2013 media releases

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View DOC media releases from 2013.

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    Funding boost for community conservation efforts

    Date: 23 December 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Ninety community groups are to receive $3.6 million in Government funding to support conservation projects throughout the country, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

    Nominations open for Game Animal Council

    Date: 21 December 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today called for nominations for the new Game Animal Council, which is designed to give hunters a voice in the management of their recreation.

    Endangered parakeets moved to avoid predicted pest plague

    Date: 20 December 2013
    Seventeen critically endangered native parakeets have been transported from the South Island to predator free Tūhua / Mayor Island, in the Bay of Plenty, to keep them safe from a predicted plague of predators in the beech forests where these rare native birds live.

    Rap song about water wins big at Outlook for Someday film challenge

    Date: 16 December 2013
    A clever rap that explores the life-cycle of our most vital resource water, was announced as the Department of Conservation ‘Big Picture Award’ winner last week at The Someday Awards in Auckland.

    Coromandel kauri need your help

    Date: 13 December 2013
    The Kauri 2000 Trust is making an urgent plea to everyone enjoying Coromandel forests this summer to do their bit to help stop kauri dieback disease spreading here.

    Call to help prevent spread of pest butterfly

    Date: 13 December 2013
    The Department of Conservation is asking Nelson Tasman residents to ensure the great white butterfly is not spread with brassica vegetables or vegetable waste being passed on.

    Wanaka conservation project prepares for beech mast

    Date: 12 December 2013
    Pest control by the West Matukituki conservation project is even more crucial now a beech mast is predicted next year.

    Te Karaka kids send Waihirere Reserve pests packing

    Date: 09 December 2013
    The kids of Te Karaka Area School are doing their bit to ensure native species are safe by keeping stoat numbers down at Waihirere Domain.

    Conservation Boards Review report released

    Date: 09 December 2013
    Source: Office of the Conservation Parliamentary Private Secretary
    Conservation Parliamentary Private Secretary Nicky Wagner today released a report on the review of Conservation Boards and announced their role is to be enhanced to complement the new partnership approach of the restructured Department of Conservation.

    'Boaty bags' help keep pests away from Project Island Song's pest-free islands

    Date: 05 December 2013
    More than 400 bags, filled with goodies for boaties and campers, are among the latest weapons being used by Project Island Song to keep the islands of the eastern Bay of Islands pest-free.

    Nature Space clocks 200 restoration groups

    Date: 04 December 2013
    Source: Nature Space
    The number of community restoration groups registered with the Nature Space website has doubled in the last year. The site allows individuals and groups undertaking ecological restoration to promote projects, record data, and access advice and resources.

    Auckland school children camping out for conservation in pilot education programme

    Date: 04 December 2013
    Students to spend 3 days on Motutapu Island at a pilot camp created to foster young conservation ambassadors in Auckland.

    Have your say on a conservation park proposal for Aotea/Great Barrier Island

    Date: 04 December 2013
    The Department of Conservation is seeking public feedback on a proposal to establish a conservation park on Aotea/Great Barrier Island.

    DOC and councils team up to tackle pests

    Date: 03 December 2013
    The battle to manage pest plants and animals in the Lower North Island is heating up, with the Department of Conservation and regional councils joining forces to protect the region's natural assets.

    Double checking island biosecurity protocol

    Date: 03 December 2013
    The Department of Conservation’s Thorndon Office hosted an island biosecurity hui on Wednesday 27 November.

    Tararua pest control operation to begin

    Date: 22 November 2013
    Project Kaka's second aerial pest control operation, designed to boost native forest birds by reducing predators during the birds' breeding season, has began in the Tararua Forest Park.

    Mass flowering points to potential pest plague ahead

    Date: 02 December 2013
    Beech trees are currently flowering heavily across the country and could lead to a plague of predators next year putting some rare bird populations at risk says the Department of Conservation.

    Wide marine interests from forum nominations

    Date: 29 November 2013
    A total of 58 nominations have been received for the Otago Marine Protection Planning Forum, representing widespread interests and a good geographic spread.

    White-fronted tern colony find sanctuary on the East Coast

    Date: 26 November 2013
    The Department of Conservation is excited to see a white-fronted tern colony of 100 pairs nesting on the remains of the historic Tokomaru Bay Wharf.

    Additional protections and survey results good news for dolphins

    Date: 25 November 2013
    The Government has today announced its final Threat Management Plan for dolphins which confirms additional protections for the Māui dolphin in Taranaki and releases new promising population estimates for the Hector’s dolphin.

    Quietly spoken local stitches up Aussie Conservation Award

    Date: 21 November 2013
    New Zealand’s Hihi or Stitchbird Recovery Group has won the prestigious conservation Practitioner Award for 2013.

    Takahē chicks hatch on Motutapu Island, a huge step in saving the species

    Date: 21 November 2013
    The first takahē chicks have been hatched on pest free Motutapu Island, near downtown Auckland, marking a major milestone in securing the survival of this critically endangered native bird.

    DOC Celebrates International GIS Day

    Date: 21 November 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is hosting an expo-style event for school groups to celebrate International Geographic Information Systems Day (GIS) in Wellington today.

    A ‘birdie’ for conservation

    Date: 19 November 2013
    Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary in Taupō are playing above par for conservation by allowing DOC to use their predator proof fence as a crèche for kiwi chicks.

    Northland conservation planning about to get stamp of approval

    Date: 18 November 2013
    At its meeting on 8 November 2013, the Northland Conservation Board recommended the approval of the Department of Conservation's new Conservation Management Strategy for Northland 2013–2023.

    Owhango keeping wildlife alive

    Date: 14 November 2013
    The volunteer group Owhango Alive ran a successful open day with the theme of 'Presenting in the art of achieving optimal kills of predators'. Owhango Alive are trapping predators in areas around the Tongariro Forest.

    $1000 reward for info leading to red-vented bulbul capture

    Date: 13 November 2013
    The reward for sighting information that leads to the capture of an invasive pest bird - the red-vented bulbul - has been increased from $300 to $1000.

    Holidaymakers asked to look for pest hitchhikers

    Date: 12 November 2013
    The Department of Conservation is asking Nelson Tasman people to check their caravans, campervans and trailers for great white butterfly pupae (chrysalises) before heading away on trips to avoid spreading the major pest elsewhere.

    Mt Tarawera wilding pines under attack

    Date: 11 November 2013
    The fifth season of wilding pine control on Mt Tarawera began earlier this month.

    Government proposes ban on shark finning

    Date: 10 November 2013
    Source: Joint release from the Minister for Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation
    The Government is proposing to ban the removal of shark fins and the dumping of the shark carcass at sea, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

    200th rowi kiwi returned to the wild

    Date: 09 November 2013
    The return of 12 juvenile rowi kiwi to the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary today includes the 200th of this rare species to be raised through the successful BNZ Operation Nest Egg programme.

    Mohua moved to Fiordland super site

    Date: 08 November 2013
    Twenty two yellowhead/mohua were successfully moved from the Catlins Conservation Area in Otago to Resolution Island in Fiordland this week. The transfer is part of an exciting project to create a super site for mohua.

    New facilities open at top West Coast sites

    Date: 08 November 2013
    Visitors can now enjoy new and upgraded Department of Conservation facilities at popular sites on the Copland Track and at Lake Matheson in South Westland due to be opened tomorrow.

    Mice found on predator-free Maud Island

    Date: 07 November 2013
    DOC is determining what extra measures it will take to protect rare native species on Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds after mice were discovered on the island wildlife sanctuary.

    Taking the sting out of wasps

    Date: 07 November 2013
    Source: Joint release from Landcare Research, Victoria University and the Department of Conservation
    Control measures and more funding are needed to stop the havoc being wreaked on New Zealand’s native forests by wasps, say scientists who hosted a workshop held recently at Victoria University.

    Floating conservation classroom - A Bay of Islands first

    Date: 07 November 2013
    Kerikeri High School students took part recently in the Bay of Islands' first floating conservation classroom.

    Locals dig deep for Tarawera Trail

    Date: 06 November 2013
    The Tarawera Trail car park is nearing completion with approximately 1000 trees being planted last week in the vicinity of the car park. Delays have meant the planting was happening much later than planned but the trees needed to get in as soon as possible, before the ground dried out too much.

    Environmental consultant to head DOC’s partnership group

    Date: 05 November 2013
    The Department of Conservation has appointed environmental and recreational consultant Dr Kay Booth to lead DOC’s conservation partnerships group.

    Operational incidents being investigated

    Date: 04 November 2013
    The Department of Conservation along with the relevant authorities is investigating two incidents that occurred during its aerial pest control operation in the Tennyson Inlet area of the Marlborough Sounds on Saturday 2 November.

    More kiwi returned to Motukawanui Island

    Date: 30 October 2013
    Five captive-bred Northland brown kiwi adults were returned by DOC to Motukawanui Island on 24 October.

    Man sentenced over seal killings

    Date: 30 October 2013
    The second of two men convicted over the beating to death of 23 fur seals on the Kaikoura coast has today been sentenced to eight months’ home detention and 200 hours’ community service.

    Minister visits Fiordland monorail site and releases reports

    Date: 30 October 2013
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today inspected the site of the proposed Fiordland monorail, met with the applicants Riverstone Holdings Limited, and released official advice recommending he approve the project subject to extensive conditions.

    Unique bird flies into southern Lake Taupō

    Date: 29 October 2013
    The unique looking royal spoonbills have arrived at Waihi Wetland near Tokaanu for spring, and can also be seen in the shallows of the southern end of Lake Taupō.

    NZ falcon find sanctuary in Taupō

    Date: 29 October 2013
    A pair of rare New Zealand falcon nesting at Craters Mountain Bike Park in Taupo are bringing the community together to help them nest successfully.

    Ohakune Old Coach Road cycle way reopens under caution

    Date: 25 October 2013
    After initially closing the Ohakune Old Coach Road following the storm on October 15, the Department of Conservation has reopened the trail in time for the Labour Weekend.

    Nominations open for Otago marine protection forum

    Date: 26 October 2013
    Nominations are being called for a community-led forum to consider marine protection for the Otago coastline.

    Marlborough Sounds camp host holiday opportunities

    Date: 25 October 2013
    The Department of Conservation is offering the chance to stay for free at three picturesque Marlborough Sounds’ beachside campsites this summer in return for looking after the sites and other campers.

    Whanganui Journey reopens

    Date: 24 October 2013
    The Whanganui River Journey reopens for the long weekend.

    Extended ‘road open’ period for Molesworth

    Date: 24 October 2013
    This year instead of opening at the end of December, as it has in the last several years, visitors wanting to travel through the heart of Molesworth along the Acheron Road can do so from Labour Day weekend through to Easter.

    Forum set up to look at Otago marine protection

    Date: 17 October 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced the establishment of a community-led forum to consider marine protection for the Otago coastline.

    East Coast kiwi loses battle

    Date: 17 October 2013
    Despite the best efforts of a team at Massey University, the juvenile kiwi known as “Matawai/Motu” injured by a vehicle near Gisborne last week, was euthanased yesterday.

    Inaugural fundraising campaign calls for help to keep kiwi alive

    Date: 15 October 2013
    Source: Kiwis for kiwi
    With more than 27 kiwi killed each week by predators, the country’s first Save Kiwi Week is an urgent shout for help to save our national icon.

    Rimutaka Forest Park Trust celebrates 25 years

    Date: 15 October 2013
    The Rimutaka Forest Park Trust (RFPT) marked its 25th anniversary on Saturday 12th October, 2013.

    Tongariro Save Kiwi Week releases

    Date: 14 October 2013
    Several kiwi were released in the Tongariro district last week to breed and boost the local populations, and is timely for this week’s ‘Save Kiwi Week’ campaign.

    Minister directs DOC to review park fuel tanks

    Date: 14 October 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith is requiring the Department of Conservation to review the standards and back-up containment of all fuel tanks in National Parks.

    Save Kiwi Week raises awareness of national treasure on the East Coast

    Date: 14 October 2013
    "Save Kiwi" week (14-20 October) starts today, raising awareness of the national treasure on the East Coast and efforts to protect and keep kiwi like "Matawai", injured near Gisborne last week, alive.

    Bounty hunters hit pest butterfly population

    Date: 14 October 2013
    Keen butterfly hunters have had a good hit against Nelson’s pest great white butterfly population, taking out 134 butterflies during the school holidays to earn a $10 bounty for each one.

    Take care with whio chicks this spring

    Date: 11 October 2013
    Anglers and trampers may encounter whio chicks over the next few months in our back country rivers, enjoy them, but learn how to take care in their presence.

    New Anchorage Hut opened in Abel Tasman National Park

    Date: 11 October 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today officially opened the new Anchorage Hut in the Abel Tasman National Park.

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing to remain open for the summer

    Date: 10 October 2013
    Great news for users of the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing (TAC), DOC announced today that the track will remain open for the summer trekking season, subject to any significant changes in the volcanic activity on the track.

    Rats on the run at Pukaha Mount Bruce

    Date: 10 October 2013
    A ground based control operation designed to reduce rat numbers and give native birds a boost is about to begin in the Pukaha Mount Bruce forest.

    Reward for information leading to capture of pest bird - the red vented bulbul

    Date: 09 October 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is offering a reward for sighting information that leads to the capture of a pest bird - the red vented bulbul.

    Bounty hunt netting pest butterflies

    Date: 07 October 2013
    Nelson butterfly bounty hunters have so far netted 47 great white butterflies, scooping a $10 reward for each dead butterfly.

    Oruatua - weeds out, trees in

    Date: 04 October 2013
    500 native plants filled the large gap that Hilltop School Weedbusters created after removing weeds from the Oruatua conservation scenic reserve.

    Colourful kea get a helping hand from Dulux

    Date: 04 October 2013
    Source: Protecting Our Place - a partnership between Dulux New Zealand and the Department of Conservation
    Dulux New Zealand has today committed $150,000 directly towards a programme supporting the conservation of endangered kea, as part of the company’s Protecting Our Place partnership with the Department of Conservation.

    Heaphy Track mountain biking trial report to be considered

    Date: 04 October 2013
    Mountain bikers have keenly taken up the chance to ride the Heaphy Track with around 5750 people riding the track during a three-year winter mountain biking trial that concluded on 30 September.

    66 dogs trained to avoid kiwi in Turangi

    Date: 02 October 2013
    66 hunting dogs were trained in Turangi by the Department of Conservation to avoid kiwi so that they can hunt in local areas where wild kiwi live, such as the Tongariro Forest.

    New hours for Turangi DOC office

    Date: 26 September 2013
    The Turangi Field Base Department of Conservation reception has new hours of 8am to noon Monday to Friday, with the Turangi I-site staff equipped and keen to answer your conservation recreation questions outside of these hours.

    Rotopounamu 150 traps in 1 day

    Date: 17 September 2013
    An enthusiastic team of Project Tongariro and DOC volunteers placed 150 predator traps throughout Rotopounamu forest in one day.

    Call for students to design nature into our cities

    Date: 02 October 2013
    Students are being asked to come up with new ways to get urban dwellers to experience nature in an inaugural design competition run by the Design for Conservation Research Network and Department of Conservation.

    Eight rare kiwi die of respiratory infection

    Date: 30 September 2013
    Eight young rowi—the rarest species of kiwi—have died from respiratory tract infections. The kiwi were being treated for nematodes (a type of worm) in Wellington Zoo when they started to show signs of respiratory problems.

    Opening day for Lake Otamangakau and Lake Kuratau

    Date: 30 September 2013
    The 2013-14 fishing season for Lake Otamangakau and Lake Kuratau begins on 1 October.

    Hunt on for Angry Bird

    Date: 27 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith is calling on Aucklanders to keep an eye out for one of the most invasive bird species in the world to help eradicate the pests.

    Minister welcomes seal killing conviction

    Date: 26 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith is welcoming today’s conviction of a Blenheim man over the killing of 23 New Zealand fur seals on the Kaikoura coast in late 2010.

    Timely calls essential for fishery rangers

    Date: 26 September 2013
    Community policing is important for better compliance, better angling, and protected fish populations.

    Takahē pair to make Auckland Zoo home

    Date: 26 September 2013
    Source: Mitre 10
    Zoo visitors will soon be able to see and learn more about one of the world's rarest birds.

    Joint venture between DOC and iwi

    Date: 26 September 2013
    A new Department of Conservation office and community house complex to be built in Taupō took a step closer with the signing of a memorandum.

    Butterfly bounty introduced to eradicate great whites

    Date: 25 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    A $10 bounty on great white butterflies is being introduced by the Department of Conservation for the school holidays to help eradicate the pest from the Nelson area, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

    DOC to review submission process

    Date: 24 September 2013
    The Director General of Conservation Lou Sanson says he has asked for a review of the department’s process for dealing with its submission on the Tukituki Catchment Proposal.

    Air New Zealand/DOC partnership extended with focus on marine protection

    Date: 23 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith has announced a $4.5 million extension to the Department of Conservation partnership with Air New Zealand with a new focus on marine protection.

    A safe home for the world’s most ancient alpine songbird

    Date: 23 September 2013
    A group of individuals have taken steps to prevent our rock wren from extinction.

    Northland Conservation Board supports greater protection for Māui dolphin

    Date: 18 September 2013
    Another possible Māui dolphin death in Northland this month highlights the pressing need for greater protection. The Northland Conservation Board is urging Northlanders to have a say in ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species.

    Celebrate the Milford Track’s 125 years

    Date: 18 September 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is offering the public a chance to help celebrate the Milford Track’s 125th anniversary by joining a Heritage Walk of this world-famous attraction.

    Possible Māui dolphin death triggers investigation

    Date: 14 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    A dead dolphin, likely to be a critically endangered Māui, was found by a recreational fisher at Glinks Gully, 15 kilometres south of Dargaville, within the West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

    List of New Zealand native plants grows as new species are discovered

    Date: 13 September 2013
    A panel of scientists has produced the first list that records the conservation status of every known New Zealand native vascular plant.

    Christchurch botanist awarded Loder Cup

    Date: 13 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today presented the country’s most prestigious conservation award, the Loder Cup, to Christchurch botanist Nicholas Head.

    Intensive strike against spring pest butterfly surge

    Date: 13 September 2013
    The Department of Conservation is geared up to mount an intensive strike against a great white butterfly spring breeding surge and is again asking Nelson Tasman residents for help in clearing the pest butterfly from the region and New Zealand.

    Celebrating conservation champions in our community

    Date: 12 September 2013
    This year’s Manawatū Conservation Awards celebrate an eclectic mix of conservation heroes who have been quietly labouring away to achieve great things in their communities.

    Christchurch Nature Play Park construction begins

    Date: 12 September 2013
    Christchurch communities and businesses have rallied to support the construction of a Nature Play Park in central city, a joint project by Greening the Rubble Trust and DOC.

    Kayakers to target weeds in valuable wetland for Conservation Week

    Date: 11 September 2013
    The University of Otago’s Canoe Club is to take to the water to control invasive weeds in a 315ha privately-owned wetland on the Taieri Plain.

    Forest Restoration Project on target with half a tonne of pests trapped in first 36 hours

    Date: 10 September 2013
    Source: Forest Restoration Project
    Just 36 hours after being set, the network of pest-specific, humane traps in dense native bush near Rotorua has trapped a staggering half a tonne (376) pests; a promising start for organisers and the Department of Conservation (DOC).

    Additional protection proposed for Māui dolphin

    Date: 06 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith is proposing a 350 square kilometre extension to the set net fishing ban off the coast of Taranaki to protect Māui dolphin.

    Friends and whānau targeted for Conservation Week

    Date: 06 September 2013
    Conservation Week from 8-15 September 2013 aims to encourage people from all walks of life to get involved in conservation and find out how they can help protect and enjoy our natural environment.

    Celebrate Conservation Week by getting out with whānau on the East Coast

    Date: 05 September 2013
    The Department of Conservation’s theme for Conservation Week 2013 (8–15 September) is ‘Celebrate Conservation Week: What’s your whānau doing?’

    Exclusion devices required after sea lion deaths

    Date: 05 September 2013
    Source: Joint release from the Minister for Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith and Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy are requiring that all fishing vessels in the Southern Blue Whiting fishery around the Campbell Islands use Sea Lion Exclusion Devices after 16 New Zealand Sea Lion fatalities in the past three weeks.

    New Zealand celebrities pledge for nature

    Date: 05 September 2013
    Sam Neill is one of a bunch of Kiwi celebrities who are promising to do their bit to look after our environment and celebrate Conservation Week this year.

    Huge boost for Canterbury’s critically endangered kakī

    Date: 04 September 2013
    4 September 2013The wild population of critically endangered kakī/black stilts, will receive a much-needed boost this week when the Department of Conservation (DOC) releases 91 young birds in the Mackenzie Basin.

    Northland Conservation Board ready to celebrate Conservation Week 2013

    Date: 03 September 2013
    With Conservation Week 2013 just around the corner, the Northland Conservation Board is encouraging Northlanders to grab their whānau and to get involved.

    Conservation strategies: last chance to have your say

    Date: 03 September 2013
    The public now have just over a week left to have their say on how the Department of Conservation (DOC) manages recreation and our natural and historic heritage in the south and eastern South Island.

    Wild About NZ series to showcase conservation

    Date: 03 September 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Tonight’s launch of a primetime TV series that showcases the most spectacular parts of New Zealand’s conservation estate will inspire people to get out and explore our own backyard, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith says.

    New structure takes effect next week

    Date: 30 August 2013
    DOC’s new operational changes takes effect next week as the department moves to a more streamlined and outward facing structure for delivering conservation.

    Bay of Islands Conservation Week has something for everyone

    Date: 27 August 2013
    Interested in kiwi, kauri, or kai? Want to walk, weed, plant or trap? Then the Department of Conservation's 2013 Conservation Week (8 to 15 September) activities and events are for you.　

    Tourism manager appointed to commercial partnerships role

    Date: 22 August 2013
    Tourism industry manager Geoff Ensor has been appointed to lead the Department of Conservation’s Commercial Partnerships team.

    More work needed on kea repellent

    Date: 21 August 2013
    The Department of Conservation will continue to investigate ways to protect kea during 1080 operations after disappointing results from a recently tested bird repellent.

    Google steps onto the wildside

    Date: 19 August 2013
    Today, Google Street View goes off road on the Abel Tasman Coast Track before continuing onwards to the Heaphy Track. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is very pleased to be working with Google to bring the Great Walks to life on the web.

    Minister encourages compliance as new whitebait season opens

    Date: 15 August 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith was up at the crack of dawn this morning to join in the opening of the 2013 whitebaiting season at Waimea Inlet near Nelson and to encourage compliance with the whitebait regulations.

    Watch out Pukawa rats!

    Date: 12 August 2013
    The native bird breeding season is also rat poison baiting season in Pukawa-Omori-Kuratau. Bright new information signs have been installed and the last entrance way in for rats has been blocked with a new trapping line.

    DOC congratulates winning filmmaker

    Date: 12 August 2013
    Department of Conservation Director General Al Morrison congratulates Wellington student filmmaker, 17-year-old Natasha Bishop, for winning two awards at the prestigious Japan Wildlife Film Festival in Toyama, last night.

    Award for young conservationists

    Date: 09 August 2013
    The Otago Peninsula Trust and the Department of Conservation are calling for nominations for the Toroa Award.

    Join the Wildside

    Date: 09 August 2013
    Wildside, a new social media community run by the Department of Conservation (DOC), was launched on Facebook and Twitter today.

    DOC wants more deer hunters in Caples valley

    Date: 09 August 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is encouraging more people to hunt in the Caples valley in a bid to reduce fallow deer numbers.

    Should Otago have better marine protection?

    Date: 09 August 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) wants to know if you think Otago‘s coast needs protecting.

    Tahr ballot prize winners

    Date: 09 August 2013
    The first annual prize draw for tahr hunters who send in their hunting diaries to DOC has been won by Hokitika man Aaron Lourie and by Rex Mitchelle of Rangiora.

    Te Maari eruption anniversary

    Date: 07 August 2013
    The one year anniversary of the Te Maari eruption has coincided with a small increase in seismic activity.

    New DOC Chief Executive appointed

    Date: 07 August 2013
    Source: State Services Commission
    The State Services Commissioner, Iain Rennie, today announced the appointment of Lou Sanson to the position of Chief Executive and Director-General of Conservation, (DOC).

    Whitebait season starts on 15 August in East Coast and Eastern Bay of Plenty

    Date: 06 August 2013
    The Department of Conservation are reminding the public that the Whitebait Season does not start until 15 August. Some individuals have already started as early as 20 days before season opening in breach of the Whitebait Fishing Regulations.

    DOC wants to seek international recognition for Taieri Scroll Plain

    Date: 06 August 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) has identified the Taieri Scroll Plain, Nokomai patterned mire and Waihola-Waipori wetlands in its draft Otago Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) as areas worthy of international recognition.

    Youth serving people and environment

    Date: 05 August 2013
    Native trees planted by a group of teenagers at the Tongariro National Trout Centre recently was all in a days work, serving both people and the environment.

    Algae in Tongariro not didymo

    Date: 05 August 2013
    Relief again after a negative test result for didymo in the upper Tongariro River following an alert from Genesis Energy staff of a suspicious algae bloom at the Rangipo Dam.

    New online mountain weather forecast service

    Date: 31 July 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today launched a new online mountain weather forecast service that will improve the enjoyment and safety of trampers, hunters, mountain bikers, skiers and fishers using New Zealand’s National and Forest Parks.

    Rodent eradication successful on Taranga (Hen) Island

    Date: 31 July 2013
    There has been no sign of rodents on Taranga Island, off the Whangarei coastline, since a large-scale eradication took place there in May 2011. Monitoring has just been completed. No rodent sign was recorded, which confirms they have been eradicated.

    Report released to grow Taupo sports fishery

    Date: 30 July 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    A report which identifies a number of significant opportunities to grow the Taupo Sports Fishery has been released today by Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith and Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board chief executive Tamarapa Lloyd.

    Devastated: Didymo confirmed in remote Fiordland

    Date: 24 July 2013
    A recent water sample collected by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fish & Game confirmed the presence of the invasive freshwater algae didymo in Fiordland’s Large Burn valley.

    Critically endangered sea lion shot

    Date: 25 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation is asking for public help following the shooting last month of a critically endangered New Zealand sea lion/rāpoka/whakahao in Stewart Island.

    Concession first for DOC and Bike Taupō

    Date: 24 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation and Bike Taupō were recently granted a DOC concession that enables subleasing privileges, the first of its type and representative of DOC's new partnership future.

    Concerns for North Island kōkako on Secretary Island following a promising start

    Date: 23 July 2013
    The Fiordland Lobster Company partnered with DOC to re-establish kōkako in Fiordland and funded the transfer of twenty-seven kōkako from the North Island to Secretary Island in 2008-9. In 2013 a kōkako search party was unable to locate any kōkako on Secretary Island. It is highly likely that a small spike in stoat numbers on the island may have resulted in the demise of this population.

    Illegal koura traps are a threat to Waikaremoana's fragile environment

    Date: 23 July 2013
    Recent finds of home-made traps designed to catch koura (freshwater crayfish) have alarmed the team trying to eradicate the noxious weed, lagarosiphon, from Lake Waikaremoana.

    DOC condemns shooting of two Ohau Point seals

    Date: 22 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation is condemning the shooting of two seals on the Kaikoura coast and is asking for public help to find whoever is responsible for the killings.

    Cracking news for Auckland kokako population

    Date: 22 July 2013
    The outlook for the endangered North Island kokako looks brighter, with numbers of breeding pairs increasing by 20 per cent, thanks to a little help from Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation.

    Tributes for Laly Haddon’s conservation contribution

    Date: 18 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation and Hauraki Gulf Forum have paid tribute to the significant conservation efforts of Laly Paraone Haddon, who passed away overnight on Tuesday July 16.

    Minister declines Milford Dart Tunnel proposal

    Date: 17 July 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The tunnel project proposed by Milford Dart Limited, through the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks, has been declined, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

    DOC keen to see more people use conservation parks

    Date: 15 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is encouraging more recreational pursuits such as four-wheel driving, mountain biking, horse riding, hunting and tramping in its conservation parks.

    Record increase in Great Walk use

    Date: 14 July 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The number of people doing New Zealand’s nine Great Walks has increased by a record 7500 in the past year, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

    Angry Birds still at large

    Date: 12 July 2013
    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
    A number of aggressive pest birds are on the loose in the wider Auckland area and biosecurity officials are calling for public support to track them down.

    4WD use encouraged by DOC’s CMS

    Date: 11 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) wants more people to make the most of Otago’s four-wheel drive roads and rugged routes and is asking four-wheel drive enthusiasts to have their say about their hobby.

    Auckland man fined $12,000 for illegally importing ivory

    Date: 10 July 2013
    A 58 year old Auckland man has been fined a total of $12,000 for illegally importing elephant ivory into New Zealand.

    Clean-up planned for Prohibition Mine site

    Date: 10 July 2013
    Source: Joint release from the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Conservation
    Environment Minister Amy Adams and Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today confirmed the Government’s commitment to clean-up an old gold mining site polluted with arsenic at Waiuta on the West Coast.

    New chick signals hope for critically endangered kiwi

    Date: 08 July 2013
    The discovery of a kiwi chick born on Marlborough Sounds' Orua Wairua (Blumine) Island could secure the future for the world's most endangered kiwi - the rowi.

    DOC to rescue historic lighthouse from cliff edge

    Date: 05 July 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking work today to rescue an historic lighthouse teetering on the cliff edge at Godley Head, near Christchurch.

    Antipodes expedition leaves today

    Date: 04 July 2013
    A Department of Conservation and University of Auckland research team leaves Lyttelton today for Antipodes Island to do groundwork for the removal of mice from this remote nature reserve.

    Kathmandu support for Marlborough Sounds' conservation programmes

    Date: 02 July 2013
    Kathmandu support for Marlborough Sounds' conservation programmes

    Rare find of ‘Pelorus Jack’ dolphin

    Date: 26 June 2013
    The rare find of a Risso’s dolphin – the same species as legendary dolphin Pelorus Jack – has been made on the remote north-west Nelson coast.

    DOC asks the public: have we got our conservation strategies right?

    Date: 26 June 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is asking the public to have their say on its management of recreation and our natural and historic heritage in the south and eastern South Island.

    Antarctica NZ head takes DOC partnership role

    Date: 26 June 2013
    The Department of Conservation has appointed Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Lou Sanson to lead DOC’s new conservation partnerships group.

    Whale Stranding on Stewart Island/Rakiura

    Date: 21 June 2013
    A single pilot whale, found stranded on a small beach close to the start of the Rakiura Great Walk on Stewart Island / Rakiura on Wednesday, has been euthanised.

    Northland Conservation Board provides overview of discussion topics May 2013

    Date: 17 June 2013
    In a meeting in Whangarei on 31 May 2013, the Northland Conservation Board discussed a range of topics and heard presentations from other organisations and members of the public.

    World Oceans Day campaign in the bag

    Date: 13 June 2013
    The joint organisers of the World Oceans Day Reusable Bag Campaign, Hokitika's New World and DOC, were delighted with the response from local shoppers. Getting on for 1000 shoppers using reusable bags last week qualified for the draw for a $100 grocer voucher. There was also a huge response for the Colouring Competition from local children aged 2 to 13 years.

    Climbers checking traps at Wye Creek

    Date: 13 June 2013
    Queenstown Climbing Club members are doing more than scaling rock walls in the Wye Creek area.

    Improvements to enhance Kapiti Island visitor experience

    Date: 12 June 2013
    Visitors to the Wellington region will soon be able to enjoy a wider range of walking experiences and other improvements on Kapiti Island.

    Historic Skippers generator restored

    Date: 10 June 2013
    A generator that ran an early hydro-electric plant near Skippers has been preserved.

    New Routeburn Flats bridge completed

    Date: 10 June 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) has replaced a bridge on the Routeburn Track to cater for increased numbers of trampers using the track.

    Hilltop School Weedbsuters

    Date: 08 June 2013
    70 Hilltop School students rid a large clearing of the Oruatua conservation scenic reserve of weeds armed with secateurs, loppers, saws, weed killer gel and hard labour.

    Interim measures on longfin eels announced

    Date: 07 June 2013
    Source: Joint release from the Minister for Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation
    Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith have today announced an interim response to the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on longfin eels.

    Minister visits site of proposed Milford Tunnel

    Date: 07 June 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith is today and tomorrow visiting the Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks before deciding whether or not to approve the Milford Dart Tunnel.

    Busy season for rodent-indicating dogs

    Date: 05 June 2013
    Rodent-indicating dogs and their trainer/handler have had a busy season. Miriam Ritchie travels all over the country with her trained dogs. She urges boaties to be extra vigilant at this time of year to ensure they are not taking unwelcome guests out with them.

    Young kiwi no match for fast cars

    Date: 04 June 2013
    The long weekend had a sad beginning for Whakatane Kiwi Project staff and volunteers, after receiving a report that a kiwi had been killed by a car a short distance from the Ohiwa Oyster Farm.

    Whale watching in Cook Strait

    Date: 04 June 2013
    Cook Strait will be a hub of whale watching activity over the next month as Department of Conservation researchers, former whalers and many other volunteers carry out a tenth annual whale survey.

    Fiordland National Park winter safety message

    Date: 30 May 2013
    Winter is one of the most beautiful times to experience Fiordland National Park, but Department of Conservation staff are reminding visitors they need to be prepared for winter conditions.

    Kiwi crèche made safe by trust

    Date: 30 May 2013
    A Fiordland island sanctuary invaded by stoats is now safe again for kiwi thanks to the efforts of the Pomona Island Charitable Trust.

    World Oceans Day: Together we have the power to protect the ocean

    Date: 30 May 2013
    Our oceans and marine wildlife need protecting … from us! Most marine debris is made up of plastic materials and nearly 80% of that debris comes from the land. Those convenient thin plastic bags are the second most common form of litter, after cigarette butts.

    Dart River Jet Safaris renews concession in Mount Aspiring National Park

    Date: 29 May 2013
    The Department of Conservation has renewed a concession with Dart River Jet Safaris Limited to undertake guided jet boat trips into Mount Aspiring National Park.

    Kids restoring the Kepler discover cats at Park entrance

    Date: 29 May 2013
    Cats have been caught on camera entering Fiordland National Park. Students from Te Anau School and Fiordland College set up the night sensor cameras as part of a LEARNZ field trip focusing on the Kids Restore the Kepler project.

    Last chance to mountain bike the Heaphy Track

    Date: 24 May 2013
    If you haven't already biked the 78 km Heaphy Track, you have until 30 September 2013 to take up the opportunity.

    Two decades of cold nights for keen kiwi listeners

    Date: 23 May 2013
    Kiwi listeners throughout the Northland region are gearing up for the annual kiwi call count survey, with some stations about to receive their 20th year of data collection. The survey starts 28 May 2013, and continues through to 17 June 2013.

    Denniston coal mine gains access approval

    Date: 23 May 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced his approval under the Crown Minerals Act for an access agreement for Bathurst Resources for its Escarpment Mining Project on the Denniston Plateau, near Westport.

    Whitebait improving in lower Clutha

    Date: 23 May 2013
    The whitebait fishery in the Lower Clutha River/Mata-Au is starting to improve due to a whitebait enhancement project by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Contact Energy.

    Kākāpō voted World’s Favourite Species

    Date: 22 May 2013
    The Department of Conservation, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters and Forest and Bird are heartened by the news that the kākāpō has been named the World’s Favourite Species in an online poll featuring 50 animals from across the globe.

    Queen's Birthday Weekend launch for Kiwi Ranger programme at Tiritiri Matangi

    Date: 21 May 2013
    Kiwi Ranger, a family focused conservation education programme, will be launched at Tiritiri Matangi Island at Queen's Birthday Weekend.

    TLC for rare native fish in Central Otago

    Date: 21 May 2013
    Central Otago children and landowners are discovering some precious native fish in their streams that need their help.

    Predator numbers climb past 11,000

    Date: 17 May 2013
    Over 11,000 predators have been caught in the Tasman riverbed near Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in the last seven years.

    Makeovers for Queenstown amenity areas

    Date: 17 May 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) has been investing in campsites, lakeside picnic and amenity areas, roadends, toilets and carparks near Queenstown, with many receiving makeovers over the past three years.

    Auckland Zoo boosts survival chances of Otago skink

    Date: 17 May 2013
    The survival chances of one of New Zealand’s most endangered lizards has taken a turn for the better with a new sponsorship by Auckland Zoo aimed at protecting Otago skinks in the Grandview Range, near Wanaka.

    Keen fit volunteers needed for projects in Puketi Forest

    Date: 16 May 2013
    Puketi Weedbusters, DOC, and the Puketi Forest Trust (PFT) are looking for volunteers to help with several upcoming and ongoing projects in Puketi Forest. Volunteers are needed to help control weeds, possums, and stoats, listen for kiwi, and take part in regular planting days.

    Campers congregate in Fiordland

    Date: 14 May 2013
    Record numbers of both local and international visitors have been using Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites in Fiordland this summer.

    Free education for Freedom Campers

    Date: 14 May 2013
    It has been a busy but successful second year of the Freedom Camping project run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Southland District Council to educate freedom campers about where New Zealanders expect visitors to camp overnight and how to camp responsibly.

    Volunteers protecting rare ecosystem at Wye Creek

    Date: 16 May 2013
    A Department of Conservation project to protect a rare ecosystem near Queenstown is to receive a helping hand from the local climbing club.

    Shared vision for Mackenzie Basin welcomed

    Date: 12 May 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith and Environment Minister Amy Adams today welcomed a report proposing a way to manage the contentious land intensification, water, landscape, and biodiversity issues in the Mackenzie Basin.

    Government and fishing industry trial technology

    Date: 10 May 2013
    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Department of Conservation (DOC), in partnership with the fishing industry, have recently trialled an electronic monitoring programme in the Timaru set net fishery.

    Slice of Banks Peninsula bought for all to enjoy

    Date: 09 May 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    A rare fragment of Banks Peninsula has been purchased by the Government and two trusts as a Scenic Reserve, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

    DOC confirms new structure

    Date: 07 May 2013
    The Department of Conservation says additional funding has enabled it to build more than 60 additional frontline roles into the new structure it is adopting to deliver conservation.

    Man jailed for driving into threatened gull colony

    Date: 06 May 2013
    An Ashburton man has been successfully prosecuted by the Department of Conservation for damage to a nesting colony of endangered black-billed gulls (tarāpuka).

    Restoration makes good sense

    Date: 03 May 2013
    ‘Restoration makes good monetary sense, it’s not just a tree-hugging exercise’ conservation volunteers told.

    Greenstone Caples Track more accessible

    Date: 02 May 2013
    The Greenstone Caples Track is safer and more accessible to a wider range of people now a ten-year upgrade project by the Department of Conservation nears completion.

    Routeburn hut closing for revamp

    Date: 02 May 2013
    Routeburn Falls hut on the Routeburn Track will be closed from 13-27 May 2013 to allow painting of the hut interior.

    Intensive effort to beat pest butterfly breeding

    Date: 02 May 2013
    More than 200 great white butterfly infestations were found and removed in Nelson Tasman last month – more than double those detected in March - as intensive efforts continue to beat an autumn spike in butterfly breeding.

    Winding down Fiordland Great Walks greatest season

    Date: 30 April 2013
    High visitor numbers and high visitor satisfaction have been highlights of Fiordland's summer Great Walks season, which finished on 30 April 2013. The Department of Conservation is now preparing to convert the huts and tracks into winter mode.

    Routeburn pest control ramps up

    Date: 30 April 2013
    The first stage of the Air New Zealand-backed Routeburn Valley Restoration Plan has been completed with the installation of 38 km of stoat traps.

    Protecting kiwi when setting possum traps

    Date: 30 April 2013
    With Possum trapping increasing during the winter months, it is timely to remind people that possum traps can endanger kiwi if they are not used correctly.

    Lake Waikaremoana koura trap discovery is "a big worry"

    Date: 29 April 2013
    DOC divers were concerned to find a koura (freshwater crayfish) trap in the water while they were working on eradicating lagarosiphon (oxygen weed) at Lake Waikaremoana. The potential for such devices to introduce the weed to the area is alarming.

    DOC welcomes new funding

    Date: 29 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation is welcoming the announcement of an additional $20 million funding for conservation over the next four years.

    Budget 2013: Support for frontline conservation work

    Date: 29 April 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    An additional $20 million over four years has been allocated to the Department of Conservation in Budget 2013 to provide for additional frontline roles and the upgrade of recreational facilities, Conservation Minister Nick Smith announced today.

    DOC is on the lookout for southern right whales

    Date: 29 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is asking public to report any sightings of southern right whales migrating along the coast this season.

    Rare Coromandel striped gecko found

    Date: 26 April 2013
    A local Coromandel man has found a rare and very elusive Coromandel striped gecko on a road near Colville. Department of Conservation staff picked up the gecko from Nicole McCauley of Te Kauae o Maui Nature Reserve.

    Kiwi Burn Hut gets Dulux treatment

    Date: 24 April 2013
    Mavora’s Kiwi Burn Hut recently received an extreme make over, the first of many for huts in Fiordland thanks to a new partnership between Department of Conservation (DOC) and Dulux New Zealand.

    Minister thanks Director-General for service to conservation

    Date: 24 April 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Nick Smith today congratulated Al Morrison on his appointment as a Deputy Commissioner at the State Services Commission and thanked him for his 11 years of service at the Department of Conservation.

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing to reopen

    Date: 24 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation is pleased to announce the reopening of the northern section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

    Routeburn hut closing for revamp

    Date: 24 April 2013
    Routeburn Falls Hut on the Routeburn Track will be closed from 13-27 May 2013 to allow painting of the hut interior.

    New plan to protect seabirds launched

    Date: 24 April 2013
    Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has launched the National Plan of Action for Seabirds 2013 today, setting out a firm commitment to protect seabirds from fishing incidents.

    Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway tracks open

    Date: 23 April 2013
    The Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway tracks through Ohope Scenic Reserve are now open to the public. The walkway was closed last month due to extreme fire risk in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing to re-open next month

    Date: 23 April 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    The full Tongariro Alpine Crossing will re-open early next month in time for the winter trekking season, Conservation Minister Nick Smith announced today.

    New multi-day visitor experience for Rangitoto and Motutapu islands

    Date: 24 April 2013
    Visitors to Auckland will soon be able to enjoy a new multi-day walking experience on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands – the Rangitoto Motutapu Haerenga – A Journey through Sacred Islands.

    Record numbers enjoy DOC Great Walks

    Date: 22 April 2013
    Record numbers of people have walked a Great Walk so far this season, the Department of Conservation says.

    New Anchorage Hut for Abel Tasman Coast Track

    Date: 19 April 2013
    An improved and larger Anchorage Hut is to be built on the Abel Tasman Coast Track to meet demand to stay in this popular Great Walk hut and will be ready for use this summer.

    Pelicans face threat during duck hunting season

    Date: 19 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding all duck hunters that new residents on the Northern Wairoa River are not a game species and are protected under the Wildlife Act.

    A happy ending banded whio story

    Date: 18 April 2013
    A feel good whio story unfolded when a hunter sent in a photo of a banded whio in the upper Rangitikei River.

    Public action leads to illegal fish net

    Date: 18 April 2013
    A sharp eye and swift communication led to the recovery of a gill net in Lake Taupo at the mouth of the Waitetoko River last weekend.

    Longfin eel report welcomed

    Date: 17 April 2013
    Source: Joint statement from Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation
    A new report about longfin eel from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has been welcomed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Department of Conservation (DOC).

    Aucklanders asked to go biosecurity bird-watching

    Date: 16 April 2013
    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is asking Aucklanders to keep an eye out for an unwanted bird species that is thought to be in the wider city area and could harm our native birdlife and damage fruit and vegetable crops.

    Decision made on Akaroa Marine Reserve

    Date: 15 April 2013
    An application for a marine reserve in Akaroa Harbour has been approved by Minister of Conservation Hon Dr Nick Smith and can now be referred to the Minister of Transport and the Minister for Primary Industries for their concurrence.

    Baby kōura stealing the show in Tongariro

    Date: 15 April 2013
    Six baby kōura have been born at the Genesis Energy Freshwater Aquarium and are as curious to watch for visitors to the Tongariro National Trout Centre as cubs at a zoo.

    Pateke thrive on the Coromandel Peninsula

    Date: 13 April 2013
    DOC's annual population checks continue to show an increase in numbers and dispersal of pateke (brown teal) on the Coromandel Peninsula.

    NZ fur seal rescued from entangled fishing gear

    Date: 11 April 2013
    After a NZ fur seal was rescued from entangled fishing gear at Wainui Beach, Gisborne on 10 April 2013, DOC is reminding the public of the dangers marine debris pose to seals.

    Flowering Dactylanthus taylorii has been rediscovered on the Coromandel Peninsula

    Date: 11 April 2013
    A small team of DOC rangers from across the Waikato spent two days in search of the elusive Dactylanthus taylorii or wood rose. Much excitement followed the discovery of a flowering individual during the grid search.

    Pilot prosecuted for near landing on Aoraki/Mt Cook

    Date: 09 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) has successfully prosecuted a helicopter pilot for illegally hovering over the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

    Rare beaked whale strands in South Westland

    Date: 05 April 2013
    A rare beaked whale has washed up on a remote Westland beach—the third specimen of this whale type to be found on this coastline in the last two years.

    Te Ao Pakihi sets new direction for DOC

    Date: 05 April 2013
    DOC is entering a new direction with a strong focus on community, business and iwi/hapu/whanau relationships. Bringing together these three elements is a new DOC Northland initiative, Te Ao Pakihi (The Business World).

    Kaimanawa backcountry still didymo free

    Date: 04 April 2013
    The Ngaruroro River has been tested negative for didymo in the Kaimanawa Forest Park after a recent report from a concerned hunter about an algae bloom. This is an important reminder to Check Clean Dry your tramping boots between waterways.

    Geocaching adventure in Whirinaki

    Date: 03 April 2013
    To celebrate Whio Awareness Month which was celebrated in March 2013, a new and exciting geocache challenge awaits those that visit Whirinaki.

    Auckland man fined for importing medicines containing endangered plants

    Date: 03 April 2013
    A 55 year-old Auckland man has been fined a total of four thousand dollars after he admitted importing traditional Asian medicines containing endangered and threatened species of plants.

    Call to help curb great white butterfly autumn surge

    Date: 03 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation is asking Nelson Tasman residents to step up searches for great white butterfly caterpillars and eggs in their gardens and report any found with an expected autumn surge in butterfly breeding now underway.

    DOC says Forest and Bird kākāpō claims wrong

    Date: 02 April 2013
    The Department of Conservation says claims by Forest and Bird that DOC is proposing to cut specialist and ranger support for its kākāpō recovery programme are wrong.

    Woody the wood pigeon returned home

    Date: 02 April 2013
    Woody the NZ wood pigeon/kererū was returned home to the Tongariro National Trout Centre by Turangi bird rescue volunteer Carol Harwood, after nursing him back to health after a crash landing into a window down at the Trout Centre.

    Rat presence confirmed on Ulva Island

    Date: 28 March 2013
    Three rats have been found in traps on Ulva Island, an open wildlife sanctuary off the coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura which was thought to be pest-free.

    DOC urges hunters to adhere to the firearms safety code this season

    Date: 28 March 2013
    The Department of Conservation (DOC) is calling for all hunters to strictly adhere to the firearms safety code when hunting on conservation land this season.

    DOC proposes changes to increase conservation

    Date: 26 March 2013
    The Department of Conservation is proposing a new streamlined and outwardly focused operational structure to grow conservation.

    Northland Conservation Board summarises discussion topics March 2013

    Date: 25 March 2013
    Read a media release from the Northland Conservation Board that provides an overview of key topics discussed at the last Board meeting Friday 15 March 2013 - Conservation planning takes a major step forward, ‘Save the kukupa’ campaign, and Ecological management.

    Great Lake Taupo, great place to fish

    Date: 22 March 2013
    Anglers fishing on Lake Taupo this summer have experienced some of the best fishing for some time - the trout have been abundant and in great condition.

    Molesworth Station road to reopen

    Date: 21 March 2013
    The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station is to reopen on Friday 22 March.

    Tongariro whio release

    Date: 21 March 2013
    Six whio raised in captivity were released on 21 March 2013 in the Tongariro area to supplement the wild populations.

    DOC offers tahr ballot prizes

    Date: 20 March 2013
    Hunters who fly into Westland’s most remote backcountry areas after being awarded a helicopter landing site in the annual tahr ballot have a great opportunity to provide valuable conservation information and could now win a prize for their efforts.

    Launch of Pukekura Reserves Management Plan

    Date: 19 March 2013
    The sustainable and unified management of Pukekura reserve land is the goal of a management plan being formally launched tomorrow.

    Don't pollute the sea, keep it clean for you and me

    Date: 18 March 2013
    A winning statement from 8 year old Imogen Wood of Tolaga Bay Area School, in line with this year's theme "Healthy Seas - Healthy People", one of 245 entries in the annual East Coast and Eastern Bay of Plenty Seaweek Kids Pictures and Stories Competition.

    Moutohora (Whale Island) closed

    Date: 18 March 2013
    Due to extreme fire risk, DOC have consulted Te Tapatoru a Toi (Joint Management Committee) and closed Moutohora (Whale Island).

    Farmers contribute to record black stilt season

    Date: 18 March 2013
    A record breeding season for the endangered kakī/black stilt has been greatly helped by high country farmers.

    Bridges make access to wilderness area easier

    Date: 15 March 2013
    Two bridges that help trampers and hunters access the most remote corners of the West Coast have been replaced, in time for the autumn roar.

    Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway tracks closed

    Date: 15 March 2013
    The Eastern Bay of Plenty is now an extreme fire risk. For public safety the Department of Conservation, in conjunction with the Whakatane District Council, have closed the Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway tracks through Ohope Scenic Reserve until further notice.

    Kapiti and Wellington's worst weeds

    Date: 18 March 2013
    Wanted! Kāpiti Coast’s and Wellington’s Worst Weeds

    Whio released into Manganui o te Ao River

    Date: 18 March 2013
    Whanganui and Ruapehu Department of Conservation staff have released whio back into wild populations on the Manganui o te Ao River, the upper Whanganui River and Whakapapa River.

    West Coast family land preserved

    Date: 16 March 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    A piece of West Coast land has changed hands for the first time since the 1860s protecting a significant area of lowland forest, Minister of Conservation Hon Dr Nick Smith says.

    Mt Ruapehu Summit Hazard Zone restriction lifted

    Date: 15 March 2013
    The advisory warning people not to go within the 2km Summit Hazard Zone on Mt Ruapehu has been lifted.

    Green geckos get greater international protection

    Date: 15 March 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    New Zealand’s green geckos will be given greater protection against smuggling following a decision at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference in Bangkok, Minister of Conservation Nick Smith announced today.

    Matiu/Somes Island closed after midday

    Date: 14 March 2013
    From Saturday 16 March 2013 until further notice, Matiu/Somes Island will be closed daily from midday onwards. Visitors must depart the island by 12:50 pm daily.

    Secretary Island close to becoming deer free

    Date: 13 March 2013
    The Secretary Island deer eradication programme led by the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been ramped up this year, to obtain essential information required for the final stages of returning the island to its natural deer free state.

    Eight new arrivals a boost for Kahurangi National Park whio

    Date: 12 March 2013
    The fortunes of rare whio/blue ducks in Kahurangi National Park’s Wangapeka-Fyfe area have been boosted by the arrival of eight young ducks last week.

    Island invaders on Mokoia Island

    Date: 13 March 2013
    Mokoia Island houses a number of endangered species that just became a little more endangered of late. A dead rat in a trap and mouse tracks have been discovered on the island during routine monthly checks carried out by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff.

    New Zealand made products in DOC visitor centres

    Date: 12 March 2013
    The Department of Conservation rejects media reports that it is moving to drop New Zealand-made products from its visitor centres in favour of items made offshore.

    Five new West Coast marine reserves approved

    Date: 10 March 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith today announced at the Bluegreens Forum in Levin he has formally approved the new Kahurangi, Punakaiki, Okarito, Tauparikaka and Hautai marine reserves totalling 17,500 hectares on the West Coast.

    Fish survey finds no rudd in Mahinapua

    Date: 07 March 2013
    Following the recent disappointing discovery of the pest fish rudd in Lake Ianthe, Hokitika DOC and Fish & Game staff carried out a fish survey at Lake Mahinapua this week using a variety of traps and nets.

    Fonterra and DOC working together to care for waterways

    Date: 07 March 2013
    Source: Joint Fonterra/DOC media release
    Fonterra and the Department of Conservation (DOC) today announced a $20 million community investment to improve the natural habitats of some key waterways around New Zealand over the next ten years.

    Further section of Tongariro Alpine Crossing to reopen

    Date: 07 March 2013
    The Department of Conservation is pleased to announce the opening of a further section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This will take effect from Saturday 9 March 2013.

    Kauri national park proposal – Public meetings

    Date: 06 March 2013
    Source: New Zealand Conservation Authority
    The New Zealand Conservation Authority invites you to a public meeting to hear views on the proposal to establish a national park centred on the Waipoua Forest.

    Have your say on the Northland, Auckland and Waikato Conservation Management Strategies

    Date: 06 March 2013
    Submissions on the draft Conservation Management Strategies for Northland, Auckland and Waikato need to be received by 4:30pm on Friday 15 March 2013.

    Total fire bans imposed for Northland

    Date: 04 March 2013
    Due to the continued dry weather, all Fire Authorities across Northland have now imposed 'total fire bans' or what is called a 'Prohibited Fire Season' until further notice.

    Molesworth road to close next week due to fire danger

    Date: 05 March 2013
    The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station is to close from Tuesday 12 March due to extreme fire danger.

    Godley Head track back up and running

    Date: 03 March 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Christchurch’s popular Godley Head coastal track was formally re-opened today by Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith, in time to celebrate Seaweek.

    World Wetlands Day 2013 brings schools from both ends of NZ together

    Date: 01 March 2013
    In its fourth year, the LEARNZ Far North field trip focused on World Wetlands Day with a strong Tikanga Maori and Te Reo component.

    Healthy seas for Seaweek

    Date: 28 February 2013
    Celebrate our connection to the ocean with Seaweek in the Eastern Bay of Plenty from 2-10 March 2013.

    Great white butterfly hunt steps up

    Date: 27 February 2013
    The Department of Conservation is calling on the public to help kill great white butterflies as efforts ramp up to eradicate the pest from Nelson Tasman.

    Zero tolerance to unauthorised hunting in Taupo-nui-a-Tia

    Date: 28 February 2013
    With the onset on the hunting season, hunters are reminded to gain a hunting permit from DOC to hunt on conservation land and that spotlighting is illegal.

    Record whio fledglings in the north, southern whio affected by floods

    Date: 28 February 2013
    It’s been a bumper breeding season for the whio, New Zealand’s threatened species of native duck that are only found in fast flowing waters.

    Seaweek in the East Coast

    Date: 27 February 2013
    Celebrate our connection to the ocean with Seaweek, from 2-10 March 2013.

    Refreshed Mansion House ready for the future with your input

    Date: 27 February 2013
    The Department of Conservation’s $1,045,000 24-week upgrade to Kawau Island’s Mansion House is reaching its final stage of completion.

    Scott’s cabin rescued from the brink

    Date: 27 February 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    An historic cabin linked to Scott’s fatal Antarctic expedition has been rescued today from the brink of an earthquake-crumbled cliff top, says Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith.

    Bucket-loads of help heading DOC’s way

    Date: 27 February 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith has welcomed the opening of the first buckets of 45,000 litres worth of paint provided by Dulux under a new $1.5 million conservation partnership announced today.

    Three-year $1.5m partnership announced to protect DOC heritage huts

    Date: 27 February 2013
    The Department of Conservation has announced a $1.5 million partnership with Dulux New Zealand to paint and protect public huts and lodges over the next three years.

    Ordinary Kiwis will make huge difference to New Zealand oceans during Seaweek 2013

    Date: 25 February 2013
    The most comprehensive biodiversity monitoring blitz ever undertaken on New Zealand's rocky shoreline will be a key feature of NZAEE Seaweek during 2-10 March 2013.

    Rare ducks released into Milford Track

    Date: 23 February 2013
    Seventy-four endangered brown teal/pāteke were released into the Arthur Valley on the Milford Track on Thursday 21 February 2013 as a result of a new Great Walk conservation initiative between the Department of Conservation and Air New Zealand.

    Rare birds return to Great Walk tracks

    Date: 23 February 2013
    A series of rare bird releases have marked the launch of an ambitious new conservation project to bring some of New Zealand’s most threatened birds back to our internationally renowned Great Walk tracks.

    Taking the‘OldeWorlde’high tech

    Date: 21 February 2013
    The Taupo Trout Fishery is developing a smartphone app for the modern day angler.

    Rediscovery of rare seabird commemorated

    Date: 15 February 2013
    Events to commemorate 35 years since the rediscovery of the Chatham Island tāiko, one of the world’s rarest seabirds, were held on the Chatham Islands last month.

    The Old Ghost Road Cycleway

    Date: 14 February 2013
    In 2006 a group of like-minded locals got together to initiate the Old Ghost Road Cycleway project.

    Staff devastated by yellow-eyed penguin deaths

    Date: 14 February 2013
    Coastal Otago Area Office Programme Manager Biodiversity Assets David Agnew, Ranger Mel Young and Programme Manager Community Relations Cheryl Pullar have been in crisis mode during the past fortnight, with the tally of dead yellow-eyed penguins reaching 48 on Otago Peninsula.

    Trapping regime essential

    Date: 04 February 2013
    The owners of Onenui Station have increased their trapping efforts after a devastating season.

    Tragedy strikes endangered New Zealand shore plover population

    Date: 04 February 2013
    The critically endangered New Zealand shore plover population on Waikawa (Portland Island) has been dealt a harsh blow.

    Training to help Russell's dogs become more weka wise

    Date: 04 February 2013
    A free weka aversion training session for dogs and their owners will be held in Matauwhi Bay Reserve, Russell on 18 February 2013.

    Minister opens Old Ghost Road cycle trail

    Date: 04 February 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Conservation Minister Nick Smith today opened a 26 kilometre section of the Old Ghost Road cycle trail in Buller.

    Nasturtium a focus in pest butterfly eradication

    Date: 01 February 2013
    The Department of Conservation is asking Nelson residents for help to find patches of uncontrolled nasturtium as part of efforts to eradicate the pest great white butterfly.

    Making safe homes for birdlife on the Milford Track

    Date: 01 February 2013
    With a vision to bringing back some of New Zealand's rare birds to the Milford Track Great Walk, the Department of Conservation and Air New Zealand have increased the effort to control introduced predators in the area.

    Illegal trampers risk lives and dollars

    Date: 01 February 2013
    The Department of Conservation reminds visitors to heed local advice and not underestimate Fiordland's terrain after a group of tourists was severely shaken recently.

    More people taking on DOC’s Great Walks

    Date: 01 February 2013
    This summer points to a significant rise in the number of people doing the country’s Great Walks, the Department of Conservation says.

    More trapping on Adele Island after stoat caught

    Date: 29 January 2013
    Trapping is being stepped up on Adele Island to protect its native wildlife after a stoat was found dead in a trap on the Abel Tasman National Park island sanctuary.

    Celebrate our wetlands - they take care of our water!

    Date: 31 January 2013
    Wetlands play a vital role in regulating water quality and volume as it flows from the mountains to the sea. World Wetlands Day is this Saturday, 2 February 2013.

    Project Management Workshops for Maori Organisations

    Date: 31 January 2013
    The Department of Conservation is providing project management training workshops for Maori organisations to enhance the way iwi/hapu conservation projects are managed in New Zealand.

    Heat wave bad news for albatross

    Date: 30 January 2013
    The current spell of hot weather is taking its toll on the Northern Royal albatross colony at Taiaroa Head, and sprinkler systems are being deployed to cool heat stressed birds.

    Fire danger extreme

    Date: 29 January 2013
    Hot dry weather will bring extreme fire danger over the next few days meaning that one careless act could spark a devastating blaze.

    A Litter Flotilla and Turtle win DOC prizes

    Date: 28 January 2013
    Ranger Inger Perkins represented the Department of Conservation at the Driftwood and Sand prizegiving on 27 January saying “being right here on the beautiful Hokitika beach provides an opportunity for us to think about our marine environment, and link to Seaweek."

    Rare kiwi population doubles

    Date: 25 January 2013
    A successful project to save New Zealand's rarest kiwi species—the rowi—from extinction, has enabled the Department of Conservation to return another 9 young birds to Ōkārito forest today.

    Fake gannets entice real gannets to hatch chick

    Date: 24 January 2013
    Two and a half years after a fake gannet colony was set up on Motuora Island, in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, gannets have hatched a chick on the island hopefully starting a real gannet colony.

    New Heaphy Hut on the Heaphy Track

    Date: 24 January 2013
    The new Heaphy Hut is a perfect destination for trampers walking the Heaphy Track Great Walk.

    Wetlands Take Care of Water

    Date: 24 January 2013
    That is the slogan for the 2013 World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2013.

    Noxious fish found on West Coast for first time

    Date: 22 January 2013
    The noxious pest fish, rudd, has been found in a West Coast lake for the first time causing the Department of Conservation grave concern.

    'Noose and Necklace' protects eastern Bay of Islands from pest invasion

    Date: 22 January 2013
    A new pest control initiative known as the 'Noose and Necklace' is underway in the eastern Bay of Islands to help protect the Cape Brett Peninsula and Project Island Song.

    Students give Nina valley kiwi population another boost

    Date: 21 January 2013
    A student initiative to reintroduce great-spotted kiwi/roroa to the Nina valley in Lewis Pass has enabled the Department of Conservation (DOC) to release two more birds into the area.

    Roar hunting in Tasman wilderness

    Date: 18 January 2013
    Hunters are again being invited to apply to fly into the Tasman Wilderness Area to hunt during the autumn roar deer hunting season.

    Project Janszoon stoat trapping set up with student support

    Date: 18 January 2013
    A Project Janszoon 65-kilometre network of stoat traps is now in place to protect native wildlife in the Abel Tasman National Park interior.

    New kiwi road signs in the Whangarei area

    Date: 18 January 2013
    Any dog can kill kiwi - This is the message on large road signs in place at Ngunguru, Parua Bay and Hikurangi, letting communities know 'kiwi are here' so please control your dog at all times.

    Natural areas under the spotlight within the Rodney Ecological District (Northland)

    Date: 18 January 2013
    A comprehensive report on the natural areas of south-eastern Northland are highlighted in a new report entitled Natural areas of Rodney Ecological District (Northland).

    Kakī/black stilts to live in tourist town

    Date: 14 January 2013
    In a rare move, endangered kakī/black stilts have been released in Lake Tekapo township, alongside a popular walking track.

    Taumarumaru reserve restoration

    Date: 17 January 2013
    Two determined pensioners have transformed a Far North reserve from a gorse-covered haven for possums into a lush love nest for amorous moreporks.

    Thousands of campers flock to DOC campsites

    Date: 17 January 2013
    Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
    Thousands of New Zealanders have taken time out to camp and relax in Department of Conservation campsites around the country this summer, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

    Tongariro National Park track and road update

    Date: 16 January 2013
    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek continues to attract large numbers of visitors, even though the northern section of the track from the Emerald Lakes to the Ketetahi carpark remains closed and the Mangatepopo access road has restricted access.

    Snares Island snipe doing well in new home

    Date: 11 January 2013
    Newly released Snares Island snipe are doing well in their new home on predator-free Codfish Island/Whenua Hou after their recent transfer.

    Call for pest butterfly sightings in Richmond, Tasman and Nelson

    Date: 11 January 2013
    Householders in Richmond and other parts of Tasman as well as in Nelson city are being asked to look for great white butterfly caterpillars and eggs in their gardens following first reports of the pest in Richmond last week.

    Storm damage in Fiordland

    Date: 10 January 2013
    The Department of Conservation reports that there has been widespread flooding within Fiordland National Park as a result of a storm that peaked between 9 pm and midnight last night.

    Storm closes Milford Track

    Date: 09 January 2013
    The Department of Conservation advises that the Milford Track has again been closed for the day due to high winds and heavy rain.

    New Heaphy suspension bridge

    Date: 04 January 2013
    The Heaphy Track, New Zealand's longest Great Walk, now also boasts the longest deck suspension bridge the Department of Conservation has ever built.

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