DoC workers an endangered species under National

Another round of job cuts at the Department of Conservation (DoC) will see less done to protect New Zealand's precious plants, wildlife and landscapes, the Green Party said today.

"DoC has already cut 96 jobs from conservancy and regional offices after the Government slashed its budget. Now it has to find a further $9m in savings so frontline workers are going to be sacrificed," Green Party conservation spokesperson Eugenie Sage said today.

"Staff in DoC's area offices and field centres are the frontline of conservation - protecting threatened species, organising pest control, and managing an extensive network of backcountry huts and tracks.

"They do the much of the practical work needed to protect and preserve our conservation areas.

"This National Government has got its priorities wrong. New Zealanders care about the environment and value the special plants, wildlife and places we have. They don't want to see that undermined by short-term penny pinching.

"DoC is being encouraged to bring in 'corporate partners' but they don't always stick around. Conservation should not be treated like a business it's far too important. There are no second chances."