9. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Conservation
What new measures have been taken to improve the protection of the Kaikōura Ranges?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Minister of Conservation) Link to this
Recently I had the pleasure of opening the breathtaking Ka Whata Tū o Rakihouia Conservation Park in the Kaikōura Ranges. The park covers 88,000 hectares and has the wide support of iwi, the community, and interest groups. This park forms part of the Labour Government’s plan for the future, which aims to protect New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, while increasing public opportunities for getting out and enjoying our heritage.
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
The natural treasures protected in the park include the rare Hutton’s shearwater, the New Zealand falcon, the black-eyed gecko, and plants that occur only in the South Marlborough region, including rock daisies and various broom species. This is now one of the very few places in New Zealand where ecosystems are protected, from the mountain tops to the sea.