Articles tagged with International Visitor Conservation And Tourism Levy

$14.1M Boost for Predator Control to Protect Native Wildlife in NZ National Parks

1 month ago | 284 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.

Tags: Tama Potaka mohua kākāriki karaka piwauwau pekapeka whio kea kiwi Department of Conservation International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy

$2M Boost to Double Wasp Control in New Zealand's Visitor Hotspots and Biodiversity Sites

1 month ago | 305 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.

Tags: Tama Potaka Wasp Wipeout International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Department of Conservation New Zealand Vespula wasps German wasps biodiversity invasive species native birds

Milford Sound Tourism Gets Long-Term Concession to 2050 for Sustainable Management

6 months ago | 876 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.

Tags: Tama Potaka Milford Sound Piopiotahi Milford Sound Tourism Limited Ngāi Tahu Conservation Minister Aotearoa New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Tangata Whenua Department of Conservation New Zealand Government