25 Aug 2026
2 months ago
641 views
A $9.7 million, four-year funding boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will support targeted wild goat and deer management to protect New Zealand’s national parks and native ecosystems. This investment enables ongoing control, monitoring, and eradication efforts across key conservation areas, including Whanganui, Waitōtara, Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes, Westland Tai Poutini, and Fiordland National Parks. The programme aims to reduce browsing pressure, prevent reinvasion, and enhance long-term biodiversity outcomes by strengthening operational capabilities and building partnerships.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
670 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $800,000 to upgrade Tourism New Zealand’s systems, making local tourism services more accessible and visible through AI search tools. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and personalization of holiday planning by making tourism data AI-ready and expanding the AI travel assistant with detailed regional information. The investment supports goals to boost tourism exports by 2034, increase international visitors to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, and grow tourism-related jobs and economic growth.
17 Jun 2026
4 months ago
806 views
New Zealand’s Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a $14.1 million boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to expand predator control efforts across key South Island national parks and valleys. This funding will help protect native wildlife such as mohua, kiwi, and kea from increased threats due to a major beech mast that has fueled predator population growth. The Department of Conservation will implement its largest predator control program ever, covering over one million hectares using aerial 1080 and trapping methods to safeguard biodiversity and support New Zealand’s predator-free goal.
17 Jun 2026
4 months ago
842 views
The New Zealand government is doubling wasp control efforts in visitor hotspots and priority biodiversity sites with a $2 million boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, aiming to expand the Wasp Wipeout program nationwide. This program targets harmful introduced German and common wasps, which significantly damage native species and cost the economy over $130 million annually, by providing bait and technical support to community groups. The increased funding will enable treatment of 60,000 hectares annually, improve coordination and research, and help restore native ecosystems by reducing wasp populations.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1335 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.