New on the site

Rare dolphin spotted in the Bay of Islands/ Pēwhairangi

24 December

DOC is asking locals and visitors naturing in the Bay of Islands/Te Pēwhairangi to be on the lookout for a rare Hector’s or Māui dolphin currently navigating local waters, and to report it if observed.

Special visitor to Abel Tasman needs space this summer

24 December

Visitors enjoying Abel Tasman National Park over the summer break are urged to give an impressive marine predator in the area plenty of space.

Protect our precious freshwater – do your Check, Clean, Dry this summer

23 December

DOC is asking boaties, fishers, and other water enthusiasts out naturing to protect our freshwater from invasive pests this summer by following Check, Clean, Dry.

Pouri Hut fire a summer safety reminder

22 December

Pouri Hut in Whanganui National Park has been destroyed by a fire, prompting a warning to visitors to bring their own shelter and water.

Conservation status of marine mammals in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2024

22 December

This report presents the latest assessment of the extinction risk of native marine mammals in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sink rate management tool for small vessel bottom longline

22 December

Read the summary for MIT2024-04 Sink rate management tool for small vessel bottom longline. Published December 2025.

Central North Island high on summer lists

22 December

New Zealanders are gearing up for another summer of naturing, based on a newly released DOC report – and the central North Island is high on many lists.

Application for a lease concession by Whangārei District Council

19 December

Have your say on an application by Whangārei District Council for a lease concession at Poupouwhenua Scenic Reserve for a period of seven years. Submissions close 9 February 2026.

Lease application by Jeanna and James Love Whānau Trust

19 December

Have your say on an application for a lease at Anatohia Bay, on the Sounds Foreshore Reserve by Jeanna and James Love Whānau Trust. Submissions close 10 February 2026.

Conservationists urge Auckland dog owners to protect penguins

18 December

Little penguins/kororā are suffering from ongoing dog attacks and interactions around Auckland’s coastline.

A chick for Charlie Girl

18 December

Well-known South Island kākā, Charlie Girl, has successfully hatched and reared her first chick since moving to the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary.

Aotea kids share stories of conservation in action

18 December

Beach clean-ups, kiwi rescues, and the tīeke/saddleback - these were just some of the naturing themes that inspired Great Barrier Island kids in a recent conservation storytelling competition.

Native mistletoe on the increase in time for Christmas

18 December

Recent analysis of long-term monitoring shows low possum numbers in a South Westland valley are leading to more native mistletoe.

Visitor trends highlight simple naturing as Kiwis’ top way to unwind

18 December

New Zealanders are gearing up for another summer of naturing, based on a newly released DOC report.

Rangitahi/Molesworth competitive process opens

18 December

Potential operators wanting to run a commercial farming operation for up to 30 years in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve are invited to submit a proposal.

Historic agreement for Top of South Island land

17 December

The ownership of approximately 7,583 acres (3,068 hectares) of Top of the South land will be restored to descendants of its original owners following a long-standing private litigation, Attorney General Judith Collins and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced today.

DOC investigates Oamaru orca incident

17 December

DOC staff have issued a plea to communities to leave wildlife alone after members of the public moved a dead orca found floating against Oamaru Harbour’s breakwater last Friday (12 December), ignoring advice they had received from rangers.

Historic agreement for Top of South Island land

17 December

Read about an agreement between DOC and Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust to settle ownership of land in the northern South Island.

Report shines light on ‘gentle giant’ manta ray

17 December

The gentle giant of the seas – te whai rahi the oceanic manta ray – has been assigned a threatened conservation status for the first time in New Zealand.

Multiple lease applications for the Ocean Beach Road Baches in the Wellington region

17 December

Have your say on multiple licence applications for the Ocean Beach Road baches. Submissions close 13 February 2026 at 5 pm.