The Green Party has slammed the Budget despite conservation-related funding that includes $21.3 million for the Battle for Our Birds pest control programme, $4m for climate change policy work and $1m for an iwi-based fresh water fund.
But the party claimed there is little included to stop pollution of waterways or combat climate change.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry said the funding continued a commitment to the Predator Free 2050 initiative, with specific initiatives to protect and restore threatened species, fight kauri dieback, increase predator, pest and weed control and marine protection, as well as respond to tourism growth.
Post Budget yesterday Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox said the Maori Party had secured budget for a suite of initiatives covering whare, marae, kohanga reo, whenua, reo and Maori broadcasting - "all kaupapa that reflect our inherent faith in ourselves, to know what is best for us," she said.
"This year's Budget sees $21 million for Maori language and culture, including $5 million to help make it easier for tamariki to access kohanga reo," Ms Fox said. "This means $58.5 million since 2014 has been secured to help whanau connect to their language, culture and identity."