A nature levy would help us to protect our biodiversity

In the PCE report on saving NZ's birds, Dr Wright said the increasing investment by philanthropic trusts, private land owners and many others is very encouraging. "But the task ahead of us is immense. Only a fifth of our bird species are secure, and a third are in serious trouble. The situation is similar for lizards, frogs, insects and other native fauna."

She recommended that the Minister of Conservation investigate both a Nature border levy and additional ways of charging international visitors for the provision of infrastructure and services on the conservation estate, in order to free up more Conservation Department funding for the protection of biodiversity.