to WPQ40523 provided by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing.

Answered

Question 40526 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Where does the public allocation come from, if there is one, for the Game Animal Council management of the sika herd of special interest?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I refer the member to the response to WPQ40528 provided by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing.

Answered

Question 40530 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much funding from the Department of Conservation budget appropriation, if any, has been transferred to the Game Animal Council for management of the sika deer herd of special interest?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I refer the member to the response to WPQ40529 provided by the Minister for Hunting and Fishing.

Answered

Question 39814 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 38349, what advice, guidance, direction, or any other document, if any, does Department of Conservation officials use to make decisions under delegated authority about approving or declining access arrangements for mines…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

Department of Conservation officials refer to a wide range of statutes, statutory plans, internal operating procedures, policies and guidelines when assessing applications for access arrangements associated with mining activities under…

Answered

39427, 39634 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Priyanca Radhakrishnan

    List MP · Labour Party

    39427 (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 31 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    39634 (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their office received, if any, during the week beginning 31/08/2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The list of advice, reports, briefings, and aides-memoire that I have received from 31 August to 4 September is attached. Three titles has been withheld in accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 199/6.

Answered

39524, 39633 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Priyanca Radhakrishnan

    List MP · Labour Party

    39524 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 31 August 2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    39633 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 31/08/2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I did not take any papers to Cabinet in the week beginning 31 August 2026.

Answered

Question 39283 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What consideration, if any, was given to a population-specific H5 risk analysis similar to Australia’s, which assesses both national conservation status and the local-level impacts?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation is not considering assessing regional populations of birds and is focusing on nationally threatened species at highest risk from H5 bird flu.

Answered

Question 38665 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on consultancy costs, from 1 July 2024 - 30 June 2025?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

Like many Government agencies, the Department of Conservation brings in external specialists – such as engineering and technical consultancy – when expertise isn’t available in-house, is not cost-effective to permanently retain in-house,…

Answered

Question 38667 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, was spent in the 2023/24 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation calculates that is spent $285,000 on projects that include artificial intelligence (AI), licensing, system development and training components for the 2023/2024 financial year. The…

Answered

Question 38668 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, was spent in the 2025/26 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation calculates that it spent $1,177,000 on projects that include artificial intelligence (AI), licensing, system development and training components for the 2025/2026 financial year. The…

Answered

Question 38669 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, was spent in the 2024/25 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation calculates that it spent $1,965,300 on projects that include artificial intelligence licensing, system development and training for the components for the 2024/2025 financial year. The…

Answered

Question 38677 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on consultancy costs, from 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

Like many Government agencies, the Department of Conservation brings in external specialists – such as engineering and technical consultancy – when expertise isn’t available in-house, is not cost-effective to permanently retain in-house,…

Answered

Question 38784 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much was the total cost in New Zealand dollar terms, if any, of redundancy processes initiated, if any, in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The Department of Conservation advises me that, since 27 November 2023, up to and including 2 September 2026, the total cost of redundancies was $6,941,440.

Answered

Question 38988 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many redundancy processes have been initiated, if any, in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27 November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The Department of Conservation advises me that it does not initiate redundancy processes; redundancy is the last resort for individuals if the Department is unable to re-assign them to alternative roles as part of an organisational change.…

Answered

Question 39054 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What assessment, if any, was undertaken on the vaccination of the local Kaikōura population of kororā, and was the decision not to vaccinate this population made by the Department of Conservation or the Minister of Conservation?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation has not assessed the Kaikoura population of kororā / little blue penguins for vaccination for H5 bird flu, as the species is not nationally threatened. As an operational matter, this…

Answered

Question 39056 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What consideration, modelling, or other work, if any, was done on the likely mortality and population consequences of H5N1 for little penguins/kororā?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation has not assessed the impact of H5 bird flu on kororā / little blue penguins. Kororā are not classified as threatened, so while H5 bird flu may cause losses, the national population is…

Answered

Question 39057 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will all 28 species for which vaccination is one of the actions in the Species Protection Plan relating to highly pathogenic avian influenza be vaccinated, if so, what is the timeframe for completion of this vaccination?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised by the Department of Conservation that consideration and planning for the second tranche of H5 bird flu vaccination is underway, and no decisions have been taken yet on which of the 28 species will be vaccinated.

Answered

Question 39058 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When will the Department of Conservation make final decisions about which species will be vaccinated in tranche 2 of the H5 vaccination plan?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised by the Department of Conservation that timings for the delivery of the H5 bird flu vaccination are being assessed to account for the disease status and impact in Aotearoa, and vaccination feasibility for the different species.

Answered

Question 39059 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has consideration been given to facilitating wider access to the Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine, for example by allowing wildlife hospitals and bird sanctuaries to access the vaccine?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry for Primary Industries has approved the Department of Conservation’s vaccination plan which limits use of the vaccine for emergency purposes in New Zealand wildlife. The vaccine is not available for use…

Answered

Question 39061 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Department of Conservation considered or trialled any vaccines other than Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine to protect native birds from H5 bird flu?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation used the Poulvac Flufend RG in the vaccine trial to confirm safety and efficacy for some native bird species but now uses Avian Influenza Vaccine H5N2 Subtype Killed Virus vaccine as this is…

Answered

39062, 39063 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Questions

  • 39062 (matches this search)

    How many Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine doses has the Department of Conservation ordered in total, and are any doses yet to arrive in New Zealand, if any?

  • 39063 (matches this search)

    How many Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine doses, if any, does the Department of Conservation currently hold?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation has received 3 litres of the Avian Influenza Vaccine H5N2 Subtype Killed Virus vaccine and is no longer using Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine. The vaccine is supplied in bulk 500ml bottles and…

Answered

39065, 39066 (2026)

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Asked by

Tākuta Ferris

Member for Te Tai Tonga · Independent

Questions

  • 39065 (matches this search)

    How much has the Department of Conservation spent in total on doses of the Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine, if any?

  • 39066 (matches this search)

    What is the total cost per bird for two doses of the Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine, excluding handling and veterinary costs, if any?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation has received all H5 bird flu vaccine via donation. This is also my response to written question 39066 (2026).

Answered

Question 38349 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following reply 36371 (2026), how many mines and/or mining operations, if any, has the Department of Conservation approved access arrangements or concessions for on Public Conservation Land under delegated authority during this term of…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation has approved 44 access arrangements for mines and/or mining operations under delegated authority during this term of Government, based on data available from 1 December 2023. No access…

Answered

Question 38213 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 24 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The list of advice, reports, briefings, and aides-memoire that I have received from 24 to 28 August is attached. Five titles have been withheld in accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 199/6.

Answered

Question 38317 (2026)

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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 24 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I took two papers to Cabinet in the week beginning 24 August: Tongariro Taupo Conservation Board: Reappointment and Appointment Vessel Asset Replacement Project: Indicative Business Case

Answered

Question 37995 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 36371, how many mining access arrangements or concessions for mining on conservation land have been processed by the Department of Conservation and either approved or decline under delegated authority, and how does this…

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that from 1 September 2021 to 1 September 2026, the Department of Conservation approved 58 mining access arrangements and declined two under delegated authority. In the previous comparative five-year period, from 1 September…

Answered

Question 37775 (2026)

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Asked by

Marama Davidson

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is the Department of Conservation considering including Kaikoura Blue Penguins in tranche 2 of the HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) vaccine roll-out?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation is not currently considering kororā / little blue penguins for vaccination for H5 bird flu as the species is not nationally threatened.

Answered

Question 37776 (2026)

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Asked by

Marama Davidson

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is the Department of Conservation considering including regional populations in tranche 2 of the HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) vaccine roll-out?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation is not considering regionally threatened bird populations for inclusion in tranche 2 of the H5 bird flu vaccination programme. This is focused on nationally threatened species at highest…

Answered

Question 37777 (2026)

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Asked by

Marama Davidson

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Department of Conservation produced on tranche 2 of the HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) vaccine roll-out; listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The Department of Conservation has not provided me with specific advice relating to tranche 2 of the H5 bird flu vaccination programme, as this is currently in the planning stage.

Answered

37555, 37688 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Priyanca Radhakrishnan

    List MP · Labour Party

    37555 (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 17 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    37688 (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their office received, if any, during the week beginning 17/08/2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The list of advice, reports, briefings, and aides-memoire that I have received from 17 to 21 August is attached. Three titles have been withheld in accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 199/6.

Answered

37661, 37687 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Priyanca Radhakrishnan

    List MP · Labour Party

    37661 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 17 August 2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    37687 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 17/08/2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I did not take any papers to Cabinet in the week beginning 17 August.

Answered

37212, 37213, 37214 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 37212 (matches this search)

    Following reply 35151 (2026), how many native birds have been recorded as suffering bird strike in wind farms in the last five years?

  • 37213 (matches this search)

    Following reply 35151 (2026), in which wind farms have native bird species been recorded as suffering bird strike in wind farms in the last five years?

  • 37214 (matches this search)

    Following reply 35151 (2026), what native bird species have been recorded as suffering bird strike in wind farms in the last five years?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

Further to my response to written question 35151 (2026), I am advised that the Department of Conservation does not record these reports in a way that enables it to provide a response to this written question without substantive manual…

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Question 37242 (2026)

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

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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?

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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…

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Question 37243 (2026)

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

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    If H5 bird flu arrives in New Zealand, how would the Department of Conservation determine which threatened species should receive vaccination, and what capacity exists to administer doses rapidly?

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Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

H5 bird flu has been detected in New Zealand. I am advised that the Department of Conservation prioritises threatened species for H5 bird flu vaccination based on disease risk, population size, and dependence on intensive management. The…

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Question 37244 (2026)

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

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    What measures, if any, is the Department of Conservation taking to protect threatened species that may be at risk from H5 bird flu?

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Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

The Department of Conservation has a range of measures in place to reduce the potential impact of H5 bird flu on threatened species, including species protection plans and a targeted vaccination programme for the most highly threatened…

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Question 37245 (2026)

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

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    What criteria, if any, does the Department of Conservation use to determine whether access restrictions or area closures are necessary during an H5 bird flu outbreak?

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Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that any access restrictions would be based on outbreak conditions and risk assessments, including risks to human health, wildlife, and disease spread.

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Question 37246 (2026)

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

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    Under what circumstances, if any, does the Department of Conservation decide to leave bird carcasses in place versus remove them during an H5 bird flu outbreak, and what biosecurity procedures, if any, are followed when removal is required?

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Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that carcass removal decisions would be made site by site, based on risks to human health, wildlife, and disease spread. Any removal would follow appropriate PPE, biosecurity and decontamination procedures.

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Question 37247 (2026)

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

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    What biosecurity protocols, if any, is the Department of Conservation implementing to reduce human‑assisted spread of H5 bird flu in conservation areas?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation has guidance in place to reduce human-assisted spread of H5 bird flu, including reporting, personal protective equipment, decontamination, biosecurity controls and access restrictions where…