An environmental group is relieved that conservation issues will again have a full-time minister.
Prime Minister John Key has shifted the conservation portfolio from the Trade Minister Tim Groser Associate Minister Kate Wilkinson because Mr Groser is often out of the country.
The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand says the change is a good one.
General manager Mike Britton says Ms Wilkinson has been on a steep learning curve as associate minister and should be able to handle the issues.
