Wildlife Act fix enables economic growth with animal protection

Changes to the Wildlife Act will ensure important development projects, such as building new solar and wind farms, continue supporting our growing economy while protecting precious wildlife.

The High Court recently decided it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai to authorise the killing of wildlife unless there was a direct link between killing and protecting wildlife. Incidental harm to wildlife, while not desired, sometimes happens when carrying out a lawful activity, such as consented construction works.

DOC says this decision placed multiple projects, which previously received DOC authorisations, in a state of uncertainty. Projects include activities for building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests, and powerline maintenance that are essential for supporting our growing economy.

These improvements give certainty to authority holders that their projects can continue lawfully, whether it’s for important conservation work like pest control or development and infrastructure projects.