Biosecurity Minister, Andrew Hoggard, has confirmed the Government will invest $79 million to supercharge efforts to tackle the spread of wilding pines.
“Wilding pines threaten productive farmland, water supplies in sensitive catchments, and native biodiversity – and they significantly increase the impact of wildfires,” said Mr Hoggard.
The new investment takes the total commitment to $109 million.
“This is a smart investment in rural productivity and will back those working hard on-the-ground to contain wildings,” the Minister said.
More than two million hectares of New Zealand are affected by wilding infestations, with untreated areas expanding by an estimated 5% a year.
The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme has received more than $175 million in government funding over the past decade, alongside more than $38 million contributed by partners and communities.
“This Budget 2026 increase in funding is about boosting that momentum and backing the long-term resilience of rural communities.”
“We’re supporting regional councils, iwi, farmers, researchers, and volunteers who are making a real difference across nine priority regions, including Canterbury, Otago, and Marlborough,” said Mr Hoggard.
Around $30 million of the funding over three years will be provided through the International Visitor Levy.
“Tourism is a key part of our plan to grow the economy and create jobs, lift wages, and help kiwis get ahead. This funding will help protect our unique natural environment from the spread of wilding pines.”
The programme is led by Biosecurity New Zealand and delivered in partnership with councils, landowners, iwi, industry, community groups, and other government agencies
In addition to the significant funding boost, MPI will begin developing a National Pest Management Plan for on-going control of wilding conifers.
“This will further strengthen national coordination of wildings management, ensuring efficient and effective control work and establishing nationally consistent rules to prevent their further spread,” Mr Hoggard says.
Federated Farmers pest spokesperson, Richard Dawkins says the investment was a huge win – not just for farmers, but for all New Zealanders.
“Wilding pines are an ecological disaster threatening farms, exports, biodiversity, tourism, and water resources across New Zealand,” he said.
“Most Kiwis don’t see the problem day to day, but these invasive trees are spreading across some of our most iconic landscapes at an alarming rate.
“The time to ramp up control efforts is now, and this funding boost will make a real difference.
“The Government deserves enormous credit for stepping up and backing meaningful action.”
