New on the site

Hauraki Gulf’s ‘stunning’ marine life captured in new video footage and 3D models

10 August

Sponges and black corals are among the spectacular species filmed by researchers surveying the underwater depths of rocky reefs in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīpaka Moana.

DOC staff delight at rare spotted skink sighting

10 August

Herpetologists are excited at sightings of the rare Canterbury spotted skink in a place the lizards haven’t been seen in more than 50 years.

Application for a concession by Real Journeys Limited

08 August

Have your say on a concession application by Real Journeys Limited for the continuation of passenger transfer services and cruise activities on Lake Te Anau. Submissions close 4 September 2026.

July 2025 - June 2026: Director-General's expenses, gifts and hospitality

07 August

View a list of the Director-General's expenses, plus gifts and hospitality accepted for the period July 2025 - June 2026.

Ngāti Rangi and DOC call for caution in protection of kiwi

06 August

A sighting of a young kiwi at Ngā Roto-o-Rangataua is being recognised as an exciting breakthrough – the first kiwi heard of at Rangatauanui.

Leopard seal snooze delights Tauranga

06 August

People heading to launch boats at Sulphur Point this week found the centre lane occupied – by a sleepy leopard seal with no intention of budging.

International investment in New Zealand nature

06 August

Two of New Zealand’s most threatened bird species have been recognised in a global effort to bring 100 of the world’s endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

New funding protects rare frogs and skinks

04 August

Two native species found nowhere else on Earth are getting help to survive, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

Love zones boost threatened native fish

03 August

‘Love zones’ are helping threatened īnanga recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, with delighted DOC rangers finding clutches of īnanga eggs in these artificial spawning grounds.

Goat Island next site for paid parking to support conservation

03 August

The car park at popular marine reserve at Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island in Leigh will be the next DOC site to introduce paid parking, following the successful pilot at three South Island locations.

Broken River Coal Mine Track

03 August

Scenic walk with open views, following the route of a historic coal mine tramline.

Updated population assessment for New Zealand fur seal

03 August

This is the final report for POP2025-06 Updated population assessment for New Zealand fur seal. Published August 2026.

A call to action: Hunter-led conservation for the win

01 August

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has issued a call to action to Kiwis, encouraging people to get behind the mission to control wild goat numbers and help protect New Zealand’s landscapes.

Ngāi Tahu Farming selected as preferred operator to negotiate for Molesworth lease

31 July

Ngāi Tahu Farming has been chosen as the preferred farming operator for iconic Molesworth Recreation Reserve.

Making way for new Mangapurua bridges

30 July

A smoother Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride experience is coming for visitors, with 15 new structures – bridges and boardwalks – on the way for the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka sections.

Conservation couple reflect on decades of volunteer effort

30 July

Dianne and Selwyn June are testament to the adage that in retirement "you end one job but find yourself doing several more".

New investment to boost Otago predator control

29 July

Otago is the latest region to benefit from the Government’s next phase of Predator Free 2050, with a $3.9 million investment to expand successful predator elimination around Dunedin, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Weaver of dreams” puts focus on Pureora

29 July

Tama Blackburn sees himself as a weaver, bringing together the many strands of passion and care for the Pureora Forest Park and surrounding areas, to produce something everyone is proud of.

Application for a marine mammal viewing permit by Jackson Bay Charters Limited

29 July

Have your say on a marine mammal permit application by Jackson Bay Charters Limited to commercially view marine mammals from a motorised vessel, in the Jackson Bay area. Submissions close at 11:59 pm, 25 August 2026.

Two lease applications by Moffatt, Brown, Tavendale and Fountaine

29 July

Have your say on two lease applications by Moffatt, Brown, Tavendale and Fountaine for a duplex boatshed in Sounds Foreshore Reserve. Submissions close 27 August 2026.