Two native species found nowhere else on Earth are getting help to survive, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Hamilton's frog and the white-bellied skink are both at serious risk of extinction.
"These species are part of what makes New Zealand special. Once they are gone, they are gone for good," Mr Potaka says.
The funding will help create safe backup populations for both species.
Two hundred Hamilton's frogs will be moved into new breeding facilities at Auckland Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park. The frog's main wild population has fallen by about 80 per cent.
"This work will help breed more froglets and support the recovery of Hamilton's frogs in the wild."
The white-bellied skink may have fewer than 100 left in the wild. Funding will establish a protected population at Orana Wildlife Park.
"This gives these rare frogs and skinks a better chance of being around for our children and grandchildren."
