Thousands of nature jobs

The Government has invested $1.1 billion in this year’s Budget to create 11,000 green jobs in the hope of jump-starting ‘‘a sustainable recovery’’ from the Covid-19 crisis.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw said the funding would put Kiwis to work on projects that would stimulate the New Zealand economy while also protecting the environment for generations to come.

‘‘Thousands of New Zealanders will be employed in sustainable jobs, safeguarding nature. The package is a win now for New Zealanders wanting to get to work, and the health of the natural environment, in the immediate and longer term,’’ he said.

The package would create jobs in the regions including planting native trees, controlling pests, and cleaning up rivers and lakes.

Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Martin Taylor said he welcomed the investment to create 11,000 environment jobs in the regions.

‘‘A Covid-19 economic recovery that prioritises the environment will ensure that our children’s children will be able to swim, fish and gather food from

their rivers, lakes and streams.’’

A recent poll for Fish & Game by Colmar Brunton found more than 76 per cent of Kiwis were concerned about water quality.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said wallabies posed an economic and environmental threat.

‘‘They compete with livestock for food. Three Bennett’s wallabies can eat the [same amount as] . . . one 50-kilogram sheep.’’

The $100m for tackling wilding

pines would create 600 jobs for people with a range of skills over the next four years.

‘‘Wilding pine control requires different skill sets like on-foot labour, chainsaw operators, heavy machinery, and helicopters,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘It also stimulates economic activity through increased demand for accommodation, vehicles, repairs and maintenance, food providers, and many others.’’