2012 media releases

Introduction

View DOC media releases from 2012.

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    Tongariro National Park draws large numbers of visitors

    Date: 21 December 2012
    Large numbers of visitors are making Tongariro National Park Dual World Heritage Area a high priority on their must do list this summer.

    Discover your inner camper on the East Coast this summer

    Date: 20 December 2012
    The Department of Conservation has much to offer city dwellers and families looking for some rest and relaxation on the East Coast this summer.

    Help prevent wild fires this summer

    Date: 20 December 2012
    Enjoy your holidays in the great outdoors but take extra care to prevent wild fires on conservation land this summer says the Department of Conservation.

    DOC partners with Business and Community Shares

    Date: 19 December 2012
    A partnership between the Department of Conservation and Business and Community Shares (BACS) has real potential to help DOC work more closely with community and business partners looking to invest in the conservation.

    Project Island Song hits the waves this summer

    Date: 17 December 2012
    Kayakers and rowers in dinghies will hand out information on the water about Project Island Song and the pest-free islands of the eastern Bay of Islands. On land, volunteers at boat ramps and wharves around the Bay and on Urupukapuka Island are also distributing information.

    DOC's Christmas gift to Kerikeri walkers

    Date: 17 December 2012
    Work on the walking tracks around the Kororipo-Kerikeri Stone Store Basin has been completed in time for the holiday period giving locals and visitors very pleasant routes between Kerikeri township, Pa Road, and the Kororipo-Kerikeri Stone Store Basin.

    Geraldine High School clean up big time on Stewart Island

    Date: 17 December 2012
    Recently a group of students from Geraldine High School undertook some fantastic conservation work on their outdoor education visit to Stewart Island’s North West Circuit.

    Electronic lures prohibited in Taupō Fishery Regulations

    Date: 14 December 2012
    The Department of Conservation has become aware that some electronic fishing lures are being used in Lake Taupō to catch trout and want to inform anglers that the use of these lures is prohibited by the Taupō Fishery Regulations.

    Manawatu Gorge ablaze

    Date: 14 December 2012
    Fire fighters from the New Zealand Fire Service, Palmerston North City Council and Department of Conservation (DOC) were called upon to manage a fire that threatened the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve on Sunday 9 December.

    Attempt underway to eradicate major butterfly pest

    Date: 13 December 2012
    A multi-agency attempt is being made to eradicate the great white butterfly in Nelson city in a bid to clear New Zealand of the introduced pest which poses a major economic and environmental threat.

    Volcanic action likely to mean busy summer in Tongariro National Park

    Date: 13 December 2012
    The Department of Conservation says it is expecting a busy summer season in Tongariro National Park following heightened publicity after the recent volcanic activity.

    New conservation agreement to benefit West Coast

    Date: 15 December 2012
    The Minister of Conservation, the Honourable Kate Wilkinson, will on 15 December 2012 oversee the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DOC and Conservation Volunteers New Zealand.

    Have you seen koi carp or rudd?

    Date: 13 December 2012
    The Department of Conservation is conducting pest fish surveillance in Opotiki and Whakatane rivers to find koi carp or rudd; and the public are asked to report any sightings.

    Cold spring affects kākāpō breeding

    Date: 11 December 2012
    Hopes for a solid kākāpō breeding season now look unlikely, following a cold southern spring.

    Positive future for Wellington harbour islands

    Date: 11 December 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The signing of the Wellington Harbour Islands (WHI) Management Plan sets the future vision and management of Wellington’s three harbour islands, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

    Loder Cup presented to Dunedin ecologist

    Date: 10 December 2012
    Source: Otago Conservation Board
    Dr Ralph Allen was presented with the Loder Cup at a function in Dunedin today by Associate Professor Abby Smith, Chairperson of the Otago Conservation Board, on behalf of the Minister of Conservation, the Hon Kate Wilkinson.

    Prosecutions for illegal heli landings on conservation land

    Date: 07 December 2012
    Source: Contact
    In recent months the Department of Conservation have successfully prosecuted two helicopter pilots for landing on conservation land within Remote Experience Zones, areas that provide a naturally quiet, remote and wilderness experience and where aircraft are not allowed to land.

    Urupukapuka Island tracks ready for summer

    Date: 07 December 2012
    A major upgrade of Urupukapuka Island's 11 km track network has been completed in time for summer visitors.

    Sixteen-year-old school girl wins film challenge

    Date: 06 December 2012
    A sixteen year-old Wellington student has won the Department of Conservation Big Picture Award in The Outlook for Someday sustainability film challenge for young people.

    DOC invites public submissions on its conservation strategies

    Date: 05 December 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is giving the public the chance to make submissions on its management of public conservation areas in the upper half of the North Island over the next 10 years.

    New Bill will create three marine reserves

    Date: 05 December 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Three marine reserves will be created under the Subantarctic Islands Marine Reserves Bill, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

    Minister welcomes purchase of rare wetlands

    Date: 04 December 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson is pleased the purchase of 5.6 hectares of land on the Miranda coast off the Firth of Thames will create a new scenic reserve to protect the areas chenier plains.

    Bay of Islands mobile rubbish barge on the water this summer

    Date: 03 December 2012
    DOC is encouraging boaties to make use of a mobile rubbish barge that will be operating in the Bay of Islands waters this summer.

    Freedom camping rules clarified

    Date: 04 December 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is making clear where people can freedom camp this summer on conservation land.

    Two-day summit to tackle pest problem

    Date: 03 December 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson today launched a two-day summit to look for new ways we can try and eradicate stoats, possums and rats - our three biggest pests.

    Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao – Maori Conservation Cadetship Programme graduation

    Date: 30 November 2012
    Nine students from the Department of Conservation’s Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao - Maori Cadetship Programme graduated at a ceremony in Ngaaruawaahia today.

    Take a bow New Zealand

    Date: 29 November 2012
    Filmmakers flock to Queenstown to film amongst the spectacular scenery of the adjoining conservation estate and Anna Humphries makes sure they leave it in the pristine state they found it.

    Minister congratulates Māori graduates

    Date: 30 November 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson congratulated nine students who graduated from the Tauira Kaitiaki Taiao-Māori Cadetship Programme today.

    Minister increases conservation board

    Date: 28 November 2012
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson is increasing the size of the Taranaki/Whanganui Conservation Board from eight members to ten.

    Minister seeks conservation board nominations

    Date: 28 November 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson is seeking proud New Zealanders to stand for their local conservation boards and make a difference in their community.

    Timber Trail Cycle Trail section opening

    Date: 27 November 2012
    The Timber Trail Cycle Trail is opening the Ellis and Burnand tramline on 1 December.

    Auckland Council and DOC sign historic agreement

    Date: 27 November 2012
    Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have announced a new partnership that will strengthen the management of Auckland’s open spaces, natural heritage and wild places.

    Minister welcomes opening of Tongariro tracks

    Date: 27 November 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has welcomed plans to re-open the Tongariro Northern Circuit and part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Thursday.

    Tongariro Northern Circuit to re-open

    Date: 27 November 2012
    The Department of Conservation plans to re-open the Tongariro Northern Circuit and part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Thursday.

    Trout spawning numbers highest in 10 years

    Date: 26 November 2012
    Peak spawning run counts of adult trout in the upper sections of the Tauranga-Taupō, Waiotaka and Waimarino rivers have been the highest recorded since 2001/2002.

    Te Maari eruption and Tongariro Alpine Crossing update

    Date: 23 November 2012
    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing remains closed due to GNS advice that Te Maari could still erupt at any time with little or no warning following the latest eruption.

    DOC strengthens safety procedures on Raoul Island

    Date: 22 November 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) says it has strengthened its safety procedures on Raoul Island following the disappearance of a volunteer measuring sea temperatures earlier this year.

    Minister visits Mt Tongariro community leaders

    Date: 23 November 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Taupō MP Louise Upston will visit Turangi today to discuss the recent eruption of Mt Tongariro with the Department of Conservation and GNS Science.

    Small ash eruption at Te Maari crater

    Date: 22 November 2012
    A small amount of ash and gas erupted from the Te Maari Crater on Mount Tongariro at 1:30 pm Wednesday afternoon the 21 November 2012.

    Takahē birthday celebration launches chick naming competition

    Date: 21 November 2012
    As part of a day celebrating the survival of the takahē, Mitre10 Takahē Rescue has launched a nation-wide chick naming competition.

    Rakiura Track celebrates 20 years as Great Walk

    Date: 20 November 2012
    This week the Department of Conservation celebrates the 20th anniversary of the official opening of Stewart Island’s Rakiura Track as a Great Walk, the southern-most of New Zealand’s iconic walking tracks.

    Public workshops for Taupō Fishery project

    Date: 20 November 2012
    The Department of Conservation is holding two public workshops next week for the community to explore and discuss opportunities for the Taupō Sports Fishery.

    Watch out for dotterel on a Northland beach near you

    Date: 16 November 2012
    An early spring for Northland means it's time to watch out for our endangered dotterels, breeding on a beach near you. Only about 1,500 of the Northern New Zealand dotterel remain.

    Black backed gulls targeted

    Date: 19 November 2012
    Black backed gulls targeted nesting near Te Anau airport are the target of a population control operation this week.

    Warning to people climbing Mt Ruapehu

    Date: 16 November 2012
    The Department of Conservation today issued a warning to climbers and trampers on Ruapehu, recommending that they do not enter the Summit Hazard Zone until further notice.

    Whale death in Hauraki Gulf highlights urgent need to address ship strike problem

    Date: 15 November 2012
    A necropsy on a Bryde’s whale found dead on Motuihe Island highlights the urgent need to address the ship strike problem.

    DOC gift well received by Lake Rotoaira Trust

    Date: 15 November 2012
    Read about the recent joint venture between Lake Rotoaira Trust and the Department of Conservation.

    Brighter future for a pest free Kapiti Island

    Date: 12 November 2012
    The Department of Conservation believes Kapiti Island is now stoat-free, following an extensive trapping and monitoring campaign.

    Tasman Bay beaches cleared of 5.5 tonnes of rubbish

    Date: 13 November 2012
    Tasman Bay beaches will be a whole lot cleaner this summer after hundreds of local people cleared 5.5 tonnes of rubbish from the coast on Saturday (10 November).

    Smelt harvest season open

    Date: 12 November 2012
    The Lake Taupō smelt harvest season opened 1 November 2012 and will continue until 28 February 2013.

    ‘Penguin flotilla’ – two expeditions heading to subantarctic to count yellow-eyed penguins

    Date: 09 November 2012
    Two yacht-based wildlife expeditions are heading to Campbell Island and the Auckland Islands to conduct the first-ever comprehensive survey of yellow-eyed penguins in the subantarctic.

    Public meetings for Taupō Fishery Review

    Date: 07 November 2012
    Two public workshops are being held in November as part of the Taupo Fishery Review.

    Big clean up of Tasman Bay beaches this Saturday

    Date: 05 November 2012
    Hundreds of Nelson-Tasman locals will be carrying out a spring clean of Tasman Bay beaches this Saturday (10 November) in the third annual Big Beach Clean-up.

    Matata campsite roading upgrade

    Date: 05 November 2012
    An upgrade programme to the roading and associated signage at the DOC Matata campsite will get underway from Monday 12 November 2012 and is expected to be completed in two weeks.

    Tongariro whio found dead

    Date: 05 November 2012
    A breeding whio was found dead on the Tongariro River, suspected to have been killed by a dog. Please keep dogs on a leash during the breeding months of October to December.

    All hands on deck to prevent didymo spread

    Date: 05 November 2012
    Sampling of selected waterways around the Te Anau Basin, and wider Fiordland will soon begin, coinciding with the open season for sports fishing in Southland’s rivers on 1 November

    Garden escapees threaten native bush

    Date: 05 November 2012
    Weed control teams have been working hard to remove Darwin’s barberry from many areas around Te Anau and Manapouri, as it has jumped the garden fence and become an unwelcome weed.

    One of New Zealand's rarest birds released in the heart of Auckland

    Date: 05 November 2012
    One of New Zealand's rarest native birds, the takahē, has been released on Motutapu Island in the heart of Auckland.

    Milford Track still open after rockfall closes Sutherland Falls Track

    Date: 02 November 2012
    The Great Walks Milford Track is still open and offering opportunities for walkers to view Fiordland’s unique splendour, despite the closure of a side trip, the Sutherland Falls Track, due to a rock fall hazard

    Native birds get greater protection from stoats

    Date: 02 November 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Native birds including great spotted kiwis in the Nelson Lakes National Park will have greater protection from stoats now that self-setting traps are in the region, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

    Bream Head/Te Whara Track upgrade work

    Date: 31 October 2012
    Upgrade work on the Bream Head/Te Whara Track has begun, and the section from Bream Head to Smugglers Bay will be closed until mid to late December.

    Target on Tongariro/Taupo spotlighting remains strong

    Date: 30 October 2012
    Operations to target illegal hunting at night will continue throughout the Tongariro/Taupo region during the hunting season by the Police and DOC. Hunting permits will also be a focus.

    Department of Corrections helps DOC plant natives

    Date: 30 October 2012
    1200 native plants have been planted by the Tongariro River in a collaboration between DOC and the Department of Corrections Tongariro/Rangipo Prison.

    Tauraroa Area School students attend Whangarei Volunteer Wednesday

    Date: 24 October 2012
    An inspired Year 5 pupil Devlin Gurr and his class' Inquiry Project led to the students spending a day volunteering with DOC, helping to eradicate invasive weeds at Uretiti, south of Ruakaka.

    First kiwi release on Motutapu Island marks launch of new kiwi agency

    Date: 23 October 2012
    Efforts to save our endangered national bird took an historic step forward with the release of the first kiwi onto Motutapu Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

    Project Island Song needs more roving volunteers

    Date: 17 October 2012
    Become a roving volunteer and join Project Island Song’s successful scheme to bring birdsong back to the islands. Find out more in a half-day briefing session held in Russell on 8 November 2012.

    Mavora Lakes campsites ready for summer

    Date: 17 October 2012
    The popular Mavora Lakes campsites will be fully operational by Tuesday 23 October 2012 with Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers at the site periodically over the busy summer months.

    Fiordland’s Great Walks season starting soon

    Date: 17 October 2012
    The Great Walks in Fiordland National Park are due to open for the summer on Tuesday 23 October 2012.

    Queens Reach now closed to camping

    Date: 17 October 2012
    Te Anau’s Queens Reach Recreation Reserve will be closed for overnight camping from Tuesday 23 October 2012. The site will remain open to day visitors.

    Tūī eruption near Taupo

    Date: 17 October 2012
    Sitings of large flocks of tūī near Taupo demonstrates the success of the Hatepe community predator trapping effort.

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing opening for Labour weekend

    Date: 16 October 2012
    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track will re-open this Friday in time for Labour weekend visitors, following recent closures relating to a volcanic eruption on the 6 August.

    Tuatara take off with Air New Zealand and DOC

    Date: 16 October 2012
    Air New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC) today achieved the largest and most complex tuatara relocation ever undertaken. The 260 tuatara travelled on commercial flights from Wellington to Gisborne, Hamilton and Dunedin.

    Conservation Minister to attend talks in India

    Date: 15 October 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson leaves for India today to attend the 11th Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad.

    Share our beaches this summer

    Date: 12 October 2012
    The Eastern Bay of Plenty is lucky to have native shorebirds like the NZ dotterel and the variable oystercatcher, that call it home in the breeding season. The public are asked to 'share our beaches' this summer.

    Spotlight on hunter safety

    Date: 12 October 2012
    A recent spotlighting (hunting after dark) incident while rabbit contractors were working on public conservation land in the Eastern Bay of Plenty has prompted DOC to again remind hunters that spotlighting is an offence.

    Public submissions invited on management of Molesworth Station

    Date: 12 October 2012
    Submissions are being invited on a draft management plan for Molesworth Station - a high country reserve and New Zealand's largest farm.

    Study highlights conservation challenge

    Date: 12 October 2012
    A new international study is a wake up call for New Zealanders about the scale of the global conservation challenge ahead.

    Be careful as fire season gets underway

    Date: 10 October 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding the public to be careful when lighting fires after a campfire started a scrub fire on a beach at Thornton Wildlife Management Reserve, Whakatane.

    Step forward for iconic Northland site

    Date: 09 October 2012
    Representatives of the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Ruapekapeka Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Saturday 6 October 2012.

    DOC embraces Journey to the Deep's conservation messages

    Date: 09 October 2012
    The Department of Conservation is actively supporting the Journey to the Deep theatrical production by producing education resources that are linked to the show.

    Little blue penguin victim of dog attack

    Date: 09 October 2012
    A little blue penguin has died after suffering severe injuries as a result of being attacked by a dog at Taylors Mistake recently.

    Future for the Taupō Sports Fishery

    Date: 03 October 2012
    The Department of Conservation today announced an opportunity for the community to be involved in exploring future opportunities for the Taupō Sport Fishery.

    Sirocco’s photo contest winner chosen

    Date: 02 October 2012
    Jill Hoffman from Invercargill has been announced as the winner of the photo contest jointly run by the Department of Conservation and Sirocco the kākāpō, New Zealand's official Spokesbird for Conservation.

    LINZ and DOC collaborate on new land information management system

    Date: 02 October 2012
    A new system developed in collaboraton between Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) is set to create huge gains in the management of New Zealand Crown land.

    Call to action to clean Tasman Bay beaches goes out again

    Date: 02 October 2012
    A call to action is once again going out to the community to help spring clean Tasman Bay beaches in time for summer.

    Project Runway winner supports kākāpō in US fundraiser

    Date: 02 October 2012
    Jay McCarroll, the winner of the inaugural series of Project Runway has designed a kākāpō-influenced outfit as part of a unique fundraising campaign for endangered species.

    Waitawheta Hut bookings go online

    Date: 02 October 2012
    Visitors to one of the Kaimai most significant historic places will enjoy a more reliable trip this summer, as advanced bookings become available for the popular Waitawheta Hut.

    Northland Conservancy welcomes Pou Tairangahau

    Date: 02 October 2012
    Aaron Taikato has been appointed Pou Tairangahau (Strategic Iwi Relations Manager) for the Northland Conservancy of the Department of Conservation.

    Dog control the way to go for kiwi in Northland

    Date: 01 October 2012
    Keeping dogs under control is the way to go for kiwi in Northland. For a while now control of dogs has been a focus as DOC moves from individual bird management to dog management.

    Opening day for Lake Otamangakau and Lake Kuratau

    Date: 27 September 2012
    The 2012-13 fishing season for Lake Otamangakau and Lake Kuratau begins on the first Monday of October and early indications point to some good summer fishing.

    Endangered whitetip sharks to be protected

    Date: 27 September 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Oceanic whitetip sharks are to get the same status as the great white shark, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson announced today.

    Conservation wonder kid blows away competition

    Date: 26 September 2012
    Ten year old Aucklander Charlotte Thomas has blown away the competition with her conservation contributions, earning the title of What Now and DOC’s ‘Ranger for a Week’.

    Badly injured dolphin prompts DOC warning to boaties

    Date: 25 September 2012
    A bottlenose dolphin has been badly injured after being struck by a boat near Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

    Māui dolphin Threat Management Plan consultation underway

    Date: 24 September 2012
    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Department of Conservation (DOC) are seeking public comment on a review of the Māui Dolphin Threat Management Plan.

    Wild animal recovery operator sentenced

    Date: 24 September 2012
    A Central Otago helicopter company and hunter were sentenced in the Queenstown District Court today on charges relating to illegal hunting in Hāwea Conservation Park.

    New Zealand’s vote on the IUCN motion for Māui/Hector’s dolphin

    Date: 21 September 2012
    The Department of Conservation has issued a media statement about New Zealand’s vote on the IUCN motion for Māui/Hector’s dolphin.

    Two sections of track on Tongariro to re-open

    Date: 20 September 2012
    The Department of Conservation is re-opening another two sections of track on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Tongariro Northern Circuit this weekend.

    New species register up and running

    Date: 20 September 2012
    A new world-leading register of species important to New Zealand was launched last month and is now available for use.

    DOC Otago: 25th anniversary video

    Date: 20 September 2012
    Watch a short film highlighting some of Otago's achievements in conservation over the past 25 years.

    Record number of native species being helped

    Date: 19 September 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Record numbers of threatened species are now being actively managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), thanks in part to a new and world leading system, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has announced.

    Hunters looking after huts

    Date: 18 September 2012
    Oamaru Hut in the Kaimanawa Forest Park is being looked after by the Taupo branch of the New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association, in return for time hunting in the hills, giving DOC a helping hand.

    New Rangitoto wharf to enhance island experience

    Date: 14 September 2012
    Work has begun on a 14 month construction project to provide a much safer, durable wharf for the 100,000 visitors to Rangitoto and Motutapu each year.

    Sirocco's season at Maungatautari extended as bookings sell out

    Date: 14 September 2012
    Source: Kākāpō Recovery programme
    With 13 days left to go before the end of his 6 week season at Maungatautari, bookings for the "Sirocco Experience" sold out last night!

    Mt Tarawera benefits from biodiversity grant

    Date: 14 September 2012
    Work to rid Mount Tarawera of wilding pines is set to continue this spring with a new grant from the Government’s Biodiversity Funds.

    Biodiversity grant to help protect Ngāti Hinemihi land

    Date: 14 September 2012
    A Government biodiversity grant will help a Te Arawa hapu protect and reconnect with their ancestral lands near Lake Tarawera.

    Biodiversity grants benefit central North Island iwi projects

    Date: 14 September 2012
    Government biodiversity grants announced this week will assist a central North Island iwi to protect the natural and cultural values of their land.

    Exploring future opportunities for Taupo Sports Fishery

    Date: 14 September 2012
    A project exploring future opportunities for Taupō Sports Fishery is underway. The project intends to examine the fishery history, the current situation and to identify and explore future opportunities for the iconic fishery.

    Air New Zealand’s Green Team volunteers for Conservation Week

    Date: 13 September 2012
    Volunteers from Air New Zealand’s Green Team are rolling up their sleeves for conservation by helping with restoration projects across the country this weekend.

    Not business as usual with Takahē Rescue

    Date: 13 September 2012
    Mitre 10 is helping to suppress the plague of stoats threatening the last wild population of takahē in the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland and that’s just the beginning.

    Wellington kicks off Conservation Week at the Weed Swap

    Date: 12 September 2012
    Conservation Week kicked off in Wellington on Sunday with DOC’s annual Weed Swap at Waitangi Park. Over 500 native plants were given away in exchange for a range of nasty garden weeds.

    Sirocco Kākāpō launches Conservation Week photo competition

    Date: 12 September 2012
    To celebrate the ‘Love your parks’ theme for Conservation Week 2012, the Department of Conservation together with New Zealand’s official Spokesbird for Conservation, Sirocco the kākāpō, are hosting a contest to find New Zealand’s best "people loving parks" photographs.

    Leave seals be

    Date: 12 September 2012
    New Zealand fur seals/kekeno are increasingly common in the Bay of Islands. Unless a seal is being harassed by dogs or people, is entangled in marine debris, or is severely injured, the best policy is to leave them be.

    Athenree environment boosted by donation

    Date: 11 September 2012
    A donation of 3500 native plants by Newmont Waihi Gold is set to give a major boost to environmental restoration at the Athenree Wildlife Reserve this spring.

    Harsher penalties for wildlife smugglers

    Date: 11 September 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Cabinet has agreed to tough new measures for people caught attempting to smuggle native wildlife out of the country, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

    Loder Cup awarded to Dunedin ecologist

    Date: 10 September 2012
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has announced Dunedin Ecologist Dr Ralph Allen the 2012 winner of the prestigious Loder Cup.

    Awards celebrate Coastal Otago conservation champions

    Date: 10 September 2012
    The Department of Conservation Coastal Otago Conservation Awards this year recognise a Dunedin woman for her outstanding biodiversity work on Otago Peninsula, a blue penguin colony for maintaining a successful breeding habitat, and a transport manager for helping protect a rare worm.

    Minister welcomes Conservation Week 2012

    Date: 09 September 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has welcomed the start of Conservation Week 2012 today.

    Exploring your parks in the Eastern Bay of Plenty

    Date: 07 September 2012
    Conservation Week kicked off this Sunday 9th September giving everyone the opportunity to get out and explore what's in their backyard attending events right across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

    Love your parks East Coast

    Date: 07 September 2012
    Conservation Week kicked off with a "Spring Fair" at the Tairawhiti Environment Centre, Roebuck Road, Gisborne. Everyone is encouraged to explore their backyard enjoying local parks, reserves or a wide range of events.

    Vandals wreak havoc at Lake Waikaremoana

    Date: 07 September 2012
    Members of the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust received a huge shock earlier this week when they arrived at Whareama Peninsula on Lake Waikaremoana to find their rat and stoat traps destroyed.

    DOC Otago appoints Pou Tairangahau

    Date: 07 September 2012
    The Otago Conservancy of the Department of Conservation has appointed Dave Taylor to the Otago/Southland Pou Tairangahau position.

    Project Island Song bring rare brown teal/pāteke back to pest-free Urupukapuka Island

    Date: 06 September 2012
    The release of twelve rare brown teal/pāteke today was a major milestone in the ongoing work of Project Island Song to bring back the birdsong to the islands of the Bay of Islands.

    Public reminded to keep dogs under control on beaches

    Date: 05 September 2012
    The Department of Conservation are reminding owners to keep dogs under control at all times after an incident with a seal pup on a Gisborne beach last month.

    Conservation walks, talks and working bees in Otago

    Date: 04 September 2012
    A range of events will be held during Conservation Week in Otago from September 9-16 to give people an opportunity to get out and explore what’s in their backyard.

    DOC strengthens safety procedures on Raoul Island

    Date: 03 September 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) acknowledges that it could have done more to prevent the disappearance of a volunteer measuring sea temperatures on Raoul Island earlier this year.

    Free family fun day for Conservation Week in Christchurch

    Date: 03 September 2012
    Life in Christchurch is a bit serious these days, so the Department of Conservation has got some friends together for a bit of family fun on Sunday 9 September for Conservation Week.

    Kakī set free

    Date: 30 August 2012
    The release of 45 young kakī, or black stilt, by the Department of Conservation yesterday will boost the numbers of this critically endangered species in the wild.

    Red Crater Tongariro Alpine Crossing track to re-open this weekend

    Date: 28 August 2012
    Two more sections of track on Tongariro’s Alpine Crossing and the Tongariro Northern Circuit are re-opening this weekend.

    Historic Turnbull House to close pending earthquake strengthening

    Date: 24 August 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is to close Wellington’s Turnbull House next month to allow earthquake strengthening repairs to be carried out.

    Tongariro alert level lowered - phased recovery and re-opening plan underway

    Date: 23 August 2012
    GNS lowered the alert level for Tongariro back down to level 1 late last week, and the Department of Conservation is now planning a staged recovery and re-opening of the sections of track in Tongariro National Park that remain closed, following the recent eruption.

    DOC Otago appoints business manager

    Date: 20 August 2012
    The Otago Conservancy of the Department of Conservation has appointed Cher Knights of Queenstown as its new Business Development Manager.

    Kākāpō dead on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island

    Date: 16 August 2012
    Kākāpō Recovery has been dealt a disappointing blow, following the discovery of another dead bird – the sixth during the past year.

    Minister visits Mt Tongariro region community

    Date: 15 August 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Taupō MP Louise Upston have met with iwi, community and tourism industry leaders at Tongariro National Park today to discuss last week’s volcanic eruption.

    Research into Taupo Fishery early spawning runs

    Date: 15 August 2012
    The Department of Conservation has released 5000 marked yearling rainbow trout into the Taupo catchment as part of a small research project.

    Pests down, birdsong back in Tararua Forest Park

    Date: 14 August 2012
    Pest numbers are down and native birds are beginning to bounce back in the Tararua Forest Park north of Wellington following an aerial 1080 pest control operation in late 2010.

    Whitebait season starts tomorrow in Otago

    Date: 14 August 2012
    Tomorrow marks the start of whitebait fishing season in Otago which runs through until 30 November.

    Whitebait season starts tomorrow in East Coast and Eastern Bay of Plenty

    Date: 14 August 2012
    Wednesday, 15th August marks the start of another whitebait fishing season for areas other than the West Coast of the South Island. The West Coast whitebait season starts on 1st September.

    Sirocco the kākāpō set to charm the Waikato

    Date: 14 August 2012
    Source: Kakapo Recovery
    Sirocco, the official Spokesbird for Conservation and advocate for Kākāpō Recovery, is arriving in the Waikato this week for a six-week stay at Maungatautari, in Cambridge.

    Great planting event kicked off with the Rugby Living Legends

    Date: 13 August 2012
    This weekend’s Rugby Living Legends planting event at Whareroa Farm, Kapiti Coast had a great turnout with great weather to accompany it.

    Tiritiri Matangi loses iconic bird

    Date: 12 August 2012
    Greg the takahē, one of Tiritiri Matangi Island’s best known and loved endangered birds, died today while being assessed for health problems at Auckland Zoo.

    Possum photographed adrift near Kapiti Island

    Date: 10 August 2012
    An adult possum has been photographed and filmed floating on a log near Wellington’s Kapiti Island.

    Northland Living Legends planting

    Date: 10 August 2012
    On 4 August 2012, volunteers along with Living Legends and Department of Conservation (DOC) staff gathered at the Uretiti Rest Area on the Bream Bay coast to plant trees as part of the community conservation project Living Legends.

    Seals need rest, not rescuing

    Date: 09 August 2012
    “Seals usually need rest, not rescuing” is advice from the Department of Conservation in response to calls from the public about young seals onshore at this time of year.

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing opening will depend on volcanic activity

    Date: 08 August 2012
    The Department of Conservation says it is working to re-open the tracks and huts on Mount Tongariro as soon as conditions become safer and the extent of damage can be assessed.

    Fishing in Tongariro River not affected by eruption

    Date: 08 August 2012
    The Tongariro River has not been greatly affected by the recent eruption of upper Te Maari Carter on Monday night. After the eruption there was a light westerly wind that took the majority of ash towards Napier.

    Mount Tongariro DOC tracks and huts closed until further notice

    Date: 07 August 2012
    The Department of Conservation says tracks and huts on Mt Tongariro will remain closed for the immediate future while GNS experts continue to assess volcanic activity on the mountain.

    Volcanic eruption response

    Date: 07 August 2012
    Source: New Zealand Police/Department of Conservation
    The Department of Conservation, supported by Police, GNS, Ngati Tuwharetoa and other local agencies, are working to assess the extent of a volcanic eruption at Te Maari Crater, Tongariro overnight.

    Kapiti Island concession opportunity update

    Date: 07 August 2012
    The Department of Conservation tender process for its concession opportunity to take visitors to Kapiti Island Nature Reserve, near Wellington has been completed and five of the tenderers have been invited to apply for a concession.

    Mohua settled on Resolution Island

    Date: 06 August 2012
    The Peregrine Wines mohua transfer to Resolution Island has been declared a success following regular reports of the small birds by hunters and trappers working on the island.

    Million Dollar Mouse campaign reaches halfway point

    Date: 03 August 2012
    Source: Morgan Foundation
    The Million Dollar Mouse campaign is halfway to its goal of raising $1 million to eradicate mice off New Zealand’s Antipodes Islands.

    Ranger for a day

    Date: 02 August 2012
    Step into Fiordland National Park tomorrow (Friday) and you will find that the team of rangers working to protect the special plants, animals and many tracks has just doubled in size!

    Code of conduct boosts protection for marine mammals

    Date: 01 August 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley launched the new Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations.

    DOC and Tourism Exchange NZ to bring live bookings to Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre

    Date: 01 August 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Tourism Exchange New Zealand (TXNZ) have formed a new partnership to enable live bookings at the DOC Fiordland Visitor Centre in Te Anau.

    Making conservation babies

    Date: 31 July 2012
    Conservation managers and wildlife vets from around the world will be descending on Melbourne in October to share expertise on wildlife breeding techniques.

    Beach wrecked sea birds on the East Coast

    Date: 30 July 2012
    Last week a number of dead seabirds washed ashore from Opotiki to Whangaparaoa, and along the coast north of Gisborne. Autopsy results by Massey University found the cause of death to be starvation.

    Ivory items seized in Napier

    Date: 27 July 2012
    Sixty nine pieces of ivory have been seized from a Napier address by investigators from the Wildlife Enforcement Group.

    School to help kea conservation

    Date: 24 July 2012
    A Christchurch School and student will take action to help conserve kea to make amends for actions that led to the death of a bird at Porter Heights Ski Area last week.

    Applications open for the Encore Awards

    Date: 23 July 2012
    Encore for our conservation and environmental guardians

    Award for young Otago conservationists

    Date: 18 July 2012
    The Otago Peninsula Trust and the Department of Conservation are calling for nominations for the Toroa Award.

    Conviction in illegal possum baiting case

    Date: 16 July 2012
    Dae Van der Maazen, a 37 year old Waikato man, was convicted and fined $2000 by Judge Richard Watson at the Tauranga District court today for illegally applying cyanide baits at the Kaimai Summit near Tauranga.

    Let seals rest

    Date: 13 July 2012
    NZ fur seals seen along the Northland coastline at the moment need to be given space. They are generally fine and just resting.

    Pest eradication on Indian Island a success

    Date: 04 July 2012
    Indian Island (170 ha) is near the outer edge of Dusky Sound. It is the fourth of six main islands in Dusky Sound to have a predator control programme to remove introduced mammals.

    No sign of aquatic weed in Southland lakes

    Date: 02 July 2012
    A four day search conducted by a team of divers from the Department of Conservation’s Te Anau Area Office have found no sign of the invasive aquatic weed Lagarosiphon major (oxygen weed).

    Chasm Track closed for extreme makeover

    Date: 29 June 2012
    The Department of Conservation will close the Chasm Track from Monday 2 July to Sunday 30 September to undertake a major makeover of the track.

    Abel Tasman foreshore management plan approved

    Date: 28 June 2012
    A management plan for the Abel Tasman foreshore has been approved and will come into effect from 1 November this year.

    Winter island plantings a great success

    Date: 28 June 2012
    Pest-free Urupukapuka and Moturua Islands in the eastern Bay of Islands (Ipipiri) have had almost 3000 native plants planted in the last month.

    Hunting for breeding sites of the elusive New Zealand storm petrel

    Date: 25 June 2012
    A Whangarei DOC team and independent seabird researcher spent a night searching the Hen and Chickens Islands looking for the elusive New Zealand storm petrel.

    Positive action needed to protect kiwi from dogs and motor vehicles

    Date: 22 June 2012
    Two kiwi deaths in one week earlier this month serve as a reminder about the threat of dogs and motor vehicles to kiwi in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

    Fur seals sighted at Mount, Papamoa, Waihi Beach and Tauranga Harbour

    Date: 22 June 2012
    New Zealand fur seals have been sighted ashore along the Bay of Plenty coastline this week, as expected for this time of year.

    Marine protection for West Coast one step closer

    Date: 22 June 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    A proposal to establish five marine reserves on the South Island’s West Coast has gone out for public consultation – bringing them a step closer to reality.

    Whananaki Primary School students create artwork for interpretation sign

    Date: 20 June 2012
    The new interpretation sign at Otamure Bay, Whananaki North informs people of where pateke and kiwi live and what locals and visitors to Whananaki can do to protect them.

    Decision released on future of St Bathans Post Office

    Date: 20 June 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) has decided that part of the historic St Bathans Post Office will be open to the public, while the rest of the building will be used for visitor accommodation.

    Whitehead released on pest-free islands in Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

    Date: 19 June 2012
    A milestone in re-establishing the whitehead (pōpokotea) in the Auckland region has been achieved with the release of the protected native bird on two pest-free islands in the heart of Auckland.

    Return of kiwi to North Island after hundreds of years absence

    Date: 18 June 2012
    Rowi, the world's rarest kiwi species, is returning to the North Island after an absence of hundreds of years.

    Hunters sentenced for illegal spotlighting

    Date: 13 June 2012
    Two Canterbury men were sentenced today in the Christchurch District Court for hunting offences committed in Arthur’s National Park in December last year.

    Top honours for Northlanders at the 2012 Regional Weedbusters Awards

    Date: 05 June 2012
    Read about Northland's 2012 Regional Weedbusters Awards and find out who received top awards.

    Russell’s dogs more weka wise

    Date: 29 May 2012
    Four local Russell dogs and their owners have become more ‘weka wise’ by attending a weka aversion training course recently.

    Cook Strait whale count

    Date: 05 June 2012
    Former whalers and Department of Conservation researchers are again about to scour the Cook Strait sea for whales as the ninth winter whale survey in the area gets underway on Saturday 9 June.

    Tui, teal and terns come to Ngunguru Primary School

    Date: 01 June 2012
    DOC presented to the children of Ngunguru Primary School a colourful mural highlighting some of the important bird species that can be found in the area.

    Poised to mark transit of Venus history

    Date: 05 June 2012
    The little-known Transit of Venus Historic Reserve at Burnham is the site of successful British observations of the transit of Venus 130 years ago - and tomorrow DOC will return to mark this history.

    100th chick a milestone for Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary

    Date: 31 May 2012
    A landmark year for the Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary has seen the 100th kiwi make the round trip from egg to release and back into the wild, as part of the highly successful BNZ Operation Nest Egg programme.

    Rat found on Ulva Island

    Date: 30 May 2012
    Yesterday, DOC staff did a final check of the trap network on Ulva Island in the hope of declaring the island rat free again. Unfortunately, a rat was found in one of the traps during this check.

    Plan of action to eradicate lagarosiphon from Lake Waikaremoana

    Date: 28 May 2012
    Two more sites of lagarosiphon (oxygen weed) have been found in Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera National Park, as well as the initial infestation found at Te Raoa Bay.

    Fire near Lyttelton brought under control

    Date: 25 May 2012
    A fire burning last night in pine trees near Lyttelton has been brought under control by a Department of Conservation-led rural fire team using a helicopter with night-flying capability, in a Canterbury first.

    Reporua community complete Project Crimson planting

    Date: 24 May 2012
    After three years, Ngati Rangi hapu of Reporua, have completed planting over 1000 pohutukawa trees on the coastal hill overlooking the marae at Reporua, Ruatoria, East Coast.

    Man sentenced for night hunting near DOC hut

    Date: 24 May 2012
    Dr Nigel Kim of Tauranga was convicted in the Tauranga District Court today and ordered by a judge to pay a $1000 fine for a hunting offence he committed in the Kai Mamaku Conservation Park.

    DOC receives Parks Forum award

    Date: 24 May 2012
    Department of Conservation (DOC) Coastal Otago Ranger Carey Knox has been recognised by the international Parks Forum for his groundbreaking project on New Zealand’s rare and endangered jewelled geckos.

    Lend a Hand at Pukaha Mount Bruce

    Date: 22 May 2012
    Source: Pukaha Mount Bruce Board
    A new volunteer programme aims to strengthen the relationship between our local and regional communities, the native wildlife and the forest by encouraging people to lend a hand and get involved with some of the valuable work that is being undertaken at Pukaha.

    Major award to DOC and URS NZ for Milford Sound redevelopment

    Date: 23 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation’s flood protection project at Milford Sound has scored a further coup with the announcement of a major award from the New Zealand Planning Institute.

    DOC supports Meridian’s Mokihinui decision

    Date: 22 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation supports Meridian Energy’s decision regarding the proposed Mokihinui hydro development.

    Dogs that help DOC

    Date: 21 May 2012
    Dogs are helping DOC to keep islands pest-free in Northland and Fiordland.

    Cycle trail upgrade to benefit wheelchair users

    Date: 17 May 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Families with young children and off-road wheelchair users will enjoy greater access to the iconic backcountry of the St James Conservation Area thanks to a project initiated by Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.

    DOC prepares Fiordland Great Walks for winter

    Date: 14 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation is cautioning trampers in Fiordland to be prepared for winter conditions as they venture onto Great Walks over the next few weeks.

    Four-wheel drivers damage wetlands

    Date: 11 May 2012
    The behaviour of four-wheel drivers who damaged protected wetlands in Canterbury recently has been condemned by 4WD clubs and the Department of Conservation.

    Waiotahi Spit Scenic Reserve damaged by vehicles

    Date: 11 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation has received reports of vehicles driving across the Waiotahi Spit Scenic Reserve, Opotiki, west of the pipi beds, causing damage to the dunes.

    'Check, clean, dry' stopping the spread of didymo in Fiordland

    Date: 11 May 2012
    Fish & Game and the Department of Conservation are delighted that the testing of 22 rivers in Fiordland National Park showed no signs of the invasive freshwater pest didymo.

    DOC strengthens burn-off procedures

    Date: 09 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation in Otago is introducing changes to their fire permit process.

    Family save mauled yellow-eyed penguin

    Date: 10 May 2012
    A yellow-eyed penguin rescued from a Christchurch beach with a broken leg was mauled by a dog, prompting a call for owners to be more responsible on beaches.

    Kiwi aversion training in the Eastern Bay

    Date: 10 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation has run several kiwi aversion training days in recent months to increase the awareness of the risk that hunting dogs can pose to kiwi in the wild.

    Preliminary DNA tests indicate that the dolphin recovered in Taranaki may be a Hector’s dolphin

    Date: 09 May 2012
    Preliminary test results have shown that the dolphin recovered from a Taranaki beach last week had DNA characteristics more consistent with Hector’s dolphin than Māui dolphin.

    Kaimanawa horse muster about to start

    Date: 07 May 2012
    The annual Kaimanawa wild horse muster will take place at the end of May, to control numbers in the herd which lives primarily on the Waiouru Military Training Area.

    DOC puts recreational opportunities online

    Date: 08 May 2012
    As part of a new initiative to encourage more people to get out and enjoy New Zealand’s special places, DOC has listed all recreational and tourism businesses operating in conservation areas on the DOC website.

    A new insect weapon against broom

    Date: 05 April 2012
    A new insect parasite has been released into the Mackenzie Basin and Upper Waitaki for the first time, to help control the spread of broom.

    Kakapo Rakiura takes flight

    Date: 04 May 2012
    Rakiura, a 10 year-old female kakapo, who has spent the last 19 days at Auckland Zoo, is on her way today to join seven other kakapo on Little Barrier Barrier island (Hauturu).

    Conservation volunteers applaud Nature Space website

    Date: 03 May 2012
    Source: Nature Space
    A new website for community groups and landowners protecting and restoring New Zealand’s natural environment is seen as a valuable tool for their vital work.

    Hollywood duo make generous gift to Kakapo Recovery

    Date: 02 May 2012
    Kakapo Recovery has been given valuable hi-definition video footage – shot by an Emmy award-winning crew on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island – to edit and use to promote the programme.

    DOC files submission on salmon farm proposal

    Date: 02 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation says there are potential benefits from the creation of additional salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds, provided that nutrient and location issues are addressed.

    Gordon Park not a rubbish dump

    Date: 02 May 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) are concerned about the misuse of one of the local reserves close to Wanganui – Gordon Park Scenic Reserve which has had large amounts of household rubbish and garden waste dumped in the car park and tracks recently.

    Whio released into the Manganui o te Ao River

    Date: 02 May 2012
    Students from Orautoha School had an experience of a lifetime recently and two of the students, Neihana Hall (11 yrs) and Quintin Rapana (12 yrs) played a special part in releasing four whio (blue duck) into the Manganui o te Ao River on Monday.

    Trade Me members to help BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust

    Date: 01 May 2012
    Source: BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust
    A new partnership between Trade Me and conservation group BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust hopes to raise more than $40,000 a year to help save our national icon.

    Donations assist Heaphy Track upgrade work

    Date: 01 May 2012
    Mountain bikers and walkers will now have a smoother trip over an eroded section of the Heaphy Track thanks to $10,500 in donations from Nelson mountain bikers and some national mountain biking businesses to support the Department of Conservation track improvement work.

    Dead dolphin recovered in Taranaki died of natural causes

    Date: 30 April 2012
    The preliminary pathology report on the dead Hector’s/Māui dolphin recovered from a Taranaki beach last week has indicated that the animal died of natural causes.

    Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail hikoi this week

    Date: 23 April 2012
    The three day cycle hikoi travelling the entire length of the Mountains to Sea (Nga Ara Tuhono) section of the National Cycle Trail (Nga Haerenga) takes place Thursday 26 April to Saturday 28 April 2012.

    New accommodation for Mou Waho residents

    Date: 23 April 2012
    Forty weta motels have been installed on Lake Wanaka’s Mou Waho island.

    Chance to ride the Heaphy Track again this winter

    Date: 23 April 2012
    Mountain bikers can enjoy a second winter season of riding the Heaphy Track from Tuesday 1 May through to Sunday 30 September.

    Boost to new South Island robin population in Milford

    Date: 20 April 2012
    The Department of Conservation with the help of Fiordland College students have released eighteen South Island robin/kakaruai at the Cleddau River Delta, Milford Sound.

    Air New Zealand and DOC announce new partnership

    Date: 20 April 2012
    Source: Air New Zealand and the Department of Conservation
    New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe have today confirmed a major three year commercial partnership between DOC and Air New Zealand.

    Minister welcomes new tourism - conservation partnership

    Date: 20 April 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has welcomed the signing of a new commercial partnership that will see DOC and Air New Zealand work together to protect and promote our unique wildlife and special landscapes.

    DOC wants more visitors to enjoy unique Kapiti experience

    Date: 20 April 2012
    The Department of Conservation wants more people to experience the rare native birds and wildlife on Kapiti Island and is offering new opportunities for eco-tour operators taking visitors to the nature reserve.

    Solar power systems in operation on Great Barrier Island

    Date: 18 April 2012
    The completion of two new solar power systems, providing cheaper, cleaner and quieter electricity at Department of Conservation bases on Great Barrier Island, is being marked at a launch event today.

    Native birds killed by motorists on the Milford Road

    Date: 18 April 2012
    Morepork and kea are the latest victims of speeding vehicles on the Milford Highway. The Department of Conservation has picked up ten morepork and two kea killed by vehicles on the Milford Highway this summer.

    Minister welcomes flight of the kakapo

    Date: 15 April 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The transfer of seven critically endangered kakapo to Little Barrier Island is a significant move to help secure the species’ survival, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

    DOC aligns campsite and Great Walk hut fees

    Date: 11 April 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is set to introduce a new three-tiered pricing system for huts on the Great Walks network and paid campsites throughout the country.

    Date extended for Kaikoura sperm whale tourism review comments

    Date: 05 April 2012
    The deadline for public comments for the Department of Conservation’s review of Kaikoura sperm whale tourism has been extended by two weeks to Friday 11 May 2012.

    Local community explores Waikaraka in Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve

    Date: 04 April 2012
    Members of the local community carried out shellfish monitoring and went kayaking amongst the mangroves as part of a close-up exploration of Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve.

    New hunting permits for small game

    Date: 04 April 2012
    The Department of Conservation now has a new recreational hunting permit for small game animals.

    Mountains to Sea cycle trail hikoi

    Date: 04 April 2012
    The three day cycle journey (hikoi) travelling the length of the Mountains to Sea section of the National Cycle Trail is to take place on the 26th through to 28th April 2012.

    Happy 25th anniversary DOC

    Date: 31 March 2012
    On 1 April 2012 DOC turned 25 years old. 2012 also marks 125 years since Tongariro National Park was gifted to the nation and 60 years since the establishment of New Zealand’s National Parks Act.

    Hearings to commence for proposed monorail concession

    Date: 30 March 2012
    Public hearings for the Riverstone Holdings Limited monorail concession application will begin next week. Hearings in Te Anau will begin on Monday 2 April 2012 and will begin in Invercargill on Tuesday 3 April 2012.

    Six whitebaiters prosecuted for breaches of the regulations

    Date: 30 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation is pleased with the prosecution of six whitebaiters in the Whakatane District Court on 20th March 2012 for breaches of the Whitebait Fishing Regulations.

    DOC urges hunters to refrain from illegal spotlighting

    Date: 30 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation is urging hunters to adhere to their permit conditions and refrain from illegal spotlighting on conservation land.

    Reminder not to spotlight during roar hunting season

    Date: 29 March 2012
    With the start of the ‘roar’ deer hunting season, the Department of Conservation is reminding hunters spotlighting is not allowed on public conservation land – it is illegal and endangers others.

    Kaikoura whale watching review

    Date: 29 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation is seeking public input into a review of Kaikoura whale watching tourism ahead of the expiry on 30 May of a 10-year suspension of new permits for the commercial activity.

    Minister welcomes million dollar mouse campaign

    Date: 28 March 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson today warmly welcomed the announcement of the ‘Million Dollar Mouse campaign’ to rid New Zealand’s subantarctic Antipodes Islands of the pests.

    Public asked not to feed fish in marine reserves

    Date: 20 March 2012
    As more people visit the Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, a problem is emerging that can cause serious issues for the health of the fish, and for swimmers and snorkelers.

    Sixty tuatara released on Motuihe Island

    Date: 26 March 2012
    Sixty tuatara are now living in the wild on Motuihe Island easily accessible by ferry from downtown Auckland.

    Giant petrel’s epic journey a breeze

    Date: 23 March 2012
    Source: Department of Conservation and Wellington Zoo
    A juvenile northern giant petrel which landed at Castlepoint two weeks ago is believed to have “hitched” a 500km ride with the wind from its home on the Chatham Islands.

    Volunteers sharpen skills at historic sawmilling site

    Date: 23 March 2012
    Good teamwork, aided and abetted by fine weather, has achieved a milestone in the decade-long mission to resurrect a 1930s sawmilling site at Otaki Forks.

    Rat found on predator-free Anchor Island

    Date: 21 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation is urging skippers to take all necessary precautions when mooring at pest free sanctuaries after a rat was discovered earlier this month at a popular mooring spot on Anchor Island in Dusky Sound.

    DOC closing in on koi carp menace

    Date: 22 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) may be close to eradicating the environmental threats posed by koi carp in the western Bay of Plenty.

    DOC closed tracks in Mataitai reserve to protect kauri from kauri dieback

    Date: 21 March 2012
    To prevent the disease kauri dieback from spreading to the oldest and largest kauri forest in the Auckland region the Department of Conservation (DOC) has closed the tracks in the Mataitai Conservation Area near the Hunua Ranges.

    Dame Susan Devoy to launch ECHO Walking Festival

    Date: 21 March 2012
    This year’s Kaimai to Coromandel ECHO Walking Festival will be launched on April 10th with a family-friendly walk at Otanewainuku Forest near Tauranga, and is a great activity idea for the Easter School Holidays.

    Need funds for conservation work at your place?

    Date: 19 March 2012
    Private land owners or community groups carrying out conservation work on private land could be eligible for funding from the Biodiversity Funds.

    Productive Whangarei kiwi dies aged 16

    Date: 14 March 2012
    Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary staff are today saddened by the loss of a friend of 16 years – Rainbow the kiwi.

    Seaweek kids pictures and stories competition winners

    Date: 16 March 2012
    Creativity, vibrancy and strong conservation messages were portrayed throughout in this year's winning entries in the Seaweek kids pictures and stories competition.

    Te Anau takahē health check

    Date: 16 March 2012
    Tawa, a fostered takahē chick is entertaining visitors and proving that life is good at the Te Anau Wildlife Centre.

    Fears of brown trout cull unjustified

    Date: 15 March 2012
    There has been some debate about the Department of Conservation’s plan to investigate re-instating the winter runs of rainbow trout into the Tongariro River.

    Mouse sighted on Matiu/Somes Island

    Date: 15 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) will implement a number of additional pest control measures following the sighting of, what is believed to be, a mouse on Matiu/Somes Island.

    Mid-Pohangina swing bridge removed

    Date: 15 March 2012
    Trampers and hunters heading into Mid-Pohangina Hut in the Ruahine Forest Park will get their feet wet following the permanent removal of a swing-bridge crossing the Pohangina River.

    White shark research in Foveaux Strait

    Date: 14 March 2012
    A joint National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), DOC and Auckland University research team is returning to continue their research on Stewart Island’s / Rakiura enigmatic white shark population.

    Government moves to further protect dolphins

    Date: 13 March 2012
    Source: Offices of the Minister of Conservation (Hon Kate Wilkinson) and Minister for Primary Industries (Hon David Carter)
    The Government is considering further measures to protect Māui dolphin as a new study points to a decline in numbers of the critically endangered species.

    Northland campsites have international appeal

    Date: 12 March 2012
    It may have been a wet summer for many Northlanders, but travellers and tourists from all over the globe were still choosing to spend their time here.

    Hearings to commence for proposed Dart Passage concession

    Date: 09 March 2012
    Public hearings for the Milford Dart Limited (MDL) Dart Passage tunnel concession application will begin next week.

    Rakiura National Park celebrates 10th anniversary

    Date: 08 March 2012
    New Zealand’s southern most National Park celebrates its 10th anniversary this week. Stewart Island/Rakiura National Park was officially opened on 9 March 2002.

    Non-resident angler licence considered

    Date: 09 March 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The Government is considering a proposal to establish differential fishing licences for overseas anglers, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson announced today.

    Te Tapatoru a Toi Joint Management Committee continues to be a role model

    Date: 08 March 2012
    Te Tapatoru a Toi, the first committee of its kind in NZ, continues to be a role model for future joint management of conservation land with the release of its Annual Plan for 2010/11.

    Snorkelling fun to be had in Tasman Bay marine reserves

    Date: 07 March 2012
    Youngsters still have a chance to join a snorkelling trip to view sea life in Tonga Island Marine Reserve with the event now being held on Saturday, 31 March.

    Minister urges New Zealanders to get involved in marine conservation

    Date: 06 March 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Seaweek is all about inspiring New Zealanders to celebrate and learn from the sea, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said at the national launch of Seaweek last night.

    DOC and NZ Navy complete first ever subantarctic shag survey

    Date: 06 March 2012
    The Department of Conservation (DOC), with assistance from the New Zealand Navy, has carried out the first ever survey of the rare Auckland Island shag in the remote subantarctic islands.

    Lagarosiphon found in Lake Waikaremoana

    Date: 05 March 2012
    Department of Conservation staff have closed Te Raoa Bay within Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera National Park, after a dive survey has discovered a small infestation of lagarosiphon (oxygen weed).

    2011 Northland kiwi listening results show good growth

    Date: 05 March 2012
    The 2011 Northland kiwi listening results show the highest level of growth since listening records began.

    Genetic link suspected in kakapo death

    Date: 05 March 2012
    The death of a young male kakapo last week – the fifth since September – may be linked to poor genetics, prompting the Kakapo Recovery team to consider removing Basil, an Anchor Island-based bird, from the breeding programme.

    Welcome addition to Nelson’s conservation land

    Date: 05 March 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Public conservation land around Nelson has been given a boost with the Government purchasing 333 hectares of private land beside Kahurangi National Park.

    Rena reminds us to "clean up our act" for Seaweek

    Date: 02 March 2012
    With the Rena incident still fresh in our minds this Seaweek in the Eastern Bay of Plenty encourages our communities to protect our marine environment by reducing the amount of general rubbish in our waterways impacting on our sea and birdlife.

    Seaweek on the East Coast is time to "clean up our act"

    Date: 02 March 2012
    With the Rena incident still fresh in our minds this Seaweek on the East Coast encourages our communities to protect our marine environment by reducting the amount of general rubbish in our waterways impacting on sea and birdlife.

    Minister praises partnership for whio breeding result

    Date: 01 March 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has praised Genesis Energy Ltd for their work with DOC to increase numbers of the rare native whio (blue duck).

    Whio partnership off to a flying start

    Date: 01 March 2012
    The future of one of New Zealand’s most endangered species is looking brighter, with the latest whio breeding season resulting in 206 new ducklings at one breeding site alone.

    New possum trap technology in the Western Bay of Plenty

    Date: 29 February 2012
    A new win-win situation for the health of our native forests and the people dedicated to protecting them is emerging in the Kaimai bush north of Tauranga.

    Tauranga marine reserve results positive

    Date: 20 February 2012
    The latest results of underwater monitoring at Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve near Tauranga reveal an emerging success story that will be explained at a public presentation on 6 March, coinciding with Seaweek celebrations around the country.

    Mark Cawardine's New Zealand wildlife tour

    Date: 28 February 2012
    Join Mark Carwardine in this video as he meets the yellow-eyed penguin near Dunedin; the tuatara in Invercargill; the albatross, robin, saddleback and kiwi on Stewart Island; and reminisces about his good friend Sirocco the kākāpō.

    New hut on the St James Walkway opened

    Date: 19 February 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson joined a convoy of four wheel drivers to officially open a new 20-bed hut on the popular St James Walkway yesterday.

    Black-billed gulls found dead near Roxburgh

    Date: 24 February 2012
    At least 60 endangered native birds have been found dead on the Clutha River near Roxburgh.

    Trust to help restore Abel Tasman National Park

    Date: 21 February 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has praised the generosity of a private family trust which has launched a multi-million dollar conservation project in Abel Tasman National Park.

    Northland Conservation Board provides discussion topics February 2012

    Date: 21 February 2012
    Read an overview of the topics the Northland Conservation Board discussed in February 2012.

    Major project to rejuvenate Abel Tasman National Park ecology

    Date: 21 February 2012
    An extensive 30-year multi-million dollar project to restore Abel Tasman National Park’s natural ecology is being launched with initial funding from a private family trust.

    Critically endangered NZ shore plover released on Motutapu Island

    Date: 20 February 2012
    One of our rarest and most endangered native birds, the New Zealand shore plover has been released on pest free Motutapu Island to increase its chances of survival.

    Whangarei kiwi killers identified

    Date: 20 February 2012
    Some staggering figures have been calculated in an attempt to find out what is killing Whangarei’s kiwi population.

    Henergy Eggs and DOC partner for Pukaha Mt Bruce restoration

    Date: 17 February 2012
    What started out as an offer of assistance over a cup of tea has resulted in a successful long-term conservation partnership in the Wairarapa.

    Join the fun at Tasman Bay Seaweek snorkelling events

    Date: 17 February 2012
    You are invited to view mesmerising marine life in Tasman Bay’s two marine reserves next month, with snorkelling events to to mark Seaweek.

    Rimutaka Incline, up up and away

    Date: 16 February 2012
    The recently completed track upgrade of the Rimutaka Rail Trail has added width to the narrowest section of track which now provides users comfort and safety on a truly multi-use track.

    Tasman Wilderness Area hunting opportunity

    Date: 14 February 2012
    Hunters can still apply to fly into the Tasman Wilderness Area to hunt during this autumn’s roar deer hunting season.

    Joint winners of Kiwi Ranger design-a-badge competition

    Date: 13 February 2012
    Sofia d'Aubert-Phillips of Methven and Leo Fosita of Christchurch have jointly won the design-a-badge competition run by the Department of Conservation and the Kiwi Ranger programme.

    Sea lion shot and killed on Otago Peninsula

    Date: 10 February 2012
    Analysis of the remains of a 1 year old male sea lion recently found on the Otago Peninsula by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff revealed it was shot.

    Student kiwi project puts more great-spots in the Nina valley

    Date: 10 February 2012
    Thanks to a Herculean conservation effort by Hurunui College in North Canterbury, three great-spotted kiwi/roroa will be returned to the Nina valley tomorrow.

    More trapping on Adele Island after rat found

    Date: 10 February 2012
    Efforts are being stepped up to protect native wildlife on Adele Island after a rat was found dead in a trap on the Abel Tasman National Park island sanctuary.

    Illegal gold prospecting concern

    Date: 10 February 2012
    The Department of Conservation has seized equipment found at two illegal gold sluicing sites in the Glenhope Scenic Reserve in recent weeks, and is reminding the public only approved gold prospecting is allowed in conservation areas.

    Camping canines learn to avoid kiwi

    Date: 01 February 2012
    One of the Department of Conservation's ‘dog friendly’ campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley was the site of a wananga (place of learning) for dogs to learn about avoiding kiwi in the bush.

    Television advertisement boosts Coromandel economy

    Date: 24 January 2012
    The Waiau Falls Scenic Reserve in the Coromandel briefly changed from its usually peaceful, uncrowded location in mid-January when 70 people descended on the falls to film a television advertisement.

    Peak season for wasps approaching

    Date: 02 February 2012
    People visiting parks and reserves in the Wairarapa are warned to be wary of wasps, with the height of the wasp season approaching.

    Kakapo display at Te Rau Aroha Marae (Bluff) on Waitangi Day cancelled

    Date: 03 February 2012
    A plan to display male kakapo Rooster at Te Rau Aroha Marae (Bluff) overnight on 5 February has been cancelled to ensure the wellbeing of the bird.

    Rare mohua receives a boost in Mt Aspiring National Park

    Date: 30 January 2012
    Makarora Valley is now getting extra protection from predators thanks to a donation from the Mohua Charitable Trust.

    Endangered Bryde’s whale dies in Hauraki Gulf after apparent ship strike

    Date: 01 February 2012
    A necropsy on an endangered Bryde’s whale found floating in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has shown that the whale was alive when it appears to have been hit by a vessel.

    Minister stamps mark on World Wetlands Day

    Date: 01 February 2012
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The game bird habitat stamp and art prints for 2012 were launched by Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson today, to mark World Wetlands Day, held internationally on February 2 each year.

    Sea lion mum and pup on the move

    Date: 02 February 2012
    A sea lion pup and its mum have been moved by the Department of Conservation (DOC) from Tomahawk Beach in Dunedin to a quieter location today.

    Three NZ dotterel chicks hatched at Ahipara

    Date: 31 January 2012
    Three new arrivals in Ahipara are causing quite a stir in the local community. With fluffy feathers and beaks, Ahipara’s newest celebrities are in fact three newly hatched New Zealand dotterel chicks.

    Another kakapo death as Te Rau Aroha Marae (Bluff) prepares to welcome special guest for Waitangi Day celebrations

    Date: 31 January 2012
    The death of another adult kakapo – the second this month – makes the opportunity for the public to see a live one on display this weekend even more special.

    Have you seen koi carp?

    Date: 27 January 2012
    The Department of Conservation is conducting surveillance in Whakatane/Opotiki rivers to identify koi carp and is asking the public to report any sightings.

    DOC to investigate cause of whale deaths

    Date: 23 January 2012
    Samples taken by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff, from four Gray’s beaked whales which stranded and subsequently died at the eastern end of Papamoa beach last Saturday 21 January are being sent to Massey University today for analysis.

    DOC staff respond to four deceased whales stranded at Papamoa East

    Date: 21 January 2012
    Department of Conservation (DOC) staff, supported by local iwi representatives have been working today to collect samples and bury the bodies of four Gray's beaked whales which stranded and subsequently died at the islolated eastern end of Papamoa Beach, near Tauranga.

    Sea lion mum and pup on the move

    Date: 20 January 2012
    A sea lion pup and its mum are being moved by the Department of Conservation (DOC) from Tomahawk Beach in Dunedin to a quieter location today.

    Boost for Fiordland's endangered pāteke population

    Date: 19 January 2012
    The first successful breeding of captive reared pāteke/Brown Teal released into Fiordland National Park has been confirmed.

    DOC accepts marine reserve incident “genuine mistake”

    Date: 18 January 2012
    The Department of Conservation has decided not to lay charges against a group of prison inmates on a rehabilitation programme who took seafood from a marine reserve.

    Kakapo death

    Date: 18 January 2012
    Source: Kakapo Recovery programme
    The death of a male kakapo on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island has brought disappointment to the Kakapo Recovery team, as it faces a year without any breeding.

    $1250 fine for taking dog into national park

    Date: 18 January 2012
    A man has been fined $1250 for taking a dog to Flora Hut in Kahurangi National Park, putting kiwi and blue duck at risk.

    DOC grants extension for public comment on proposed Dart Passage and monorail concessions

    Date: 13 January 2012
    DOC has extended the deadline for submitting on the Milford Dart Limited (MDL) Dart Passage tunnel and Riverstone Holdings (Riverstone) monorail concession applications by 15 working days.

    Wild whio juveniles relocated in Fiordland

    Date: 12 January 2012
    Fourteen young wild whio, ready to fledge, have had a helping hand in finding a suitable new home within Fiordland.

    Fire on Doubtful Island in Fiordland National Park

    Date: 10 January 2012
    The Department of Conservation, as part of Southern Rural Fire, responded to a fire last night in the Doubtful Islands group in Lake Te Anau.

    A true kiwi success story

    Date: 11 January 2012
    Two kiwi that were last seen and handled in 2007 and 2008 respectively were found while tracking Northland brown kiwi in the Purua Kiwi Sanctuary, Whangarei in January 2012.

    Purple loosestrife - a garden escapee on the run

    Date: 06 January 2012
    In a combined effort with Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council, DOC is asking local landowners for sightings of Lythrum salicaria, commonly known as purple loosestrife.

    Hunt for missing DOC volunteer suspended

    Date: 04 January 2012
    An extensive search and rescue operation has sadly failed to find the Department of Conservation volunteer missing on Raoul Island since Monday morning.

    Helicopter joins search for missing volunteer on Raoul Island

    Date: 03 January 2012
    A long range search helicopter has joined a boat and ground search team looking for a Department of Conservation volunteer on Raoul Island, missing since early yesterday morning.

    Search continues for volunteer missing on Raoul Island

    Date: 02 January 2012
    There has been no sighting so far of the missing Department of Conservation volunteer, with the aerial search of the coastline of Raoul Island called off around 8pm due to fading light. Evidence suggests that the man was swept into the sea while carrying out routine meteorological readings around 6am today.

    DOC volunteer missing on Raoul Island

    Date: 02 January 2012
    A Department of Conservation volunteer is missing after going on a routine mission this morning to carry out meteorological work on Raoul Island in the remote Kermadec Island group.

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