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2023-24 Annual Research Summary

09 April

This report outlines the research carried out through the Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan 2023-24, and provides updates on multi-year projects started in previous years. Published April 2026.

Chatham Islands seabird research 2025

09 April

Read more about seabird research on the “Albatross Islands” of the Chatham Islands, Aug-Dec 2025. Published April 2026.

Using genetic markers to identify seabirds caught in Aotearoa New Zealand fisheries

09 April

This paper describes using genetic markers to identify seabirds caught in Aotearoa New Zealand fisheries. The work was completed as part of INT2019-02: Identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries. Published March 2026.

Hunters on target at police, DOC forest checkpoint

08 April

DOC and NZ Police say they’re encouraged by the sensible behaviour, positive response and correct paperwork they encountered during a pre-Easter hunting compliance operation.

Watch for wild dogs in Waioweka

08 April

DOC is calling for hunters to report sightings of a pack of feral dogs spotted recently in Waioweka Conservation Area.

DOC statement: Outcome of Wildlife Act investigation

07 April

Read DOC's statement re: Outcome of Wildlife Act investigation focused on stony corals.

Application for a Marine Mammal Permit by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Board

07 April

Have your say on marine mammal permit applications by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Board. Submissions close at 11:59 pm on 5 May 2026.

Application for a marine mammal permit by Puke Ariki Museum (Taranaki)

07 April

Have your say on a permit application to possess publicly donated marine mammal specimens for display purposes. Submissions close at 11:59 pm on 5 May 2026.

Historic viaducts closed for safety, Hump Ridge Track remains open

02 April

People out naturing in Southern Fiordland this long weekend should be aware of the ongoing closure of three historic structures.

Rat detections on predator free island highlights importance of biosecurity network

02 April

A second rat incursion on predator free Ulva Island this year highlights the value of the island's strong biosecurity surveillance network.

Clean gear to stop weed spread on Easter outings

02 April

Those heading out naturing over Easter are asked to check and clean their gear before getting into the hills, to stop the spread of invasive weeds.

Applications for Coronet Peak Ski Huts

02 April

Have your say on applications by the Otago Ski Club and Rocky Gully Ski Club to lease areas of Coronet Peak Recreation Reserve in Queenstown. Submissions close on 4 May 2026.

Advice to Ministers 2025

01 April

Find a list of briefings and memos DOC provided the Minister in 2025.

Kapiti takes aim at 'possums of freshwater'

01 April

A Kapiti Coast catchment is well on the way to becoming free of koi carp, a noxious introduced fish that leaves a trail of destruction.

Motueka District Museum Trust

01 April

Have your say on a marine mammal permit application by Motueka District Museum Trust. Submissions close 29 April 2026.

Charging for access to some public conservation land

31 March

This regulatory impact statement assesses options relating to how DOC could charge visitors to access conservation land.

Limitations on competitive allocation of certain concessions on conservation land

31 March

This regulatory impact statement assesses options to enable the competitive allocation of concessions and considers what limits that should apply.

DOC hut with ‘best view in New Zealand’ gets a makeover

31 March

The iconic Mueller Hut in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has had a spruce up, which is no easy feat.

New Zealand leads protection of world’s rarest seabirds

31 March

Some of the world’s rarest seabirds have a new level of international protection following adoption of a New Zealand-led proposal under the Convention on Migratory Species.

Kiwi caught on camera a Pureora milestone

30 March

A rare kiwi has been captured on a trail camera in the northern Pureora Forest's Waipapa block – the first recorded sighting of the species in the area for more than 25 years.