6. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Conservation
What steps, if any, is she taking to protect the unique, rare and threatened Nevis Gollum galaxiid, a native fish species found only in the Nevis River in Central Otago?
Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Conservation) Link to this
The Gollum galaxiid is included in the Department of Conservation’s recovery plan that manages priority resources. The member may be interested to learn that there are populations of the Gollum galaxiid beyond the Nevis River, including on Stewart Island and in parts of Southland. The department is undertaking monitoring of the species in order to better understand its status.
What are the threats to the survival of the Nevis Gollum galaxiid, also known as the “Smeagol galaxiid” and is she aware that the species on the Nevis River has in fact now been identified as a separate species?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I am aware that it has been ascertained as a genetically distinct species, and I can also advise the House that one of the threats to the Gollum galaxiid is the aggressive native fish, the kōaro.
Does she agree with the findings of the special tribunal that damming the Nevis River would put the Gollum galaxiid at risk of extinction?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I have read the findings of the tribunal, which says that it is necessary to understand that the Gollum galaxiid does not inhabit lakes or reservoirs. Can I say, though, that I believe that in New Zealand The Hobbit may be more endangered and threatened if the Council of Trade Unions and Labour have their way. [ Interruption]
Mr SPEAKERI raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The question was: “Does she agree with the findings of the special tribunal that damming the Nevis River would put the Gollum galaxiid at risk of extinction?”. It is a straight question. The question was not addressed; she spoke about other issues, but not that particular issue.
Hon Dr Nick Smith Link to this
This matter is before the Environment Court. As such, when Ministers—in this case, myself—make a final decision, there is an appropriateness about Ministers commenting on an application for a water conservation order that is currently before the court. Commenting on a matter of evidence before the court is equally problematic in the House with the way the member has formulated the question.
I do not believe there is a need to hear this further. The responsible Minister is perfectly capable of taking that matter into account in answering any questions. Minister Smith is absolutely right in that she needs to be careful when a matter is before the courts. As far as the member’s point of order is concerned, I believe that the Minister did express a view on the success of this species surviving in still water or reservoirs. I seem to recollect the Minister answering that part of the question.
Does she support the special tribunal’s decision to protect the Nevis River from being dammed in order to save the Gollum galaxiid from extinction?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
In relation to the tribunal’s decision, I am not in a position to offer any expert or peer-review advice on it, being neither an expert in dams nor an expert in the Gollum galaxiid . Furthermore, I would be reluctant to prejudge or prejudice any appeal from that tribunal’s decision.
Given that Pioneer Energy has appealed the special tribunal’s decision to protect the river, will the Department of Conservation submit against this appeal?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
No decision has been made on what role the Department of Conservation would take in the appeal process.
Why, when everyone is trying to save The Hobbit, will she not step in to save the Gollum galaxiid and the Nevis River given that the attraction for film makers to New Zealand is our precious natural environment?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
I think I have already answered that. No decision has been made on the role that the department will take in the appeal process.