The axing of nearly 100 Department of Conservation jobs will undermine efforts to save vulnerable native species from extinction, says a group of New Zealand scientists.
In an open letter to Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, more than 100 conservation biologists and scientists have expressed their dismay at the restructuring and under-resourcing of the department.
They say the job losses, affecting science and technical support staff, will be detrimental to conservation management and planning.
"The Department of Conservation is characterised by an incredibly dedicated staff who are passionate about their jobs. Unfortunately, this dedication to conservation is not reflected by government," the letter says.
"Many more species and ecosystems teeter on the edge of oblivion. We have the expertise to prevent this from happening but the experts require funding, support and job security."
A well-funded Department of Conservation is needed to maintain New Zealand's 100 per cent Pure branding and protect biodiversity, the scientists say.
Signatories to the letter include Emeritus Professor Alan Mark and Associate Professor Ian Jamieson from Otago University, and Professor David Lowe from Waikato University.
The letter, which was also sent to DOC director-general Al Morrison, was released on Wednesday afternoon at an international conservation biology congress being held in Auckland this week.
NZN