New on the site

The "super parents" of the bird world

21 May

Kākāriki karaka/orange fronted parakeet parents Nacho and Trixie have only been together since 2024, but since then they’ve produced 55 chicks - 33 this season alone.

Concession by the Ministry of Education

21 May

Have your say on an application by The Ministry of Education for a lease at Waimate North. Submissions close 19 June 2026 at 5 pm.

A whale’s tale – lucky humpback frees itself from entanglement

20 May

A lucky humpback whale that freed itself from entanglement with a crayfish pot line is a reminder for fishers to set up their pots and lines carefully.

DOC proposes track removals as iconic Mautohe Cathedral Cove prioritised

20 May

DOC will prioritise investment in Coromandel’s iconic Mautohe Cathedral Cove as part of a proposal to remove two weather-damaged adjacent tracks.

Removal of Waimata/Gemstone Bay and Hahei Beach Short Walk reroute

20 May

Have your say on a proposal to remove Waimata/Gemstone Bay Track and discontinue the Hahei Short Walk reroute. Feedback is due by 5:00 pm 19 June 2026.

Fish go to great lengths in the Whanganui River

19 May

Native migratory fish have been detected nearly 300 km inland from the Whanganui River mouth in recent research aimed at guiding restoration of the river.

What would you do with an alpine suspension bridge?

19 May

Parts of the old suspension bridge up the Hooker Valley at Aoraki/Mount Cook are being offered for sale as the spectacular replacement structure nears completion.

New hut, updated route for Tongariro Northern Circuit walkers

18 May

Construction of Oturere Hut on the Tongariro Northern Circuit is on schedule for the start of the Great Walk Season in October, but Mangatepopo Track remains closed following fires in late 2025.

Application for a Marine Mammal Permit by Brian Thomas

18 May

Have your say on an application to take, import and export personal items containing marine mammal skin. Submissions close at 11:59 pm, 15 June 2026.

Applications for leases at Waikanae Creek

16 May

Have your say on two applications to lease two areas of Waikanae Creek Conservation Area. Submissions close 15 June 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Proposals for new national direction for conservation

14 May

Have your say on the first National Conservation Policy Statement. Submissions close 9 July 2026.

Pakake pup struck by vehicle

14 May

DOC is reminding drivers using southern coastal roads to watch out for marine mammals, for everyone’s safety.

New stoat sausage bait trial results impressive

14 May

A new sausage bait targeting stoats is shaping up to be a valuable tool to protect kiwi and other native wildlife after impressive results in field trials.

Pouri Hut site cleanup a last hurrah for Whanganui ranger

14 May

Three days of hard work to clean up the old Pouri Hut site in Whanganui National Park has been a fitting send-off for a retiring Pipiriki ranger.

Disposal of Evangeline Bivvy

14 May

Have your say on the disposal of Evangeline Bivvy in Lake Sumner Forest Park. Submissions close on Thursday 9 July 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Submission from the NZCA on the Natural Environment Bill

13 May

13 February 2026: Read the NZCA’s submission on the Natural Environment Bill.

“Higher learning” inspires students at Aoraki/Mount Cook

12 May

In what’s described as the highest classroom in New Zealand, Department of Conservation ranger Lisa Winterfeldt sits 1200 metres up a mountain to teach a group of 40 Year 12 students.

Ex brickie ranger on a mission for heritage

08 May

West Coast based Heritage Project Lead Ranger Matt Ainge is preserving New Zealand heritage, one brick at a time.