The government has provided a one-off funding injection of $750,000 over three years to the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust Sanctuary.
Guided mindful walks on Maungatautari.
Tama Potaka
The Sanctuary – a popular tourist destination in the Waikato region – is home to native kākāpō, Mahoenui giant wētā, takahē, banded kōkopu, giant kōkopu (native NZ fish) and tuna (longfin eel).
Conservation minister Tama Potaka made the annoucement today while also boosting investment in the QEII National Trust by $4.5 million over three years.
“I’m confident this funding will help the Sanctuary continue their work with our precious native species,” he said.
Susan O’Regan
Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan said it was “fantastic news”.
“This funding certainty will be much appreciated for this regional and internationally significant project.
“(I’m) delighted Minister Tama Potaka and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have acknowledged the enormous importance of conserving some of our most precious toanga in this manner for this special ecological sanctuary.”
See: Sanctuary numbers detailed
See: Dig deeper says Waipa mayor
Many of the country’s most at-risk plants and animals are found on private land.
“Landowners provide a significant contribution to conservation efforts through additional planting, pest control, and fencing work,” said Potaka.
“The QEII Trust has proven extremely effective in collaborating to protect these crucial habitats, particularly in lowland and coastal zones where much of our threatened biodiversity exists.
“This funding increase acknowledges the Trust’s excellent track record and growing demand from landowners to protect special areas of bush, wetland, and biodiversity for future generations,” said Potaka.
This brings the trust’s total annual funding from the Government to just under $5.8 million per year for the next three years.
“For nearly half a century, QEII Trust has worked with landowners, councils and others to protect over 187,000 hectares of land in 5,200 covenanted areas – you could think of it as about 187,000 rugby fields,” said Potaka.
Corina Jordan
The Government’s announcement of an additional $4.5 million investment in the QEII National Trust is a vital step towards protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity on private land, says Fish & Game New Zealand.
Corina Jordan, chief executive of Fish & Game New Zealand, says the funding recognises the critical role that farmers play in conserving wetlands, waterways, and habitats for native wildlife.
“This investment is a win for nature and all New Zealanders who value our rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
“By supporting the QEII National Trust, the Government is reinforcing a successful partnership model that encourages landowners – especially farmers and rural communities – to protect biodiversity on their land.
“Fish & Game has long supported the use of voluntary conservation covenants to safeguard wetlands and waterways, which are essential habitats for many of New Zealand’s native species, as well as for game birds and recreational fishing.
“Wetlands are among our most valuable ecosystems, yet they are also some of the most threatened.
“Many of the areas protected through QEII covenants contribute directly to the health of our waterways, benefiting both wildlife and people who enjoy getting out in nature, fishing, and hunting.
“Fish & Game New Zealand has a proud track record of supporting landowners to protect precious habitats and encourage interested landowners to get in touch.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the QEII National Trust and landowners to protect these precious environments. This investment is a positive step toward securing New Zealand’s biodiversity and ensuring our rivers, lakes, and wetlands thrive.”
Colin Hurst
A funding boost for the QEII National Trust is a win for farmers and the environment, Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst says.
Following strong advocacy from Federated Farmers, the Government have announced an additional $4.5 million for the trust over the next three years.
“When it comes to environmental bang for your taxpayer buck, I can’t think of a better investment than the QEII Trust,” Hurst says.
“But despite the amazing work they do in our rural communities to improve biodiversity and other environmental outcomes, the trust hasn’t had an increase in funding for over a decade.
“During that time the trust has faced huge inflationary pressures and a 28% increase in demand for their services.
“Today’s announcement may not be the doubling of funding Federated Farmers called for, but it’s certainly a positive step in the right direction and will do a lot of good.”
The QEII National Trust was established in 1977, with Federated Farmers dairy chair (the late) Gordon Stephenson a key instigator.
The trust partners with landowners who are willing to voluntarily protect their land without selling or donating it.
Covenants ensure special areas of bush, wetland and biodiversity are protected for future generations, in perpetuity.
There are now more than 5,200 covenants covering 187,774 hectares – the vast majority on farms.
“Without an increase in funding the QEII Trust would have been forced to scale back the number of new covenants it could support,” Hurst says,
“That would have been a huge setback for nature, and the ongoing efforts of many farmers who are committed to protecting special areas of biodiversity on their land.”
Federated Farmers has been given a 30-minute slot in front of the Primary Production Committee to explain why it believes the trust deserves more support.
“We’ll certainly be taking up that opportunity and making a strong case for further funding increases that will allow the trust to expand their work.”
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, viewing tower
