Tama Potaka said the funding would be split between supporting native species and tackling invasive pests. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government is putting extra money toward restoring unique wildlife around the country, with a funding boost of $22 million over three years.
The conservation minister made the announcement on Friday at the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife facility near Christchurch.
Tama Potaka said the funding - which comes out of the International Visitor Levy - is strategically split between supporting native species and tackling invasive pests, "giving birds, bush, marine life and landscapes respite to recover".
It will help support the recovery of highly threatened species at national parks, islands and popular sites.
Potaka said conservation-related tourism was worth around $3.4 billion a year.
"We're putting $4.15 million into expanding predator control, plus $11.5 million 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."
Another $7m will go toward targeting feral goats that remove the forest undergrowth and prevent regeneration.
Potaka said he was "delighted" $1.7m of it would go toward protecting critically endangered "Canterbury locals" kakī/black stilts and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeets.
"There are only about 400 of these parakeets in the world. They nest in trees, cared for by both parents - but parent birds are no match for rats and stoats."
He said New Zealand attracted visitors who "care about nature" and every cent that went into conservation was an "investment in our environment and our economy".
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