Permit to kill protected species at Mt Messenger ruled unlawful

Monday 10 March 2025 · 6 outlets · 6 reports · updated Mon 10 Mar 2025, 10:23am

In this story NZ Transport Agency, High Court, Department of Conservation, Environmental Law Initiative

The High Court has ruled that a Department of Conservation permit allowing NZTA Waka Kotahi to kill protected wildlife was unlawful. The permit covered species including kiwi, bats, and Archey's frog at the Mt Messenger bypass site in Taranaki. The ruling will not stop the construction of the bypass.

How they headlined it

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1. The Press via The PostMon 10 Mar 2025, 5:00am

   Permit to kill wildlife for new road ruled unlawful (opens in new tab)

2. RNZMon 10 Mar 2025, 7:29am

   NZTA Waka Kotahi's permission to kill protected species at Mt Messenger ruled unlawful (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesMon 10 Mar 2025, 7:43am

   Permit to kill protected species unlawful (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldMon 10 Mar 2025, 8:54am

   NZTA Waka Kotahi’s permission from DoC to kill protected species at Mt Messenger ruled unlawful (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZMon 10 Mar 2025, 9:43am

   Mt Messenger: NZTA's permission to kill protected species ruled unlawful (opens in new tab)

6. Stuff via RNZMon 10 Mar 2025, 10:23am

   NZTA’s permission to kill protected species at Mt Messenger ruled unlawful (opens in new tab)