Turia Tariana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Turia Tariana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:648;Page:17117] 
10.  
Hon TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
 to the  
Minister of Conservation 
: What assurances can she give that relocation of the moko skinks from Whangamata marina site will not affect a species categorised as “sparse” in the North Island skink recovery plan 2002-12? 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Minister of Conservation) 
: 
 I can assure the member that any relocation of the moko skinks will enhance their protection. Although the species is categorised as “sparse” it is widespread with at least five mainland populations and around 33 populations on offshore islands. There are a number of options for the population discovered at Whangamata in February. My department is in consultation with iwi and is working to ensure that we do the best we can for the skinks. 
Hon Tariana Turia 
: Does the Minister agree with the Department of Conservation’s threatened species recovery plan for skinks which states that there should be “high levels of dialogue with iwi” and what dialogue has there been with Ngati Whanaunga and Ngati Kupenga o Ngati Hako who have opposed the proposed Whangamata marina from the outset? 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK 
: I am advised that because the Department of Conservation Waikato Conservancy approved an emergency translocation permit iwi were not initially consulted according to the normal protocol. However as soon as my department became aware of the iwi concern skink collection was immediately halted. I regret that iwi were not consulted. However I am satisfied that they have now been brought into the process. 
Hon Tariana Turia 
: Is the Minister aware that at the same time yesterday that she was announcing success at saving skinks—for grand and Otago skinks—the tangata whenua of Whangamata began an occupation in a protest action opposing the destruction of the habitat of several rare and threatened coastal bird species and the removal of the moko skink; and when will the people of Whangamata also benefit from success at saving skinks? 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK 
: I am aware of the occupation. The occupation does reflect the strong feelings that iwi have towards the marina development as a whole. My department is focused on working with iwi as I said to develop an acceptable solution for the future of the moko skink. 
Hon Marian Hobbs 
: What progress is being made in protecting New Zealand’s indigenous skink species? 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK 
: As the previous questioner noted in her comment about the announcement yesterday we are making significant progress on recovery plans for the most threatened skinks. Yesterday I announced a major recovery breakthrough with the grand and the Otago skinks and predator control has led to a dramatic recovery of around 94 percent for a managed population in just 3 years. It can be done. 
Hon Tariana Turia 
: Is it possible that had the Foreshore and Seabed Act not been passed by the Labour-led Government the tangata whenua of Whangamata might have been in a stronger position to prevent the privatisation of the coast and to maintain public access and natural values including the moko skink and its natural habitat by virtue of having customary rights to the foreshore and seabed? 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK 
: Recognition of iwi interests in the foreshore and seabed is a matter for the Attorney-General. As the Minister of Conservation I am responsible for decisions around restricted coastal activities. That decision has been made and my focus now is on the suitable protection of the moko skink.