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2019 media releases

Rare lizard habitat protected

Rare lizard habitat protected

Date: 24 December 2019
DOC welcomes Cardrona Alpine Resort Limited’s decision to halt chairlift construction as it would disturb an extremely significant site for New Zealand’s native lizards.

New views and experiences in Glacier Valleys

New views and experiences in Glacier Valleys

Date: 23 December 2019
With the reopening of storm damaged State Highway 6 late last week, South Westland Rangers have been busy with the increase in visitor numbers to Glacier Country.

DOC monitoring rāpoka/NZ sea lions in the south

DOC monitoring rāpoka/NZ sea lions in the south

Date: 23 December 2019
DOC is monitoring the wellbeing of a small number of rāpoka/New Zealand sea lions after they appear to have reacted to glue used during an external research programme.

Help protect Tāne Mahuta and our great kauri this summer

Help protect Tāne Mahuta and our great kauri this summer

Date: 23 December 2019
A new animated video from DOC and Te Roroa, kaitiaki over Waipoua Forest in the far North, is urging people to clean their shoes and stay on the open tracks when visiting kauri forests.

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve track to remain closed over Christmas

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve track to remain closed over Christmas

Date: 23 December 2019
The track to the Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Gannet Reserve will remain closed over Christmas while the results of a risk analysis report are fully reviewed.

Dog owners urged to Lead the Way to protect native wildlife on coastlines

Dog owners urged to Lead the Way to protect native wildlife on coastlines

Date: 20 December 2019
Dog owners are being encouraged to share the beach and ensure they keep space between their pets and wildlife.

Southland’s Waituna Lagoon vulnerable to changing climate

Southland’s Waituna Lagoon vulnerable to changing climate

Date: 19 December 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The vulnerability of New Zealand’s aquatic environments to climate change is highlighted in a new report on Waituna Lagoon in Southland’s internationally recognised Awarua Wetland.

Give nesting birds a fighting chance this summer

Give nesting birds a fighting chance this summer

Date: 19 December 2019
DOC is reminding the public to be careful near shorebird nesting sites on the East Coast this summer.

Hunt safely and responsibly this summer

Hunt safely and responsibly this summer

Date: 19 December 2019
Hunters making the most of the holidays by heading into the bush and mountain ranges are being reminded to keep safe by DOC.

Two injured Northland Kiwi returned home

Two injured Northland Kiwi returned home

Date: 19 December 2019
Last Tuesday (10th December) was a big day for two special Northland kiwi.

DOC welcomes careful visitors to the outdoors

DOC welcomes careful visitors to the outdoors

Date: 19 December 2019
DOC have rangers and volunteers working in popular recreation and holiday spots in Whanganui this summer to ensure, huts and campsites are in great condition for visitors.

Fishers urged to dispose of rubbish responsibly after dead dolphin calf found entangled

Fishers urged to dispose of rubbish responsibly after dead dolphin calf found entangled

Date: 18 December 2019
Boaties are being urged to bring in broken lines and rubbish from their fishing trips after a dead baby dolphin was recovered from Tāwharanui beach in Auckland.

Mahi Aroha 2020 – Giving Nature a Loving Hand

Mahi Aroha 2020 – Giving Nature a Loving Hand

Date: 18 December 2019
Whanau oriented events are the focus of this year's Central Plateau summer nature programme Mahi Aroha.

Hector's dolphin found dead in Milford Sound

Hector's dolphin found dead in Milford Sound

Date: 17 December 2019
In a rare event, a Hector's dolphin has been found dead on the foreshore at the head of Piopiotahi/Milford Sound in Fiordland.

Mana Cruising Club supports Marlborough Sounds island

Mana Cruising Club supports Marlborough Sounds island

Date: 17 December 2019
A Mana Cruising Club crew is sailing across Cook Strait from Wellington to help rid a Marlborough Sounds island of rats and keep it rat-free so its native wildlife can thrive.

Protect kauri and come clean to the Ngahere this summer

Protect kauri and come clean to the Ngahere this summer

Date: 16 December 2019
Walkers enjoying tracks on the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges this summer will likely encounter friendly DOC and iwi track ambassadors who will be spreading the word on how to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

DOC asks visitors to ‘Love this place’

DOC asks visitors to ‘Love this place’

Date: 16 December 2019
DOC is asking all visitors to the outdoors to ‘Love this place’ as it introduces its behaviour in nature campaign for a second summer.

Taranaki truck driver saves kiwi chick

Taranaki truck driver saves kiwi chick

Date: 16 December 2019
A Taranaki kiwi chick is lucky to be alive thanks to a truckie who saved it from a stoat attack.

Partial closure of Paparoa Track to continue

Partial closure of Paparoa Track to continue

Date: 16 December 2019
Extreme weather on the West Coast has continued to stymie efforts to open the middle section of the Paparoa Track, DOC says.

Celebrating a milestone for Kiwi kids in nature

Celebrating a milestone for Kiwi kids in nature

Date: 16 December 2019
Source: Toyota | Department of Conservation
Toyota Kiwi Guardians is marking an historic milestone, with the claiming of the programme's 50,000th medal.

Rising rain wrecks routes

Rising rain wrecks routes

Date: 13 December 2019
DOC is assessing the future of foot access to Ball Hut and the Tasman Glacier.

Fiordland takahē homeland full – no vacancies

Fiordland takahē homeland full – no vacancies

Date: 13 December 2019
The ‘no vacancy’ sign is going up at the takahē homeland in Fiordland’s Murchison Mountains this summer as it becomes full with DOC’s release of a record 41 takahē.

NZAC and DOC celebrate 30-year milestone

NZAC and DOC celebrate 30-year milestone

Date: 11 December 2019
The New Zealand Alpine Club and DOC are celebrating 30 years of managing huts together in the West Matukituki Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park.

Coromandel visit sparks dolphin excitement

Coromandel visit sparks dolphin excitement

Date: 10 December 2019
A sighting of the distinctive round dorsal fin of a very rare Hector's dolphin on the Eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula has excited marine mammal enthusiasts across the country.

Plight of toroa/northern royal albatross goes global

Plight of toroa/northern royal albatross goes global

Date: 10 December 2019
Millions of bird nerds from around the world will soon have their eyes fixed on coastal Otago’s toroa/northern royal albatross colony, thanks to a new partnership between DOC and New York’s Cornell University/Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

DOC funding to support community predator control

DOC funding to support community predator control

Date: 09 December 2019
A DOC Community Fund grant is assisting Forest & Birds’ efforts to protect pekapeka/long-tailed bats in the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve from high rat numbers.

Dogged determination delivers pest-free islands

Dogged determination delivers pest-free islands

Date: 10 December 2019
A squadron of Conservation Dogs descended on the Bay of Islands last week.

Gordon Park gets a helping hand from Whanganui Collegiate

Gordon Park gets a helping hand from Whanganui Collegiate

Date: 09 December 2019
Students from Whanganui Collegiate recently tackled the invasive veldt grass at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve alongside DOC staff and Friends of Gordon Park volunteers.

Hobsonville Point students bringing back native birds

Hobsonville Point students bringing back native birds

Date: 09 December 2019
Hobsonville Point Secondary School students are bringing native birds back to their community with DOC funding for a predator control programme.

DOC disappointed at biker’s risky behaviour

DOC disappointed at biker’s risky behaviour

Date: 06 December 2019
A mountain biker caught cycling through the construction site in the closed area on the Paparoa Track yesterday may be prosecuted.

Flood of support for Top of the South catchment

Flood of support for Top of the South catchment

Date: 06 December 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Restoration of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River catchment is getting a significant boost thanks to new government funding support.

Waikanae Estuary Care Group’s efforts boosted

Waikanae Estuary Care Group’s efforts boosted

Date: 05 December 2019
The Waikanae Estuary Care Group will be stocking up their plant nursery to help restore the Lower North Island’s second most valuable estuarine environment following a $20,000 grant from the DOC Community Fund.

Kaikōura man sentenced for killing red-billed gulls

Kaikōura man sentenced for killing red-billed gulls

Date: 04 December 2019
Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC welcome the conviction of a Kaikōura man for killing nine red-billed gulls when he drove over them.

Ruahine whio to benefit from latest DOC Community Fund

Ruahine whio to benefit from latest DOC Community Fund

Date: 04 December 2019
Ruahine Whio Protectors are delighted their work to control predators and protect whio in the Ruahine Ranges will receive a substantial boost from DOC's Community Fund.

National Park patties net $20k penalties

National Park patties net $20k penalties

Date: 02 December 2019
DOC welcomes the sentencing of the three men found guilty and convicted of taking native fish (whitebait) from the Waitutu area of Fiordland National Park.

Double celebration for tara iti/fairy tern

Double celebration for tara iti/fairy tern

Date: 02 December 2019
One of New Zealand’s rarest birds, the tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern has been boosted by two chicks successfully hatching last week – one at Pakiri, North of Auckland and the other at Mangawhai, near Whangarei.

Extraordinary rescue from ends of the earth

Extraordinary rescue from ends of the earth

Date: 29 November 2019
A DOC conservation dog has been rescued from Campbell Island in the New Zealand subantarctic after being charged at by a sea lion and running away.

Working together to identify, protect, manage and restore our indigenous biodiversity

Working together to identify, protect, manage and restore our indigenous biodiversity

Date: 26 November 2019
Source: Offices of the Associate Minister for the Environment and the Minster of Conservation
Associate Minister for the Environment, Nanaia Mahuta and Minister of Conservation, Eugenie Sage today announced a new toolkit to support councils to give nature a helping hand to restore indigenous biodiversity and halt further decline.

Kids encourage New Zealanders to protect Aotearoa this summer

Kids encourage New Zealanders to protect Aotearoa this summer

Date: 25 November 2019
Source: Offices of the Minister of Tourism and Minister of Conservation
Kiwi kids are asking visitors to look after our home in a campaign launched by Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage.

Excitement as Pakihi Track reopens

Excitement as Pakihi Track reopens

Date: 22 November 2019
After a big effort by DOC teams, the Pakihi Track has reopened in time for the summer peak.

Life rafts to protect threatened black-billed gulls

Life rafts to protect threatened black-billed gulls

Date: 21 November 2019
DOC is hoping floating platforms will help to keep the chicks of a central Christchurch colony of critically endangered tarāpuka/black-billed gulls from drowning this breeding season.

New inventions boost Predator Free 2050 effort

New inventions boost Predator Free 2050 effort

Date: 21 November 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Innovation and technology are behind five new products to help eliminate predators, Minister for Conservation Eugenie Sage and Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today.

Testing shows no 1080 in rats

Testing shows no 1080 in rats

Date: 20 November 2019
Results of toxicology testing of dead rats that washed up on North Beach near Westport recently show no presence of 1080.

Plan of action to protect seabirds

Plan of action to protect seabirds

Date: 19 November 2019
Source: Offices of the Minister of Fisheries and the Minister of Conservation
A proposed national plan of action to reduce the number of seabirds caught in fisheries is being circulated for public feedback.

Wet weather slip causes issues on Paparoa Track

Wet weather slip causes issues on Paparoa Track

Date: 19 November 2019
The official opening of the new Paparoa Track will go ahead as planned on Saturday 30 November 2019, but the track will only partially open on 1 December 2019.

Diamond Lake track reopens

Diamond Lake track reopens

Date: 15 November 2019
The popular Diamond Lake Track near Wanaka will reopen this weekend following extensive repair work.

Less is more for the Coromandel this summer

Less is more for the Coromandel this summer

Date: 14 November 2019
The long-term sustainability of Coromandel camping holidays is being improved by changes to a number of DOC campgrounds; including reducing the number of people using them, at least in the short-term.

Hoiho get extra support alongside 168 community conservation groups backing nature

Hoiho get extra support alongside 168 community conservation groups backing nature

Date: 13 November 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The recently crowned Bird of the Year, the hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, is getting a much needed helping hand alongside more than 168 other community conservation projects announced Minister for Conservation Eugenie Sage today.

Richard Henry’s conservation legacy lives on

Richard Henry’s conservation legacy lives on

Date: 13 November 2019
Pioneering conservationist Richard Henry’s crucial contribution to saving our endangered native birds is remembered today, 13 November 2019, the 90th Anniversary of his death.

DOC welcomes new Tauranga SMART Operator

DOC welcomes new Tauranga SMART Operator

Date: 12 November 2019
DOC welcomes the first North Island business to sign up to the SMART Operator programme that promotes responsible marine mammal viewing activities.

Family Fun Day to celebrate 20th anniversary of Marine Reserve

Family Fun Day to celebrate 20th anniversary of Marine Reserve

Date: 11 November 2019
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve, DOC and Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve Committee are holding a Family Fun Day at the reserve this Saturday 16 November.

Caution urged over rat carcasses on beach

Caution urged over rat carcasses on beach

Date: 11 November 2019
Dog owners are being urged to keep their dogs off Westport beaches after hundreds of dead rats washed up there in the past 24 hours.

Acoustic devices confirm Hector’s and Māui dolphins are present in Taranaki region

Acoustic devices confirm Hector’s and Māui dolphins are present in Taranaki region

Date: 11 November 2019
New research using acoustic underwater monitoring devices has confirmed that Hector’s or Māui dolphins are often present in the Taranaki region.

Kiwi calls fill the night in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park

Kiwi calls fill the night in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park

Date: 08 November 2019
New survey results indicate the kiwi population in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is growing.

Protecting at-risk nests from a predator plague in the Northern Ruahine ranges

Protecting at-risk nests from a predator plague in the Northern Ruahine ranges

Date: 05 November 2019
In the Northern Ruahine forest, fluffy whio ducklings and kiwi chicks are emerging from their nests at this time of year. Unfortunately, many of these babies won’t survive the summer without our intervention.

Photo competition to celebrate marine reserve’s 20th birthday

Photo competition to celebrate marine reserve’s 20th birthday

Date: 04 November 2019
Get snapping at Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve and enter your best photos in a competition being run as part of the marine reserve’s 20th-anniversary celebrations this month.

Taranaki Mounga predator control a success

Taranaki Mounga predator control a success

Date: 04 November 2019
Native birds on Mount Taranaki have a greater chance of breeding success this season with high rat and possum numbers knocked down from the predator control operation in June.

New Te Henga Bridge officially open

New Te Henga Bridge officially open

Date: 01 November 2019
A brand-new bridge is now open on the popular Te Henga Walkway, a coastal trail in the Muriwai Te Henga area on Auckland’s wild west coast.

Partnering to protect native birds and power lines

Partnering to protect native birds and power lines

Date: 01 November 2019
DOC and electricity lines company Orion have joined forces to protect native plants, birds and power lines on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury by controlling possums.

First fairy tern egg of the breeding season

First fairy tern egg of the breeding season

Date: 31 October 2019
New Zealand’s rarest bird, the tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern, has produced the first egg of the breeding season.

Hoiho/Yellow-eyed penguin nest counts down for 19/20 season

Hoiho/Yellow-eyed penguin nest counts down for 19/20 season

Date: 30 October 2019
Yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho nest numbers have declined in some locations following significant starvation events last season.

Bad weather advisory for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Bad weather advisory for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Date: 30 October 2019
DOC is implementing an advisory system for 'bad weather days' on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this summer walking season

Concern for Auckland’s injured leopard seal

Concern for Auckland’s injured leopard seal

Date: 28 October 2019
Concern is growing for Auckland’s resident leopard seal, Owha, who was spotted early Saturday morning bleeding from a severe facial wound.

DOC’s ‘Kiwi Way’ a winner at Tourism Awards

DOC’s ‘Kiwi Way’ a winner at Tourism Awards

Date: 25 October 2019
DOC is delighted to be awarded the Great Journeys of New Zealand Industry Enabler Award at the Tourism Awards for its ‘Kiwi Way’ summer behaviour in nature campaign.

Lake Whangape gets a helping hand from local children

Lake Whangape gets a helping hand from local children

Date: 18 October 2019
A highlight of the 50th Conservation Week in Waikato saw over one hundred children from neighbouring schools get together to help restore habitat near Lake Whangape.

Bay of Plenty Matuku/Bittern survey to help understand more about rare species

Bay of Plenty Matuku/Bittern survey to help understand more about rare species

Date: 22 October 2019
A posse of helpers is needed to help figure out if the Australasian Bittern population is booming in the Bay of Plenty.

Fatality in Tongariro National Park

Fatality in Tongariro National Park

Date: 21 October 2019
A 51-year-old Chinese tourist was found deceased near Red Crater in Tongariro National Park on Sunday.

Rāhui placed on Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Rāhui placed on Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Date: 21 October 2019
A fatality on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing over the weekend is being acknowledged with a rāhui.

Free Taranaki Trap Library up and running

Free Taranaki Trap Library up and running

Date: 16 October 2019
Protecting backyard native wildlife just got easier for Taranaki residents as DOC opens the regions first trap library.

Indigenous Freshwater Fish Bill passes

Indigenous Freshwater Fish Bill passes

Date: 16 October 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The future for New Zealand’s threatened indigenous freshwater fish looks brighter with the passing of the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill in Parliament today said Minister of Conservation, Eugenie Sage.

New trapping guide for community and expert trappers alike

New trapping guide for community and expert trappers alike

Date: 14 October 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Developed by DOC, ‘A practical guide to trapping’ was launched at a predator trapping course run by Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) at urban ecosanctuary.

New home for whio in Te Anau

New home for whio in Te Anau

Date: 11 October 2019
The future for whio is looking more secure thanks to a new agreement between DOC, Real Journeys and Genesis.

Blackball and DOC gear up for Paparoa Track opening

Blackball and DOC gear up for Paparoa Track opening

Date: 11 October 2019
DOC and Blackball residents are getting ready for the long-awaited opening of what will be New Zealand’s first purpose built shared-use Great Walk.

Southland rainforest permanently protected

Southland rainforest permanently protected

Date: 10 October 2019
The Māori owners of 741 hectares of native rainforest, in western Southland, have worked with the Nature Heritage Fund to permanently protect the forest.

Last northern royal albatross chick takes to the skies

Last northern royal albatross chick takes to the skies

Date: 10 October 2019
The last northern royal albatross/toroa chick has fledged from Pukekura/Taiaroa Head bringing the 2018/19 breeding season to an end.

Proposals sought for final design of Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project

Proposals sought for final design of Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project

Date: 09 October 2019
A new visitor experience centre and overhaul and upgrade of dated infrastructure at Punakaiki is one step closer with the call to market this week for proposals from suppliers to complete final designs for the project.

Winter life of Auckland Island pests revealed

Winter life of Auckland Island pests revealed

Date: 04 October 2019
Return of the winter field team from Auckland Island brings new insights into the work needed to make the subantarctic island pest-free.

Takahē population flying high

Takahē population flying high

Date: 04 October 2019
Takahē may be flightless but their population is flying high with the official count reaching 418 after a record breeding season that produced an estimated 65 juveniles, the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today.

Whitebaiters guilty of Fiordland National Park fishing

Whitebaiters guilty of Fiordland National Park fishing

Date: 03 October 2019
DOC welcomes the successful prosecution of three whitebaiters who were found guilty of whitebaiting on the Waitutu river in Fiordland National Park

Team effort starts Motukaraka restoration

Team effort starts Motukaraka restoration

Date: 02 October 2019
Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa is asking that people show respect for the whenua/land after a huge effort to rehabilitate Motukaraka Reserve.

Leopard seal provoked

Leopard seal provoked

Date: 01 October 2019
Owha, the leopard seal, has been seen at ferry terminals, marinas, boat ramps and beaches in Auckland and Northland for the last four years.

Great Walks season opens

Great Walks season opens

Date: 01 October 2019
The Great Walks season gets underway this month and the DOC’s tips for those making trips include being well prepared to keep safe and to help care for the beautiful natural areas they will experience.

Wild Creations 2020 opens: opportunity for artists to engage with nature

Wild Creations 2020 opens: opportunity for artists to engage with nature

Date: 30 September 2019
DOC and Creative New Zealand welcome submissions for Wild Creations 2020, an initiative supporting artists to engage with nature and conservation.

Reminder for whitebaiters to enjoy a ‘sleep-in’ this Sunday

Reminder for whitebaiters to enjoy a ‘sleep-in’ this Sunday

Date: 27 September 2019
DOC is reminding fishers they can ‘sleep-in’ on Sunday when the hours' people can legally whitebait change with the start of daylight savings.

Take care during bird breeding season

Take care during bird breeding season

Date: 27 September 2019
DOC is reminding members of the public to be aware of nesting birds around the area this breeding season, as people spend more time in the outdoors with the longer days and warmer weather.

More camping options on offer through booking system

More camping options on offer through booking system

Date: 25 September 2019
Putting a wider range of accommodation options at visitors' fingertips will allow for an even better camping and tramping experience this summer.

Whio avoidance training signals success

Whio avoidance training signals success

Date: 25 September 2019
The whio aversion programme for dogs brings success in Taranaki's whio population.

DOC rangers poised for opening day action

DOC rangers poised for opening day action

Date: 25 September 2019
DOC rangers are planning a strong presence around Rotorua lakes for the fishing season opening day, to promote responsible and considerate behaviour.

Whitebaiting patrols result in net seizures

Whitebaiting patrols result in net seizures

Date: 24 September 2019
Eastern Bay of Plenty whitebaiters have largely played by the rules this season but there are some who have been using illegal equipment or techniques.

Record number of kākā released in Abel Tasman National Park

Record number of kākā released in Abel Tasman National Park

Date: 24 September 2019
Record number of kākā released in Abel Tasman National Park

Elephant ivory coming into New Zealand decreasing

Elephant ivory coming into New Zealand decreasing

Date: 24 September 2019
New Zealand’s latest figures on the trade of elephant ivory across the border show imports have been decreasing, although seizures of ivory without permits have increased slightly in the last decade.

Mountain going rowi kiwi Aroha on the move again

Mountain going rowi kiwi Aroha on the move again

Date: 24 September 2019
Aroha, the rowi kiwi that made headlines last month after she was rescued from a mountain by the local West Coast LandSAR Alpine Cliff Rescue team is on the move again.

Consultation on protecting endangered species from illegal trade

Consultation on protecting endangered species from illegal trade

Date: 24 September 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The Government plans to strengthen New Zealand’s measures to prevent international trade in endangered species the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today.

Spotlight trained on Bay of Plenty conservation heroes

Spotlight trained on Bay of Plenty conservation heroes

Date: 23 September 2019
Seven individuals and groups received special acknowledgement for being Bay of Plenty (BOP) conservation heroes at a function at Whakatāne’s Mataatua wharenui on Thursday.

DOC and Gisborne i-SITE – a natural match

DOC and Gisborne i-SITE – a natural match

Date: 23 September 2019
The Gisborne i-SITE is now the public front desk for East Coast/Tairawhiti DOC visitor enquiries.

Upgrading Aotea/Great Barrier tracks to prevent kauri dieback spread

Upgrading Aotea/Great Barrier tracks to prevent kauri dieback spread

Date: 20 September 2019
Ten tracks on Aotea / Great Barrier Island are being upgraded to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Whanganui District focusing on safety

Whanganui District focusing on safety

Date: 20 September 2019
DOC wants those in Whanganui who love and enjoy the outdoors to embrace the essence of the Whanganui Journey while still focusing on safety.

World first trilingual nature app launch in Year of Indigenous Language

World first trilingual nature app launch in Year of Indigenous Language

Date: 18 September 2019
In a world first, DOC, with the support of Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, has launched a nature app that incorporates Te Reo Māori, Chinese and English translations.

Men charged for illegally collecting bracket fungus to make healing tea

Men charged for illegally collecting bracket fungus to make healing tea

Date: 17 September 2019
Charges have been brought against two men for removing bracket fungus from the Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls Track near Raglan. The men appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Tuesday morning.

Kākāpō population reaches a record high of 213

Kākāpō population reaches a record high of 213

Date: 17 September 2019
It’s official – for the first time in more than 70 years, the kākāpō population is a record 213 birds.

Whitebait regulations still the same for 2019 season

Whitebait regulations still the same for 2019 season

Date: 16 September 2019
Whanganui DOC staff are reminding whitebaiters to keep to the rules which remain unchanged for the 2019 fishing season.

Minister launches 50th Conservation Week - Nature needs us

Minister launches 50th Conservation Week - Nature needs us

Date: 14 September 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage is celebrating 50 years of Conservation Week or Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Turoa and encouraging people to get involved in conservation.

Tread lightly for the tūturiwhatu / banded dotterel

Tread lightly for the tūturiwhatu / banded dotterel

Date: 13 September 2019
One of Hawke’s Bay’s smallest birds, the tūturiwhatu / banded dotterel, needs extra awareness during their most vulnerable time of year.

Auckland Conservation Week in lights

Auckland Conservation Week in lights

Date: 10 September 2019
Auckland’s Harbour Bridge will light up to celebrate 50 years of Conservation Week.

Hector’s dolphin sighted in Hawke’s Bay

Hector’s dolphin sighted in Hawke’s Bay

Date: 10 September 2019
A Hector’s dolphin has been spotted in Napier waters and the DOC is encouraging the public to report any further sightings of this rare, small dolphin.

Toanui making a comeback in Taranaki

Toanui making a comeback in Taranaki

Date: 06 September 2019
A survey of toanui or flesh-footed shearwater in Taranaki has seen great results with hundreds of the birds found on Motumahanga Island offshore from New Plymouth.

Work to begin on Taranaki Crossing project

Work to begin on Taranaki Crossing project

Date: 04 September 2019
Source: Offices of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Regional Economic Development
Work will begin immediately on the Taranaki Crossing Project that will create jobs and boost visitor access to Mt Taranaki, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.

Search and rescue finds mountain climbing kiwi

Search and rescue finds mountain climbing kiwi

Date: 30 August 2019
A rare rowi kiwi who had strayed far from her lowland forest home to a cliff face has been rescued.

Rubbish find "disappointing"

Rubbish find "disappointing"

Date: 29 August 2019
DOC have recently found two sites where rubbish has been illegally dumped on public conservation land, near the West Coast towns of Greymouth and Reefton.

New protection for bottlenose dolphin

New protection for bottlenose dolphin

Date: 29 August 2019
DOC has put in place new permit conditions to protect bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, Northland.

Popular national park track reopens after flood repairs

Popular national park track reopens after flood repairs

Date: 28 August 2019
Magnificent views of alpine glacial lakes and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana await visitors to the freshly repaired Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Waitaha river hydro application declined

Waitaha river hydro application declined

Date: 28 August 2019
Source: Office of the Minister for the Environment
An application from Westpower Ltd for concessions to construct and operate a run of river hydro-electric power scheme on the Waitaha River, near Hokitika, has been declined.

New Zealand Defence Force help protect rare native bird

New Zealand Defence Force help protect rare native bird

Date: 27 August 2019
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopters today delivered 50 tonnes of crushed oyster shells to a remote breeding site of the rare native bird, tara iti / New Zealand fairy tern.

Rare braided river birds to be protected by gull control

Rare braided river birds to be protected by gull control

Date: 26 August 2019
DOC is protecting rare and threatened bird species living in the Hurunui and Waiau rivers by controlling southern black-backed gulls/karoro, which prey on their chicks and eggs.

Fox Glacier road closed for indefinite future

Fox Glacier road closed for indefinite future

Date: 24 August 2019
The access road to the iconic destination of Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe in South Westland will be closed for the indefinite future after an engineering report commissioned by DOC and the New Zealand Transport Agency found it was no longer practical to re-establish road access into the valley.

Investment package to boost Glacier Country tourism

Investment package to boost Glacier Country tourism

Date: 24 August 2019
Source: Offices of the Minister of Conservation and Minister of Tourism
The West Coast’s Glacier Country will receive a significant investment to boost the area’s spectacular visitor attractions, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.

DOC seeks pest fish sightings

DOC seeks pest fish sightings

Date: 22 August 2019
With the whitebaiting season underway, DOC is asking for sightings of the pest fish Gambusia across Nelson Tasman.

Tauranga tracks open after final upgrades for kauri dieback

Tauranga tracks open after final upgrades for kauri dieback

Date: 21 August 2019
DOC has re-opened ten tracks in Tauranga after successful upgrade work to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Threat Management Plan consultation closes

Threat Management Plan consultation closes

Date: 20 August 2019
DOC and Fisheries New Zealand would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation on the Hector’s and Māui dolphins Threat Management Plan review.

Great prizes to be won in Conservation Week kids’ competition

Great prizes to be won in Conservation Week kids’ competition

Date: 20 August 2019
West Coast kids have a chance to win some great conservation themed prize packages by participating in a “Share your Nature Story” competition currently open for entries.

New nests for NZ's most endangered bird

New nests for NZ's most endangered bird

Date: 19 August 2019
New Zealand’s most endangered birds, the tara iti /New Zealand fairy tern, received a boost to their upcoming breeding season with the creation of three new man-made shell nesting sites in Waipu, north of Auckland.

DOC and NZDF demobilise from Fox Glacier

DOC and NZDF demobilise from Fox Glacier

Date: 16 August 2019
After almost two months of cleaning rubbish, DOC has shut down the Incident Management Centre that was set up at the Fox Glacier DOC office to manage the Fox landfill clean-up response.

First IVL projects to support sustainable tourism and conservation

First IVL projects to support sustainable tourism and conservation

Date: 14 August 2019
Source: Offices of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Tourism
A programme and a recovery plan for the critically endangered kākāpō are among the first projects to receive funding through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

Dead fin whale washes up at Te Kaha

Dead fin whale washes up at Te Kaha

Date: 12 August 2019
A 16-metre fin whale washed up dead at Te Kaha on Thursday last week. The whale was first spotted floating close to shore before washing up with the high tide.

Whitebaiting season 2019 kicks off

Whitebaiting season 2019 kicks off

Date: 12 August 2019
This year’s whitebaiting season starts this week, with DOC reminding whitebaiters to follow the rules to protect the whitebait fishery.

More protection for endangered kakī

More protection for endangered kakī

Date: 09 August 2019
Source: Department of Conservation and Te Manahuna Aoraki
A significant increase in predator trapping is giving 130 young kakī/black stilt released in the Mackenzie Basin this week their best-ever chance of survival.

Fur seal/kekeno numbers growing in Hawke's Bay

Fur seal/kekeno numbers growing in Hawke's Bay

Date: 08 August 2019
The Department of Conservation (DOC) says an increase in fur seals/kekeno being seen around Hawke’s Bay shores this season is an excellent sign for seal populations around New Zealand, but beachgoers should give them space.

Operation Tidy Fox ending Sunday with a record number of volunteers

Operation Tidy Fox ending Sunday with a record number of volunteers

Date: 08 August 2019
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced that the massive effort by volunteers to clean-up the Fox landfill spill will end on Sunday after a final push by the biggest volunteer force yet.

Partial review of Conservation and National Parks policies to give better effect to Treaty principles

Partial review of Conservation and National Parks policies to give better effect to Treaty principles

Date: 06 August 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation and NZ Conservation Authority
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage and the NZ Conservation Authority have directed DOC to undertake partial reviews of the Conservation General Policy and the General Policy for National Parks, to give better effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Government takes action for nature

Government takes action for nature

Date: 05 August 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage and Associate Minister for the Environment Nanaia Mahuta launch new action plan for biodiversity.

Predator control challenges with mega mast

Predator control challenges with mega mast

Date: 06 August 2019
This year's unprecedented 'mega mast' is making predator control more challenging than ever.

Plan to reverse precarious position of hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin

Plan to reverse precarious position of hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin

Date: 03 August 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Government, iwi and a community organisation have banded together to turn around the fortunes of the nationally endangered hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, which recently suffered a series of poor breeding seasons.

“Power of people” recognised in Operation Tidy Fox

“Power of people” recognised in Operation Tidy Fox

Date: 02 August 2019
DOC Director-General Lou Sanson is onsite in Fox Glacier to thank volunteers and the New Zealand Defence Force personnel for their work in removing rubbish from the Fox and Cook Rivers and coastline of South Westland.

End in sight for Fox riverbed cleanup

End in sight for Fox riverbed cleanup

Date: 01 August 2019
DOC Operation Tidy Fox team has announced that they expect the clean-up to be finished by mid-August.

Canada and Nepal beckons for DOC rangers

Canada and Nepal beckons for DOC rangers

Date: 31 July 2019
DOC Director-General Lou Sanson has announced that the 2019 winner of the Stephen O’Dea Developmental award is Senior Ranger/Supervisor Suvi van Smit from the West Coast.

Tourist businesses fund whale and dolphin research

Tourist businesses fund whale and dolphin research

Date: 30 July 2019
Whale and dolphin watching tourist operators in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HGMP) have funded $100,000 of research into the marine mammals that provide their livelihood.

World Ranger Day

World Ranger Day

Date: 26 July 2019
Wednesday 31st July is World Ranger Day and DOC is acknowledging the critical work of its hard-working rangers.

Rat trapped on pest-free Motuihe Island

Rat trapped on pest-free Motuihe Island

Date: 26 July 2019
DOC rangers have trapped a rat on pest-free Motutihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Rat found on pest-free Motuihe Island

Rat found on pest-free Motuihe Island

Date: 24 July 2019
DOC rangers are working to catch a rat found on pest-free Motutihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

New albatross ambassador needs a name

New albatross ambassador needs a name

Date: 23 July 2019
Northern royal albatross/toroa is back in the spotlight as a new Royal Cam star prepares to take to the skies this summer.

Rob Roy Track closed due to erosion

Rob Roy Track closed due to erosion

Date: 22 July 2019
Rob Roy Track closed due to a slip that has undercut the track.

Pest fish survey nets mixed results for Northland

Pest fish survey nets mixed results for Northland

Date: 19 July 2019
A recent pest fish survey done by the DOC and Northland Regional Council has provided useful advice for planning the battle against two Northland pest fish, koi carp and rudd.

Forest mast significantly boosts breeding of rare kākāriki/parakeet

Forest mast significantly boosts breeding of rare kākāriki/parakeet

Date: 17 July 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
New Zealand’s rarest mainland forest bird, the kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet, is having its best breeding season in decades due to a beech seed bonanza, Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage said in Christchurch today.

Fifty five appointments announced to New Zealand conservation boards

Fifty five appointments announced to New Zealand conservation boards

Date: 17 July 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
31 appointments and 24 reappointments to 15 conservation boards across New Zealand were announced today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage.

Artificial insemination successful for kākāpō

Artificial insemination successful for kākāpō

Date: 17 July 2019
The future for kākāpō could look more fertile thanks to advancements in artificial insemination.

Predator control in the Dart, Caples and Routeburn Valleys

Predator control in the Dart, Caples and Routeburn Valleys

Date: 16 July 2019
More predator control is needed to protect a nationally-important mohua/yellowhead population from local extinction.

Safer journeys ahead for godwits and redknots

Safer journeys ahead for godwits and redknots

Date: 15 July 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The epic 12,000 km journey made by some of New Zealand's favourite migratory birds from the Coromandel to the Arctic is set to become safer.

Hump Ridge on track to be NZ’s next Great Walk

Hump Ridge on track to be NZ’s next Great Walk

Date: 14 July 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Southland’s 61 km Hump Ridge Track is set to be New Zealand’s next Great Walk the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today in Tuatapere, Southland.

Significant step towards Rakiura/Stewart Island becoming predator free

Significant step towards Rakiura/Stewart Island becoming predator free

Date: 13 July 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
A significant milestone in the journey towards achieving Predator Free Rakiura has been welcomed by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage today, with the signing of a commitment to rid the island of pests.

Iconic Powell Hut opens its doors

Iconic Powell Hut opens its doors

Date: 12 July 2019
The most popular hut in the Tararua Ranges has been rebuilt and is back open for business after a small opening ceremony today.

New, genetically distinct Haast tokoeka kiwi subpopulation discovered

New, genetically distinct Haast tokoeka kiwi subpopulation discovered

Date: 12 July 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The Minister for Conservation, Eugenie Sage, is celebrating the discovery of a new, genetically distinct subpopulation of the critically endangered Haast tokoeka by DOC staff on the West Coast near Haast.

New book tells story of Whenua Hou

New book tells story of Whenua Hou

Date: 11 July 2019
Seven hundred years of history of one of Aotearoa’s most unique island landscapes have been brought together for the first time.

DOC closing ten tracks in the Bay of Islands to protect kauri

DOC closing ten tracks in the Bay of Islands to protect kauri

Date: 10 July 2019
Ten tracks in the Bay of Islands will be permanently closed this week to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

DOC unveil two-story kauri mural in the Bay of Plenty

DOC unveil two-story kauri mural in the Bay of Plenty

Date: 08 July 2019
Amidst a chilled winter day, DOC and the Bay of Plenty community gathered to commemorate the mighty kauri tree in New Zealand's Mural Town of Katikati.

Seals resting on Whanganui beaches

Seals resting on Whanganui beaches

Date: 05 July 2019
More NZ fur seals/kekeno are turning up on Whanganui beaches and we're asking you to give them space and leave them be.

Woman charged after dogs attack a fur seal

Woman charged after dogs attack a fur seal

Date: 04 July 2019
An attack on a NZ fur seal by a pack of dogs at Ocean Beach, Hawke's Bay, has resulted in a local woman facing charges under the Wildlife Act.

Drones on conservation land raise concerns

Drones on conservation land raise concerns

Date: 01 July 2019
Recent reports of unpermitted drone use over Mangatutu Hot Springs in the Kaweka Forest Park have raised safety concerns.

Protecting more than just a great pair of legs, our unique Bay of Plenty frogs

Protecting more than just a great pair of legs, our unique Bay of Plenty frogs

Date: 01 July 2019
A network of 700 automated kill traps is standing guard over a unique population of native frogs near Te Puke, part of a joint effort to make ‘leaps’ in their population growth.

Combined effort to control Himalayan tahr and protect native plants

Combined effort to control Himalayan tahr and protect native plants

Date: 28 June 2019
DOC and hunters are targeting Himalayan tahr over the next two months to protect the majestic landscapes and native plants of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

Wairoa Gorge land gifted to New Zealand

Wairoa Gorge land gifted to New Zealand

Date: 28 June 2019
Land in Wairoa Gorge in Nelson Tasman, that contains forest of high ecological value and an internationally renowned mountain bike park, has been gifted to the people of New Zealand.

Councils, iwi and DOC unite for conservation in top of the South Island

Councils, iwi and DOC unite for conservation in top of the South Island

Date: 28 June 2019
An alliance of councils, iwi and the Department of Conservation in the top of the South Island plans to work collectively to restore natural landscapes.

DOC strengthens visitor safety systems after Cape Kidnappers rockfall incident

DOC strengthens visitor safety systems after Cape Kidnappers rockfall incident

Date: 27 June 2019
DOC has moved swiftly to improve its visitor safety systems after an internal investigation showed significant failures in the way it assessed the Cape Kidnappers track.

Give leopard seals space at Wainui Beach

Give leopard seals space at Wainui Beach

Date: 26 June 2019
DOC are asking the public to be careful at Wainui Beach in Gisborne if leopard seals are resting on the southern end of the beach.

Public urged to report sightings of rare southern right whales

Public urged to report sightings of rare southern right whales

Date: 26 June 2019
Source: DOC, University of Auckland and University of Otago
Scientists and DOC are appealing to the public to report sightings of a rare but increasingly regular visitor to our shores, the southern right whale or tohorā (eubalaena australis).

Seal season is here – leave them to rest

Seal season is here – leave them to rest

Date: 25 June 2019
Although seals are marine mammals, they spend a lot of their time on land – particularly between June and September.

DOC call to report sightings of entangled whale

DOC call to report sightings of entangled whale

Date: 24 June 2019
DOC is asking people to keep a lookout for a humpback whale entangled in line seen off the bottom of the South Island on Saturday 22 June.

Winners reflect diversity of the Taupo Fishery

Winners reflect diversity of the Taupo Fishery

Date: 18 June 2019
An image captured by Dennis Smith will grace the front of the 2019/2020 'credit card style' full-season licence.

Great Walks opening day booking results

Great Walks opening day booking results

Date: 18 June 2019
A week since Great Walk 2019/20 bookings opened (on 11 June 2019) 9,000 bookings have been made says DOC.

DOC steps up tourism industry compliance and enforcement

DOC steps up tourism industry compliance and enforcement

Date: 17 June 2019
DOC is sending a strong message to tourism operators that they must comply with the law when operating on public conservation land.

Plan to expand protection for Māui and Hector’s dolphins

Plan to expand protection for Māui and Hector’s dolphins

Date: 17 June 2019
The Government is taking action to expand and strengthen the protection for Māui and Hector’s dolphins with an updated plan to deal with threats to these native marine mammals.

Inmates help conservation effort in Rotorua communities

Inmates help conservation effort in Rotorua communities

Date: 13 June 2019
Rats, stoats and mice in Rotorua’s Eastside area are about to be tackled thanks to the delivery of more than 200 trap boxes, handmade by inmates at Springhill Prison.

Great Walks bookings open

Great Walks bookings open

Date: 11 June 2019
Great Walks 2019/20 bookings open over several days this week, starting with Heaphy and Milford tracks today. This includes bookings for the new Paparoa Track.

Hakarimata Summit Track slip breaks stairs

Hakarimata Summit Track slip breaks stairs

Date: 07 June 2019
Fans of the 1349 steps to the Hakarimata Summit at Ngaruawahia will find a few less to run up this weekend.

DOC welcomes prison sentence for 1080 blackmailer

DOC welcomes prison sentence for 1080 blackmailer

Date: 07 June 2019
DOC welcomes the prison sentence handed down today to the man convicted of blackmail for sending threatening letters to DOC staff in Taranaki.

Seal season starting

Seal season starting

Date: 07 June 2019
DOC Rangers are preparing for an annual influx of calls relating to seals – although Rangers say many of these calls are misplaced.

Section of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway closed for controlled deer shooting operation

Section of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway closed for controlled deer shooting operation

Date: 05 June 2019
A section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway, on Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve will be closed to the public from 6 am to 6 pm Tuesday 11 June, to allow DOC to carry out a controlled deer-shooting operation.

Lonely whio looking for love in the Tararua

Lonely whio looking for love in the Tararua

Date: 04 June 2019
A solo male whio/blue duck has been captured on camera in the Tararua Ranges indicating that the whio population in the lower North Island is on the rise.

Operation Blizzard reveals information about illegal reptile trade

Operation Blizzard reveals information about illegal reptile trade

Date: 04 June 2019
Python skin handbags, crocodile watchstraps, and traditional medicines containing turtles have been seized in New Zealand as part of an international operation against the illegal trade in reptiles.

Diamond Lake track closed due to rockfall

Diamond Lake track closed due to rockfall

Date: 30 April 2019
DOC is urging people to take extra care on walking tracks this weekend after heavy rain in the upper Clutha area.

West Coast Conservation Management Strategy process halted

West Coast Conservation Management Strategy process halted

Date: 31 May 2019
DOC has decided to halt the West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) amendment process while it works with iwi, conservation and recreation groups to ensure the legal process is robust.

Franz Glacier vehicle access reopens

Franz Glacier vehicle access reopens

Date: 30 May 2019
DOC has reopened access to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley.

Stepping up to save New Zealand’s most endangered bird – the tara iti /fairy tern

Stepping up to save New Zealand’s most endangered bird – the tara iti /fairy tern

Date: 29 May 2019
DOC says a recovery group is needed to provide the direction on preventing the extinction of the fairy tern/tara iti, New Zealand’s most endangered bird.

Prison sentence for taking wildlife from marine reserve

Prison sentence for taking wildlife from marine reserve

Date: 28 May 2019
A Hastings man has been delivered a prison sentence for taking kina and pūpū (common cat’s eye) from Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Hawke’s Bay.

Matariki whale signposts resurgence of tohorā/southern right whale

Matariki whale signposts resurgence of tohorā/southern right whale

Date: 26 May 2019
The sight of a southern right whale like Matariki in Wellington wasn't just a fluke – a report confirms their population status is continuing to improve.

Bay of Plenty kōkako numbers on the rise

Bay of Plenty kōkako numbers on the rise

Date: 22 May 2019
A recent survey in the Pongakawa Ecological Area has indicated a robust and healthy population of North Island kōkako – one of New Zealand’s more highly threatened birds.

Four Sisters walk in Waipoua Forest to temporarily close

Four Sisters walk in Waipoua Forest to temporarily close

Date: 20 May 2019
Source: DOC and Te Roroa
The Four Sisters walk has temporarily closed due to the discovery of the kauri dieback pathogen in the area.

Homecoming for rare rowi

Homecoming for rare rowi

Date: 17 May 2019
A small population of our rarest kiwi returned to their traditional West Coast home on 9 May after growing up on Mana Island in the lower North Island.

Enriching New Zealand-Aotearoa through sustainable tourism growth

Enriching New Zealand-Aotearoa through sustainable tourism growth

Date: 16 May 2019
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage today released a new Tourism Strategy that aims to enrich New Zealand-Aotearoa through sustainable tourism growth.

Public calls for changes to ensure a sustainable whitebait fishery

Public calls for changes to ensure a sustainable whitebait fishery

Date: 16 May 2019
Changes are needed to make New Zealand's whitebait fishery sustainable, according to 90% of respondents to a DOC survey.

Predator control sees whio thrive

Predator control sees whio thrive

Date: 16 May 2019
The Oparara Ugly Whio Security Site target of 50 whio pairs has been surpassed with 53 pairs and 31 fledglings counted in a recent survey of rivers in the site north of Westport on the West Coast.

Visitors to Aoraki/Mt Cook exceed 1 million

Visitors to Aoraki/Mt Cook exceed 1 million

Date: 16 May 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
For the first time, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park's annual visitor numbers have exceeded 1 million, says Conservation Minister Hon Eugenie Sage.

Iwi tell their history on Matiu/Somes Island

Iwi tell their history on Matiu/Somes Island

Date: 15 May 2019
Ten new interpretative panels unveiled on Matiu/Somes on Saturday 11 May tell the story of Taranaki Whānui and their unique connection to the island.

Rāhui placed on Ohakune Old Coach Road track

Rāhui placed on Ohakune Old Coach Road track

Date: 13 May 2019
A fatality on the Ohakune Old Coach Road track over the weekend is being acknowledged with a rāhui.

Marine protection proposed for south eastern South Island

Marine protection proposed for south eastern South Island

Date: 11 May 2019
Source: Offices of the Minister of Conservation and Minister of Fisheries
Action is underway to enhance the protection of our precious marine biodiversity in the face of the global biodiversity crisis.

Public Service honoured

Public Service honoured

Date: 10 May 2019
DOC Director-General Lou Sanson has welcomed the honouring of Senior Ranger Paul Hondelink and Pilot Nick Wallis with a public service award.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing – be prepared for winter conditions

Tongariro Alpine Crossing – be prepared for winter conditions

Date: 10 May 2019
Source: DOC and New Zealand police
With the change of seasons, it’s important to consider the risks of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the winter months.

DOC online bookings opening

DOC online bookings opening

Date: 09 May 2019
Great Walk 2019/2020 bookings will open over several days from 11 June, starting with Heaphy and Milford tracks.

Mohua goes from rare to common in 21 years

Mohua goes from rare to common in 21 years

Date: 08 May 2019
The once rare mohua/yellowhead has for the first time become the most common native bird counted since predator control began in the Landsborough valley in South Westland.

Illegal Rotorua operators feel the sting

Illegal Rotorua operators feel the sting

Date: 07 May 2019
Commercial businesses making a living off conservation land at the taxpayers’ expense are coming under heat.

Slip causes flooding at Milford Sound

Slip causes flooding at Milford Sound

Date: 06 May 2019
DOC is working with Emergency Management Southland and Milford Sound Tourism Limited to address surface flooding at Milford Sound.

Native tree deaths in Nelson Marlborough thought to be caused by recent drought

Native tree deaths in Nelson Marlborough thought to be caused by recent drought

Date: 01 May 2019
DOC says that the high number of dead native trees being seen across the top of the South Island is likely caused by drought stress.

Funding available for predator control innovation

Funding available for predator control innovation

Date: 30 April 2019
Our Tools to Market funding is available for innovative ideas that make a real difference to predator control technologies.

ZIP reports kea deaths in predator removal trial

ZIP reports kea deaths in predator removal trial

Date: 26 April 2019
The first stage of Zero Invasive Predator’s (ZIP) trial using aerial 1080 to remove predators in the Perth River valley is complete with two monitored kea reported to have died.

DOC support of rāhui over Mermaid Pools

DOC support of rāhui over Mermaid Pools

Date: 20 April 2019
DOC is closing off the unofficial walkway that leads from Matapouri Bay over Rangitapu Headland to Mermaid Pools.

Security site sees Fiordland whio flourish

Security site sees Fiordland whio flourish

Date: 18 April 2019
Fiordland’s whio are in the midst of a population comeback thanks to an ongoing programme of predator control.

Help needed for koi carp and rudd surveillance

Help needed for koi carp and rudd surveillance

Date: 17 April 2019
DOC and Northland Regional Council are working together in the battle against pest fish, koi carp and rudd, and need public assistance with surveillance.

Aerial 1080 improves kiwi chick survival

Aerial 1080 improves kiwi chick survival

Date: 17 April 2019
Kiwi chicks in a North Island forest are more likely to survive following aerial 1080 to control pests a newly published long-term study shows.

Southern traveller crash lands in Greytown

Southern traveller crash lands in Greytown

Date: 16 April 2019
DOC staff rescued a juvenile mollymawk from a paddock west of Greytown yesterday after a concerned local spotted it while walking her dog.

Keep safe outdoors this Easter and Anzac Day

Keep safe outdoors this Easter and Anzac Day

Date: 16 April 2019
Newly released time-lapse footage from one of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks shows how fine weather can quickly morph into thick cloud, rain, hail or snow and why recreationists need to be prepared.

Theft of jawbone disrespectful and illegal

Theft of jawbone disrespectful and illegal

Date: 16 April 2019
The illegal removal of the jawbone of a 11 m sperm whale washed up on a beach north of Okarito is disappointing and disrespectful says DOC and iwi.

Hakarimata Summit Track to be upgraded to prevent spread of kauri dieback

Hakarimata Summit Track to be upgraded to prevent spread of kauri dieback

Date: 15 April 2019
DOC is upgrading the Hakarimata Summit Track in the Waikato region to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

Black tīwaiwaka makes for special encounter at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve

Black tīwaiwaka makes for special encounter at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve

Date: 12 April 2019
A rare, but very friendly, black tīwaiwaka/fantail has recently been sighted at Whanganui’s Gordon Park Scenic Reserve.

Rare shore plover/tūturuatu released on Motutapu

Rare shore plover/tūturuatu released on Motutapu

Date: 11 April 2019
Fifteen shore plover, have been released on pest-free Motutapu Island to help secure the survival of this critically endangered native bird.

View Kākāpō chicks in Invercargill

View Kākāpō chicks in Invercargill

Date: 11 April 2019
Southlanders will have an opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest birds this weekend at a kākāpō chick viewing session.

Pest-free Motutapu Island helping save rare kiwi

Pest-free Motutapu Island helping save rare kiwi

Date: 11 April 2019
Four-week old kūpapa is the 96th Coromandel brown kiwi to be released on pest-free Motutapu Island as part of a programme to secure the survival of this rare brown kiwi.

Tuatara thriving on Moutohorā

Tuatara thriving on Moutohorā

Date: 10 April 2019
A tuatara survey by DOC and Ngāti Awa points to a healthy population of tuatara growing on Moutohorā (Whale Island). It’s a success for DOC and Ngāti Awa who jointly manage the island.

New opening date for Paparoa Track

New opening date for Paparoa Track

Date: 09 April 2019
The Paparoa Track will now open on 1 December 2019, replacing the previous opening scheduled for the end of September 2019.

Mega mast confirmed for New Zealand forests

Mega mast confirmed for New Zealand forests

Date: 08 April 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Monitoring by DOC has confirmed the predicted mega mast or heavy seeding in New Zealand’s forests this autumn, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said today.

Native Waitaha geckos released in Riccarton Bush

Native Waitaha geckos released in Riccarton Bush

Date: 05 April 2019
Source: Lyttelton Port Company
Native geckos are set to find a new home in Riccarton Bush as part of a Lyttelton Port Company project supported by DOC.

Follow the rules and keep safe while hunting

Follow the rules and keep safe while hunting

Date: 05 April 2019
The deer ‘roar’ is underway and DOC is urging thousands of hunters descending on public conservation land to keep safe.

International report card on New Zealand’s indigenous nature

International report card on New Zealand’s indigenous nature

Date: 04 April 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage says the latest report on how New Zealand is tracking against national and global biodiversity targets demonstrates the importance of increased investment in conservation.

Whale freed of rope entangling it

Whale freed of rope entangling it

Date: 04 April 2019
A humpback whale is now free of the fishing gear that entangled it after the rope was cut from it late yesterday by the Kaikōura large whale disentanglement team.

Living memorials planted at Taupo’s Whakaipo Bay

Living memorials planted at Taupo’s Whakaipo Bay

Date: 03 April 2019
New Zealand Defence Force personnel, past and present, were recognised as part of this week’s planting day at Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve.

New hut for popular West Coast walk

New hut for popular West Coast walk

Date: 03 April 2019
DOC is about to start work on the rebuild of Manson Nicholls Memorial Hut located at Lake Daniell near Maruia on the West Coast of the South Island.

Wild horse muster will go ahead

Wild horse muster will go ahead

Date: 02 April 2019
Due to the efforts of the two horse rehoming groups, DOC has made the decision to go ahead with the planned muster of up to 80 Kaimanawa horses.

DOC call to report sightings of entangled whale

DOC call to report sightings of entangled whale

Date: 29 March 2019
DOC is asking people to keep a lookout for a humpback whale entangled in fishing gear seen off the Otago coast yesterday afternoon.

Dumping on nature steals from Whanganui families

Dumping on nature steals from Whanganui families

Date: 29 March 2019
Ongoing dumping of rubbish and even animal carcasses is making what should be a family-friendly Whanganui park into an eyesore.

Report identifies DOC locations vulnerable to coastal flooding

Report identifies DOC locations vulnerable to coastal flooding

Date: 28 March 2019
A new report assessing the risk to DOC locations from coastal flooding reinforces the need to plan for the effects of sea level rise.

Abel Tasman islands restored to being predator free

Abel Tasman islands restored to being predator free

Date: 26 March 2019
Three Abel Tasman National Park islands are now predator free again after a 2017 operation successfully eradicated mice on the islands, says DOC.

DOC track upgrades in Auckland to prevent kauri dieback spread

DOC track upgrades in Auckland to prevent kauri dieback spread

Date: 26 March 2019
DOC is upgrading four Auckland tracks to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

New conservation training opportunity coming to Rotorua

New conservation training opportunity coming to Rotorua

Date: 25 March 2019
Conservationists, environmentalists and people wanting to up skill in predator control are being invited to join a two day workshop being held in Rotorua, focused on predator trapping methods.

DOC concerned by evidence of illegal fires near Grassy Flat Hut

DOC concerned by evidence of illegal fires near Grassy Flat Hut

Date: 20 March 2019
DOC is concerned by evidence of illegal fires near Grassy Flat Hut on the Styx River and thanks members of the public for raising the alarm.

Have your say – West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Conservation Management Strategy amendment

Have your say – West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Conservation Management Strategy amendment

Date: 20 March 2019
DOC is seeking the views of the public on draft amendments to the West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) 2010.

Little penguin loses eye in dog attack

Little penguin loses eye in dog attack

Date: 13 March 2019
A little penguin (kororā) attacked by a dog at Himatangi Beach recently will never be able to return to the sea. The penguin, which is now recuperating at Palmerston North’s Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre, has permanently lost sight in one eye.

Mokihinui River catchment land to be added to Kahurangi National Park

Mokihinui River catchment land to be added to Kahurangi National Park

Date: 13 March 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
A total of 64,400 hectares of conservation land in the Mokihinui River catchment on the West Coast north of Westport, including 15 km of riverbed, is being added to Kahurangi National Park.

Bumper hihi breeding season on pest-free Tiritiri Matangi

Bumper hihi breeding season on pest-free Tiritiri Matangi

Date: 11 March 2019
Source: Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust and DOC
A record number of hihi or stitchbird have fledged on pest-free Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park during the latest breeding season.

DOC concerned at total disregard for public safety

DOC concerned at total disregard for public safety

Date: 08 March 2019
A recent discovery by a member of public that was reported to DOC, could have had some devastating consequences for unsuspecting visitors to the Hapuawhenua Viaduct.

Kaimanawa wild horses available for rehoming

Kaimanawa wild horses available for rehoming

Date: 08 March 2019
A minimum of 70 Kaimanawa wild horses need to be removed from the Waiouru Military Training Area, Central North Island in the next couple of months and rehoming groups are now keen to hear from prospective owners.

Online training to help you identify myrtle rust

Online training to help you identify myrtle rust

Date: 07 March 2019
A new online training programme has been launched to help the public identify myrtle rust at home.

Waikanae River chosen for priority restoration

Waikanae River chosen for priority restoration

Date: 06 March 2019
Waikanae River, north of Wellington, has been chosen by DOC as a priority river catchment for restoration from mountains to sea.

Action on Himalayan tahr vital to conservation

Action on Himalayan tahr vital to conservation

Date: 05 March 2019
DOC’s Himalayan tahr control work, vital to protecting the unique alpine landscapes of the South Island, resumes this week.

2019 Pureora hunting competition opens

2019 Pureora hunting competition opens

Date: 04 March 2019
DOC are inviting hunters and the community to join in family-friendly events and activities for the annual deer hunting competition in Pureora Forest Park.

Fox Glacier access problems continue

Fox Glacier access problems continue

Date: 01 March 2019
The Fox Glacier access road has been destroyed by a major landslide.

Common dolphins strand in Marlborough Sounds

Common dolphins strand in Marlborough Sounds

Date: 28 February 2019
Thirteen common dolphins were found dead yesterday after stranding near the entrance to Tory Channel in the Marlborough Sounds and another two dolphins stranded there this morning.

New breeding programme for Wangapeka whio

New breeding programme for Wangapeka whio

Date: 28 February 2019
Three young whio were released into the Wangapeka-Fyfe Whio Security Site this week as part of a new programme to boost whio numbers.

Pull together and spruce up our beaches

Pull together and spruce up our beaches

Date: 27 February 2019
Sea Week is a great opportunity to show your care for local beaches, says DOC Whanganui Community Ranger Jaycee Tipene Thomas.

Cape Kidnappers Walkway landslide

Cape Kidnappers Walkway landslide

Date: 26 February 2019
DOC is working closely with Hastings District Council who are managing the response to the landslides at Cape Kidnappers.

Information sought after death of kahu/harrier hawk

Information sought after death of kahu/harrier hawk

Date: 26 February 2019
A kahu/harrier hawk found in Wairoa this week died a slow miserable death and DOC is appealing to the public for information.

Kiwi heard at Mt Te Kinga

Kiwi heard at Mt Te Kinga

Date: 25 February 2019
DOC is advancing its knowledge of the distribution of roroa/great spotted kiwi with the use of technology that cuts down on time listening to forest sound recordings.

Mixed results for sea lion breeding season

Mixed results for sea lion breeding season

Date: 21 February 2019
A count of rāpoka/New Zealand sea lion pups born in the subantarctic islands this breeding season has shown mixed results for the species, DOC says.

ZIP operation to remove predators to go ahead

ZIP operation to remove predators to go ahead

Date: 21 February 2019
DOC has given permission for Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) to undertake a predator removal programme over 12,000 ha of conservation land in the Perth River valley in South Westland.

Meet the DOC Whanau at Te Matatini

Meet the DOC Whanau at Te Matatini

Date: 21 February 2019
Rangers and staff from DOC will be part of Te Matatini ki te Ao 2019 celebrations at Westpac Stadium in Wellington this weekend.

Success at Mokaihaha

Success at Mokaihaha

Date: 20 February 2019
Last year's aerial 1080 operation at Mokaihaha Ecological Area has helped enable native bird populations to grow, including a special population of kōkako.

Historic diesel plume discovered in Milford Sound

Historic diesel plume discovered in Milford Sound

Date: 19 February 2019
DOC is currently investigating an historic underground diesel plume discovered in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

Waikawau Bay Campground gets upgrade to conserve water

Waikawau Bay Campground gets upgrade to conserve water

Date: 19 February 2019
Waikawau Bay Campground in the Coromandel will be closed from 1 March to 30 June 2019 for a $2.1Million upgrade on water facilities.

Pygmy sperm whale dies at Raglan

Pygmy sperm whale dies at Raglan

Date: 18 February 2019
DOC and local iwi made the decision to euthanise a pygmy sperm whale, suspected of stranding itself, at Te Kopua near Raglan.

Government commits to long-term stewardship as tenure review ends

Government commits to long-term stewardship as tenure review ends

Date: 18 February 2019
The Government has announced it is ending tenure review and opening consultation to change the way Crown Pastoral lease land is managed by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

Fire risk being closely monitored across the top of the South Island with some tracks closed

Fire risk being closely monitored across the top of the South Island with some tracks closed

Date: 15 February 2019
DOC is closely monitoring conditions and will keep areas open wherever it is safe to do so but will be closing some tracks as fire risks increase.

Over 100 ducklings make for a loved up Valentine’s Day

Over 100 ducklings make for a loved up Valentine’s Day

Date: 14 February 2019
DOC rangers and volunteers have been given a lovely Valentine’s Day gift with more than 100 whio ducklings sighted on a recent survey in the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park in the central North Island.

Is Wellington home to a new biodiversity hotspot?

Is Wellington home to a new biodiversity hotspot?

Date: 13 February 2019
Citizen scientists have recorded nearly 2,000 observations at Wellington's Taputeranga Marine Reserve.

Tiny seabirds transferred 800 km from Chathams to aid conservation

Tiny seabirds transferred 800 km from Chathams to aid conservation

Date: 11 February 2019
About 50 small seabird chicks from the Chatham Islands have been translocated by a volunteer conservation group to predator-free Mana Island, off the Porirua coast.

Road through Molesworth closed due to fire risk

Road through Molesworth closed due to fire risk

Date: 05 February 2019
The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station will close on Sunday 10 February due to extreme fire risk. No public access through the Acheron Road will be permitted from this date.

DOC seeks help on shooting of endangered gulls

DOC seeks help on shooting of endangered gulls

Date: 01 February 2019
DOC is appealing for information from the public about the shooting of endangered black-billed gulls at Sulphur Bay in Rotorua.

Dry conditions impact kiwi in Bay of Islands

Dry conditions impact kiwi in Bay of Islands

Date: 05 February 2019
A long, dry summer has hardened the ground, making it difficult for kiwi in the Bay of Islands to probe for food, so kiwi are searching for food in the daytime which leaves them more vulnerable.

DOC pauses national park management plan reviews

DOC pauses national park management plan reviews

Date: 04 February 2019
DOC has paused its review of two national park management plans while it works through the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision relating to Ngāi Tai.

Reminder to control dogs to protect penguins

Reminder to control dogs to protect penguins

Date: 04 February 2019
The death of a juvenile little blue penguin/kororā, killed by a dog near the Whangawehi stream at Mahia Peninsula, has prompted DOC to remind owners to control their dogs.

Cruise ship visits Kāpiti Island

Cruise ship visits Kāpiti Island

Date: 04 February 2019
Passengers from a cruise ship will be in for a treat today – pulling up alongside Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve.

Double-up means dip for bittern population

Double-up means dip for bittern population

Date: 02 February 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
New research highlights the importance of New Zealand’s wetlands for one of our most secretive native birds, the Australasian bittern or matuku, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said today on World Wetlands Day.

Little blue penguin killed by dogs

Little blue penguin killed by dogs

Date: 01 February 2019
"Pets kill wildlife too” is the message from DOC and Taranaki Regional Council after results show two blue penguins found dead by New Plymouth’s Breakwater were victims of dog attack.

Deceased dolphin calf in Bay of Islands

Deceased dolphin calf in Bay of Islands

Date: 01 February 2019
A female bottlenose dolphin is currently carrying a dead calf in the Bay of Islands and DOC staff are asking for boats on the water to give them space.

First new kākāpō chicks hatch

First new kākāpō chicks hatch

Date: 01 February 2019
The first kākāpō chicks of the season have hatched, heralding the start of what’s hoped to be the biggest boost to the critically endangered population on record.

Little blue penguins stolen from nest

Little blue penguins stolen from nest

Date: 30 January 2019
DOC is concerned about the potential smuggling of little blue penguin/kororā in Hawkes Bay, after receiving information about the capture and removal of two birds from a burrow at Perfume Point in Napier.

New Conservation Authority Chairperson announced

New Conservation Authority Chairperson announced

Date: 29 January 2019
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Edward Ellison has been announced as the new Chairperson of the New Zealand Conservation Authority.

New Royal Cam chick makes first appearance

New Royal Cam chick makes first appearance

Date: 24 January 2019
The newest star of DOC’s internationally renowned Royal Cam live stream has hatched to blustery conditions at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula.

Cape Kidnappers cliff collapse closes walk to gannet colony

Cape Kidnappers cliff collapse closes walk to gannet colony

Date: 24 January 2019
DOC is working closely with the Hastings District Council, NZ Police and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council who are managing the emergency response to the slip at Cape Kidnappers.

Black billed gulls at Sulphur Bay

Black billed gulls at Sulphur Bay

Date: 23 January 2019
The deaths of several black-billed gulls/tarāpuka late last year has Rotorua DOC staff very concerned.

Man sentenced in Nelson for killing a kea

Man sentenced in Nelson for killing a kea

Date: 23 January 2019
DOC welcomes the conviction of a Richmond man for killing a kea and says it is an important reminder that killing legally protected kea is unacceptable.

Cruise ships protecting seabirds

Cruise ships protecting seabirds

Date: 22 January 2019
Bright lights on cruise ships pose a risk to seabirds flying at night in the Hauraki Gulf so DOC is working with international cruise industry to help keep the birds safe.

Last chance to submit on national park plan reviews

Last chance to submit on national park plan reviews

Date: 21 January 2019
The deadline is coming up for the public to provide feedback on the draft Aoraki/Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini national park management plans.

Waitangi the tītī has returned

Waitangi the tītī has returned

Date: 18 January 2019
Waitangi the tītī/Cook’s petrel has returned to his nesting site at Poutiri Ao ō Tāne for a second year, and this time has brought friends with him.

DOC not able to rescue protected bird

DOC not able to rescue protected bird

Date: 18 January 2019
A red billed gull had to be euthanised after being caught on a fishing line and hook at Cathedral Cove today.

Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve management transfer

Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve management transfer

Date: 16 January 2019
The administration and routine maintenance of Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve will transfer from DOC to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority on Friday 18 January 2019.

Endangered whio gain more ground at Big Wainihinihi

Endangered whio gain more ground at Big Wainihinihi

Date: 16 January 2019
The release of 20 whio on the West Coast today has grown the population of the Central Southern Alps Whio Security Site, inland from Hokitika, which has also increased in size.

Stoat hunt underway on Great Barrier Island

Stoat hunt underway on Great Barrier Island

Date: 10 January 2019
Source: Auckland City Council
A potential sighting of a stoat on Great Barrier Island/Aotea has set off alarm bells and sparked an immediate incursion response.

The mysterious decapitation of six fur seal/kekeno pups

The mysterious decapitation of six fur seal/kekeno pups

Date: 10 January 2019
A necropsy (post-mortem) carried out on three of the six New Zealand fur seal/kekeno pups found decapitated late last year has ruled out the possibility of foul play.

Whangaroa Harbour’s stunning views worth the climb

Whangaroa Harbour’s stunning views worth the climb

Date: 07 January 2019
The popular Kaiaraara/Duke’s Nose track in the Whangaroa Harbour, Bay of Islands, has been reopened the public after extensive work on the steep rocky track was completed.

Banned campfire on pest-free island a serious risk for native wildlife

Banned campfire on pest-free island a serious risk for native wildlife

Date: 04 January 2019
A campfire lit in front of a total fire ban sign on pest-free Burgess/Pokohinu Island near Auckland could have endangered breeding seabirds, skinks and other native species.