Greens will double number of DOC rangers to protect nature
The Green Party will double the number of rangers working on the frontlines of defending nature, and double the amount
of pest control carried out.
The conservation plan, announced today in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges, will allow the Department of Conservation (DOC)
to employ an additional 720 frontline rangers, by doubling DOC's baseline conservation funding.
"This is the single biggest new investment in conservation since DOC was established in 1987," said Green Party
Co-leader James Shaw.
"The plan will allow DOC to double the number of people working on the front lines of defending nature within five
yearsand double the pest control undertaken.
"Since taking office, the National Government has put DOC through the wringer, cutting hundreds of millions of dollars
from DOC's baseline funding, forcing it to close field offices, and cutting the jobs of around 200 frontline rangers.
"As a result, DOC is not being resourced to do the job we expect of it: to protect all our unique wildlife, and the
places we love.
"That means our native birds are in serious trouble. Waves of introduced predators and habitat loss have combined to
create a perfect storm of destruction. One third are now facing extinction. Birds like the kea or yellow-eyed penguin
could disappear in our lifetimes.
"The Green Party is going to fix that.
"Funding increases will include enough to double the co-funding for conservation work taking place on private land and
Māori land supporting the great work of everyday New Zealanders who volunteer thier time on local conservation projects
nationwide.
"A new $20 tourism levy will raise an additional $65 million for Predator Free 2050 by 20121, helping to broaden and
strength the funding available for conservation nationally.
"Under a Government with a Green heart, New Zealand's natural treasures - our wildlife, forests, rivers and oceans -
will finally be in safe hands," said Mr Shaw.
Link to the Green Party's Thriving Nature conservation plan:
ENDS