Today Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, announced a $79 million boost over three years for tourism and farming by stopping the spread of wilding pines.
The work will be concentrated around Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, the North Island’s Central Plateau, and New Zealand’s largest farm in South Marlborough.
The extra funding will take the total for stopping the spread of wilding pines to $109m over the next three years.
Hoggard joined Tim Beveridge to chat about the pines and their negative impact on our environment.
LISTEN ABOVE

Amanda Morrall: What does it really take to retire in 2026?
39:21

Allyson Gofton: Soup is the secret for nutrition on a dime
39:21

Cameron Bagrie: Economist says NZ Super reform is crucial but unpopular ahead of budget
17:36