Significant investment into supporting native species and tackling invasive pests in national parks has been announced by conservation minister Tama Potaka.

The minister has announced $22M from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) will go to restoring unique wildlife in national parks, islands and other popular visitor sites over the next three years.

He said the funding is split between supporting native species and tackling invasive pests - giving birds, bush, marine life and landscapes respite to recover.

“We’re putting $4.15M into expanding predator control, plus $11.5M on the recovery of highly threatened species, including tara iti, at national parks and popular sites so visitors can enjoy thriving natural areas where their funds have contributed.”

Mt Aspiring National Park is listed as a potential location for boosted predator control operations in response to the beech mast forecast for 2026.    

Last year, nearly three-quarters of international visitors said they did a hike, walk or tramp while in New Zealand, and around half visited a national park. 

“Conservation-related tourism is worth around $3.4B a year,” Tama said.

The minister said people fly to New Zealand with the dream of enjoying our world-class environment, and the government wants to make that experience “even better” for them.

Budget 2025 has allocated $55M per annum to the Department of Conservation for new investments from money raised under the new $100 IVL rate. 

PHOTO: Supplied