A bill that would give 260 DOC rangers greater power to protect endangered wildlife is now open for public comment.

The Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Bill will grant rangers additional powers in order to reduce the taking, catching, killing and smuggling of animals such as kereru, weka and endangered gecko. The bill is being considered by Parliament’s Local Government and Environment Committee. Public comment is open until midnight, May 12.

The bill would allow rangers to remove illegally set traps, to stop a person if they’re trying to evade a ranger or hide evidence, to require suspects to give date of birth and identification for investigation purposes, to seize materials used to commit the offence and temporarily arrest a suspected offender until they can be placed into police custody.

To make a submission, visit www.parliament.nz, or  prepare a covering letter including your name, contact details and statement and send to Secretariat, Local Government and Environment Committee, Select Committee Services, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160.