8. Question No. 8—ConservationHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of ConservationQuestion No. 8—Conservation8. Hon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has he made about conservation funding?Hon TAMA POTAKA (Minister of Conservation): I have recently announced the projects that will be funded by the international visitor levy. The funding has provided a $25 million funding boost to conservation including $5 million for Cathedral Cove Mautohe and $6 million for enhancing tracks and expanding DOC's network of short walks and day hikes. These are major projects that will protect and enhance our country's majestic landscapes flora and fauna and make it easier for New Zealanders and our visitors our manuhiri to experience nature. Toi tū te taiao. We know that nature is one of the key reasons people choose to visit Aotearoa New Zealand and it's important the international visitor levy funding supports these outcomes.Hon Scott Simpson: To the Minister: how will this announcement benefit the beautiful Coromandel?Hon TAMA POTAKA:He whenua taurikura a Moehau Te Tara-o-te-ika.[Coromandel is a paradise.]Coromandel is an iconic place and Cathedral Cove is one of the most spectacular beaches not just in New Zealand but in the world. Before COVID-19 Mautohe Cathedral Cove was the fourth most visited DOC site in New Zealand. In 2023 the walking track was significantly damaged by successive weather events having a big impact on the local economy and regional economy. I've approved $5 million of international visitor levy funding for Cathedral Cove to deliver walk-in access to the cove by summer 2024-25.Hon Scott Simpson: Back on track.Hon TAMA POTAKA: Back on track. There will be ongoing challenges at this site which is prone to storm damage landslides and rock falls. This funding package will help curate better visitor management explore revenue generation opportunities and start a more enduring access solution. Mautohe Cathedral Cove is the major drawcard to the Coromandel region. This investment is expected to increase regional GDP by around 7 percent once the track is fully operational again. DOC and Ngāti Hei have been working closely to ensure the experience of visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove is safe respects the cultural significance of the area protects the fragile environment and is sustainable. And I'm glad that I've made a decision rather than waiting another nine months to make a decision.Hon Scott Simpson: To the Minister: what other projects has he announced that encourage New Zealanders to get out into the great outdoors and connect with nature?SPEAKER: I'd encourage brevity in the answer.Hon TAMA POTAKA: Thank you Mr Speaker. Six million dollars will go towards enhancing tracks and expanding DOC's network of short walks and day hikes so more people are encouraged to enjoy a great day out in nature in the taiao. The tracks are spread across the country and will promote tourism and export receipts that our country desperately needs. A new programme to support the maintenance and management of huts of recreational importance through partnerships will benefit from funding of $4.2 million over the next four years. And over the next three years $5 million will be invested in information and advocacy activities to connect people to te taiao and manuhiri experiences across the country making it easier for people to get involved through activities like donating volunteering and investing.Hon Scott Simpson: To the Minister: how does this announcement relate to his priorities for the conservation portfolio?Hon TAMA POTAKA: Thank you Mr Speaker. My vision for conservation is to encourage more visits by tourists and New Zealanders to our iconic landscapes activate commercial opportunities of public conservation land and ultimately to enhance biodiversity across our country within the fiscal responsibility championed by our Government and manu pūtea Minister Willis. My priorities for conservation include focusing greater efforts on high-value conservation areas and ensuring we're generating additional revenue for conservation. So targeting efforts in high-conservation areas both in terms of biodiversity and the manuhiri network means spending money wisely ensuring investments are providing high benefits and returns on investment. Targeting investment and visitor infrastructure at some of our busiest locations such as Cathedral Cove or other day hikes and short walks means more people can continue to interact and enjoy the environment around them and places that are easy for them to access. I hope members of the Opposition will spend more valuable time on our DOC estate rather than beavering away in their little chains. Kia ora.SPEAKER: In general those answers were far too long and a number of Ministers are straying into that territory. Brevity is important for this is an information session not a propaganda session. [Applause from Opposition] Well that applies to the Opposition as well with some of their questions.