Hon Eugenie Sage
Minister of Conservation
Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai
8 October 2018
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
A new national strategy will be developed to address the critical state of our indigenous biodiversity, Conservation
Minister Eugenie Sage announced today at Napier’s Ahuriri Estuary.
“Aotearoa/New Zealand is a global biodiversity hotspot. We have a rich and unique indigenous biodiversity that includes
plants, birds, bats, insects, lizards and fish that are found nowhere else in the world, and distinctive ecosystems such
as ancient rainforests, tussock grasslands and braided rivers,” Eugenie Sage said.
“The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2000 was a landmark document. It helped inspire the increasing public interest
and practical support for protecting our native plants and wildlife and their habitats. It expires in 2020 .
“Developing a new New Zealand biodiversity strategy over the next 16 months, in consultation with the public will help
ensure we are doing all we can to protect and enhance our unique biodiversity.
“Our indigenous plants and wildlife and their habitats in serious trouble, with 4,000 native species threatened or at
risk of extinction; including 81 % of our native birds. Ecosystems and habitats such as wetlands, native forests,
drylands, rivers and sand dunes remain under pressure despite gains in conservation and environmental management over
the last 20 years.
“I am pleased to be with Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga today at the Ahuriri Estuary, a major coastal wetland on the
North Island’s east coast to launch the work to prepare a new biodiversity strategy. At least 55 bird species have been
recorded here, including bitterns.
“This Government recognises that nature is at the heart of our success as country and the importance of tackling the
biodiversity crisis.
“Healthy nature and biodiversity are central to human health and wellbeing and our economy. Biodiversity supports
industries as diverse as farming, film production and tourism and New Zealand’s international brand.
“Our kauri forests, kiwi, kākā, katipo spider and coastal fisheries are important in Māori culture and part of our Kiwi
identity and way of life.
“Public involvement will be vital in developing the new biodiversity strategy. There will be many opportunities for
input, with regional hui, discussions, social media conversations, and website submissions.
“This strategy will need to recognise the value of important introduced species for primary industries and for hunting
and fishing.
“The Department of Conservation (DOC) will work closely with other government agencies, local councils and will engage
with iwi and hapū to seek to address their priorities in the strategy.
“With many of our native species found nowhere else in the world we have an international responsibility to safeguard
them for their own sake, and for present and future generations,” Eugenie Sage said.
ends