This afternoon Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted covenanters of the QEII National Trust, which collectively holds protected in perpetuity an area of privately-owned land equal to the size of Stewart Island. Despite the costs to landowners, there is high demand from New Zealanders who wish to protect precious ecosystems on their land. Congratulations to everyone in the National Trust for reaching the milestone of 40 years, and our thanks for the fantastic work they do to protect our precious flora and fauna.
