11. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National) to the Minister of Conservation: What are the likely benefits of the new tourism-conservation partnership with Air New Zealand?

Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Conservation) : The Government recently signed a tourism-conservation partnership between the Department of Conservation and Air New Zealand. This partnership is worth $1 million a year for the next 3 years and represents a win-win for our flagship airline, our tourism industry, and conservation. It includes formalising the agreement to transport some of our most endangered species on Air New Zealand planes to breeding sites across the country. It will also help fund a range of new biodiversity and conservation programmes in national parks to preserve and protect native plants and wildlife along the Great Walks network.

Chris Auchinvole: What other benefits will this partnership offer?

Hon KATE WILKINSON: Heaps! It is not always acknowledged that the Department of Conservation is one of the largest tourism activity providers in New Zealand. Under this partnership Air New Zealand will use its global marketing network to help the Department of Conservation to promote the Great Walks in both the domestic and international tourism markets. More than 50,000 people enjoy our Great Walks every year. These walks bring in around $3 million annually—money that is put back into conservation. Air New Zealand will also contribute through its 3,000-strong Green Team, who will volunteer their time for conservation initiatives. This partnership demonstrates that conservation can be good for business, business can be good for conservation, and we can work together to achieve shared goals and protect our native species.

Rt Hon Winston Peters: I move that Mr Auchinvole be allowed to ask another question, so that he can truly justify the rubber stamp National gives backbenchers to ask—

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I could not hear what the member was seeking leave for.

Rt Hon Winston Peters: I move that Mr Auchinvole be given a chance to ask another question so that he can truly justify the rubber stamp—

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member was lucky I did not hear it the first time around. We do not waste the time of the House that way, I say to the right honourable member.