Date: 24 December 2015
We can expect record numbers of visitors on Rotorua tracks this summer, and many will also be volunteers helping to maintain these tracks.

Date: 21 December 2015
Source: Project Janszoon & DOC
A wasp control programme this summer hopes to reduce wasp activity in this popular park.

Date: 22 December 2015
Patrick Cooper is the second person in New Zealand to be convicted for importing elephant ivory illegally.

Date: 18 December 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Minister Maggie Barry attended the release of 10 takahē into the Murchison mountains, marking a very successful year for takahē recovery.

Date: 17 December 2015
Logues Bush Scenic Reserve, 11km north east of Wellsford, has been closed to the public to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

Date: 14 December 2015
High temperatures throughout November have been unkind to Otago’s yellow-eyed penguins.

Date: 15 December 2015
Waikaremoana Holiday Park has been upgraded, row boats can once again be hired at Lake Waikareiti, and trampers will be able to use the Hopuruahine Bridge when it reopens before Christmas.

Date: 14 December 2015
DOC has asked the police to consider suspending the firearms licences of two men following the shooting of four takahē.

Date: 14 December 2015
The availability of Vespex, a targeted wasp bait, will be a welcome reprieve for our native birds and insects, and for people who enjoy getting out in nature.

Date: 11 December 2015
The NEXT Foundation has committed to funding Project Taranaki Mounga, a ten year project involving pest eradication and reintroduction of species in Egmont National Park.

Date: 10 December 2015
Visitors are asked not to take their dogs when visiting Rotorua’s conservation campsites.

Date: 10 December 2015
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd have given dedicated and long-standing support of the Kākāpō Recovery programme.

Date: 07 December 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
The Nature Heritage Fund has significantly contributed to conservation over the past 25 years.

Date: 02 December 2015
A new bill will improve the protection of vulnerable native wildlife from smuggling, poaching and hunting.

Date: 01 December 2015
DOC and Te Mauri o Waihou have been working to upgrade the popular picnic area. There will be a Whanau Day on Saturday 5 December 2015 to celebrate the opening.

Date: 01 December 2015
DOC has tightened permit conditions for commercial shark cage diving on Stewart Island/Rakiura and will increase monitoring.

Date: 26 November 2015
A group of talented Kiwi students will trade the classroom for working DOC rangers and conservators this summer after winning sought-after Blake DOC Ambassador Awards.

Date: 26 November 2015
DOC and Delta are working together to reduce the risk of New Zealand falcon/kārearea being electrocuted when they perch on overhead power equipment.

Date: 25 November 2015
The last rāhui placed around the Te Maari eruption centre in August-October 2012 has been lifted by Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

Date: 25 November 2015
A man has been convicted over the shooting of a rare and protected black-billed gull/tarāpuka.

Date: 23 November 2015
DOC invites people to register their interest and provide suggestions for the review of the 1992 Paparoa National Park Management Plan.

Date: 19 November 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
The Nature Heritage Fund is investing $235,000 to purchase 124 hectares of forested karst landscape on the western flank of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Date: 17 November 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
DOC will be ready to meet a potential plague of rats and stoats threatening vulnerable native species next year, says Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Date: 16 November 2015
The yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho breeding season is looking bleak again this year, with nest numbers reaching their lowest since 1990.

Date: 15 November 2015
Source: Office of the Minister for the Environment
Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith announces a 45 km Great Walk and the inclusion of the Pike River area in Paparoa National Park as a memorial to the 29 men killed.

Date: 10 November 2015
DOC has cancelled the advisory for people to take extra caution trekking up to Ruapehu’s Crater Lake.

Date: 09 November 2015
Two islands in Abel Tasman National Park will become specially protected areas to protect breeding colonies of New Zealand fur seals, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has announced.

Date: 06 November 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry today signed an agreement which will see offenders engaged in conservation work and learning new skills at the same time.

Date: 06 November 2015
Several pilot whales/ūpokohue which stranded at Doughboy Bay on Stewart Island/Rakiura this week had to be euthanised by DOC staff to minimise their suffering.

Date: 05 November 2015
Four female kaka have been released into the Abel Tasman National Park.

Date: 05 November 2015
DOC staff on Stewart Island/Rakiura hope Ulva Island’s elusive rat is dead.

Date: 05 November 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
An award-winning New Zealand-designed wasp bait could make a significant difference in the fight against the costly pests, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says.

Date: 04 November 2015
The Tongariro Taupo community came out in force on Tuesday night at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary to celebrate those individuals and groups recognised as outstanding in conservation.

Date: 04 November 2015
Preliminary results of an investigation of tawaki/Fiordland crested penguins in Milford Sound has found that these penguins seldom move further than 1 km. This suggests an abundance of food and could signal a successful breeding season.

Date: 02 November 2015
Helping promote good mental health and protect New Zealand’s precious natural environment is the goal of a new agreement announced today by Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Date: 02 November 2015
A dog is suspected to have killed a great spotted kiwi found dead in Nelson Lakes National Park on Friday, 30 October, prompting a reminder for people to keep dogs out of the park.

Date: 02 November 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry launches Conservation Week 2015.

Date: 29 October 2015
Through our Living Water partnership with Fonterra, we are supporting an international partnership to secure a safe flight path for New Zealand’s bird of the year - the bar-tailed godwit.

Date: 28 October 2015
The return of 30 takahē into the Murchison Mountains this spring is the largest release ever and a major milestone in the recovery of this species.

Date: 28 October 2015
People of all ages are being encouraged to head to conservation areas this Conservation Week and enjoy the health benefits as a result. Conservation Week runs from 1 – 8 November.

Date: 27 October 2015
An increase in the number of tourism providers participating in Conservation Week activities will provide exciting opportunities for Rotorua residents.

Date: 23 October 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The return of a rare native plant which has been brought back from extinction in the wild is a significant achievement for plant protection in New Zealand, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says.

Date: 22 October 2015
Kōkako in Mokaihaha Ecological Area are set to flourish this year with a reduced number of predators following a pest control operation.

Date: 09 October 2015
A postmortem of the elephant seal pup born on Caroline Bay last month showed it died of starvation.

Date: 16 October 2015
Mohua/yellowhead in Fiordland's Eglinton valley received a top up yesterday with the release of 80 birds transferred from Anchor Island in Dusky Sound.

Date: 15 October 2015
Source: Kiwis for kiwi
The rare rowi kiwi is reclaiming more valuable territory in Ōkārito forest with the return of 50 young birds by DOC and Kiwis for kiwi.

Date: 15 October 2015
Trapping a rat that has invaded predator free Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, off the coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura, is a high priority for DOC staff.

Date: 14 October 2015
More than $8 million has been granted to support 120 community-based groups working alongside DOC on conservation projects this year.

Date: 14 October 2015
Prizes are on offer for Rotorua residents who take part in a rodent hunt during Conservation Week 2015.

Date: 12 October 2015
Akaroa business Black Cat Cruises have signed up to a programme developed by DOC to increase the protection of marine mammals.

Date: 06 October 2015
Air New Zealand and DOC have won the Industry Alignment Award at the 2015 Tourism Industry Awards in Auckland.

Date: 06 October 2015
Monitoring studies show that targeted pest control operations last summer have led to record survival rates for short-tailed bats in the Eglinton valley in Fiordland.

Date: 06 October 2015
One of Arthur’s Pass iconic backcountry huts was burnt to the ground sometime between Thursday and Friday last week.

Date: 05 October 2015
An application by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company to exchange land required for the Ruataniwha water storage scheme has been approved by DOC Director General Lou Sanson.

Date: 29 September 2015
A 15 metre whale has washed up at the southern end of Oreti Beach, near Invercargill.

Date: 29 September 2015
Kiwis for kiwi is calling on all New Zealanders to help put kiwi on the map, with the 'Quest for kiwi' project launched for Save Kiwi Month.

Date: 24 September 2015
Initial engineering reports indicate there was a manufacturing defect in a link of heavy duty chain which failed suddenly on the Hopuruahine Bridge in Te Urewera earlier this month.

Date: 24 September 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry announces funding for efforts to inspire young people to get involved with conservation.

Date: 23 September 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
The fight against introduced predators across New Zealand will receive a significant boost with Community Conservation Partnerships Fund money.

Date: 22 September 2015
DOC is proceeding with bylaws to ensure public safety and protect the public conservation land on six reserves at Whangarei Heads and Bream Bay.

Date: 18 September 2015
Three dogs have been euthanised and two dog owners have been fined as a result of an investigation into kiwi being killed by dogs near Kerikeri.

Date: 16 September 2015
The Department of Conservation is warmly welcoming the extension of its partnership with Air New Zealand through to 2020.

Date: 15 September 2015
DOC is celebrating 25 years of support from New Zealand's Aluminium Smelter and Forest & Bird for Kākāpō Recovery at Zealandia.

Date: 15 September 2015
There are higher than normal numbers of skinny NZ fur seals along the east coast of New Zealand. Keep them safe by leaving them alone, and keeping dogs under control.

Date: 15 September 2015
Eighty mohua/yellowhead were successfully moved to Coal Island, to establish a new population and spread the range of the bird's recovery on offshore pest-free islands.

Date: 13 September 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
With the help of the Community Conservation Partnership Fund, whitebait will be making a comeback, and more will be done to protect river bird habitats in Canterbury.

Date: 10 September 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Five groups tackling the major problem of wilding conifers have received $345,000 from the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund as part of the War on Weeds.

Date: 10 September 2015
The recently established Kāpiti Island Strategic Advisory Committee has commenced working together to guide the future management of the island.

Date: 08 September 2015
A consortium of recreation groups is one of the big winners in this year’s government community conservation funding with $500,000 allocated to help maintain and enhance backcountry facilities.

Date: 08 September 2015
Soggy conditions did not deter those taking part in another very successful Whakaipo Bay community planting day in Taupo recently.

Date: 04 September 2015
DOC is working with Tuhoe to investigate a cable failure on the Hopuruahine Suspension Bridge yesterday.

Date: 03 September 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has announced a $918,000 commitment to the War on Weeds through this year's round of Community Conservation Partnerships Fund grants.

Date: 01 September 2015
DOC is organising a Kākā Picnic on 13 September to celebrate the five juvenile kākā at Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, before their release into ecosystem recovery projects.

Date: 31 August 2015
DOC is reminding owners to control their dogs after the death of a NZ fur seal on a Gisborne beach.

Date: 28 August 2015
Kākāpō Recovery has been boosted by almost $70,000 following two successful fundraisers, initiated by supporters of the programme.

Date: 27 August 2015
New Zealanders will be encouraged to roll up their sleeves and join forces to fight against invasive weeds in a new campaign launched today by Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Date: 21 August 2015
Cooling temperatures in the Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake has resulted in DOC and GNS Science keeping a closer eye on the volcano.

Date: 21 August 2015
DOC has put an immediate halt to pūkeko culling operations near threatened takahē populations after the discovery of four dead takahe on Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Date: 20 August 2015
DOC has notified the intention to grant a 60 year licence concession to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd for the Whakapapa ski field operation.

Date: 12 August 2015
Following a recent prosecution in the Wairoa District Court, DOC is warning the public not to remove trees on public conservation land.

Date: 12 August 2015
DOC is set to release nearly 100 young black stilt/kakī into the wild at sites in Canterbury’s Mackenzie basin after a record chick-rearing season.

Date: 13 August 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has today announced New Zealand’s first Threatened Species Ambassador is Nicola Toki.

Date: 10 August 2015
Otago whitebait are looking better than in other parts of New Zealand, with catches showing a slight improvement due to habitat restoration work by DOC and Contact Energy.

Date: 10 August 2015
DOC is reminding the public to be aware of the whitebait regulations with the commencement of the 2015 season.

Date: 07 August 2015
DOC rangers and Police swooped on the Porangahau River this week and seized nine whitebait nets for out of season illegal fishing.

Date: 04 August 2015
The Te Mauri o Waihou roopu will be maintaining and upgrading the Forest Pools Picnic Area - a popular spot that has faced several unpleasant incidents.

Date: 31 July 2015
Fiordland District Conservation Services Manager, Grant Tremain has been awarded the Stephen O’Dea Developmental Award on World Ranger Day.

Date: 30 July 2015
DOC will be meeting with Ngāti Rangi representatives about the use of dead birds for cultural purposes.

Date: 28 July 2015
Following phone calls from the public concerned about the welfare of New Zealand fur seals in Wairoa, DOC is reminding the public to leave seals alone to rest.

Date: 27 July 2015
DOC and Tūhoe take a giant step forward in both relationship and on the ground operations, signing a series of staff secondments to Tūhoe-Te Uru Taumatua.

Date: 24 July 2015
Both black-billed and red-billed gulls are found around the lakefront and Sulphur Bay area and are classified as threatened birds.

Date: 24 July 2015
DOC is pleased with the recent prosecution of four whitebaiters in the Wairoa District Court for breaches of the whitebait regulations during the 2014 season.

Date: 23 July 2015
Silver wattle growing around Mount Tarawera is being targeted in an inter-agency approach to enhancing natural biodiversity.

Date: 22 July 2015
You can join a DOC and Real Journeys joint expedition to Dusky Sound and get involved in conservation work there.

Date: 16 July 2015
North Island robins (toutouwai) translocated from Mokoia Island Wildlife Refuge to Ōhope Scenic Reserve, are successfully breeding.

Date: 15 July 2015
A new partnership agreement between DOC and the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand was officially signed today, benefiting tourism and conservation in New Zealand.

Date: 15 July 2015
Te Anau Wildlife Centre is changing its name to Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.

Date: 13 July 2015
This year’s Cook Strait Whale Survey counted 137 humpback whales, its highest tally in its 12 years and an encouraging indication their numbers are increasing in New Zealand.

Date: 13 July 2015
Whitebaiters heading out to rivers soon are reminded that whitebaiting is not permitted in national parks.

Date: 10 July 2015
At least seven kiwi have now been found dead in the Wharau Road area, east of Kerikeri, between May 20 and July 8 this year.

Date: 10 July 2015
Sixty-nine South Island robins/kakaruwai have been translocated from Anchor Island in Dusky Sound, to Coal Island in Preservation Inlet.

Date: 08 July 2015
A baby humpback whale spotted in Cook Strait is only the second one reported in New Zealand waters.

Date: 06 July 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation/Office of the Minister for Primary Industries
New Zealand has boosted the protection of sharks by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks.

Date: 06 July 2015
A whale spotted in Cook Strait has been identified as 'Migaloo', a rare white humpback usually seen off Australia.

Date: 03 July 2015
DOC has laid charges in the Invercargill District Court against a Northland man for the alleged hunting and possession of a protected species under the Wildlife Act.

Date: 01 July 2015
DOC is asking for continued support from the Nelson Tasman community for a concerted push in coming months to ensure the pest great white butterfly is wiped out.

Date: 29 June 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner announces 41 appointments to the 14 Conservation Boards across New Zealand.

Date: 26 June 2015
Recent heavy rain and the new lake rising has caused restoration work to be postponed.

Date: 24 June 2015
A new online licensing system will make it easier to get out on the water when the Taupo fishing season kicks off 1 July. From 29 June, keen anglers will be able to buy their annual licence from the comfort of their own home.

Date: 24 June 2015
Heavy snow has damaged two of three aviaries used for captive rearing of black stilt or kakī near Twizel, but most of the birds are safe.

Date: 23 June 2015
All DOC tracks, huts and campsites in the Whanganui area are closed while staff carry out inspections to assess storm and flooding damage.

Date: 21 June 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says Volunteer Week is a chance to celebrate the fact that people at all stages of their life are stepping up to volunteer their time to preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Date: 22 June 2015
A pilot programme to control wasps on conservation land during the summer season has led to a significant reduction in wasp activity at the pilot sites.

Date: 17 June 2015
Trampers, hunters and mountain bikers are doing up dozens of huts and tracks they love and use around the country with the help of the government’s community conservation fund.

Date: 19 June 2015
Some DOC walking tracks in the Dunedin area have been damaged by the recent storm and flooding.

Date: 16 June 2015
Source: Joint release from the Minister for Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation
Three new marine protected areas have been announced for the West Coast today by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Date: 11 June 2015
Northland Conservation Board chair Mita Harris presented the results of their hard work to Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner recently.

Date: 09 June 2015
A DOC research team will be scanning the Cook Strait sea with their sights set on whales as the annual whale survey gets underway this month.

Date: 08 June 2015
An injured bittern found in the central North Island has provided the opportunity to gather important information on the species.

Date: 08 June 2015
DOC is moving to update the uniform worn by more than 1,200 field-based staff around New Zealand. This will be the first time the uniform has been updated since the early 1990s.

Date: 05 June 2015
DOC is delighted that three of its conservation partners have been recognised for their outstanding achievements, at this year’s Green Ribbon environmental awards.

Date: 03 June 2015
Keep New Zealand Beautiful and DOC planted 150 plants today to help protect Narrow Neck Beach embankments.

Date: 04 June 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
A fresh approach to saving the kiwi from extinction has been launched today thanks to a new $11.2 million investment from Budget 2015, says Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Date: 03 June 2015
Source: Joint release from the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Conservation
Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry today announced the finalists for the 2015 Green Ribbon Awards.

Date: 29 May 2015
New Zealand’s rarest duck, pāteke, has been released on pest-free Motutapu Island in the heart of Auckland.

Date: 29 May 2015
A Rotorua man pleaded guilty to being in control of two dogs that killed nesting red-billed gulls.

Date: 27 May 2015
A rogue bull that was reportedly roaming Monckton Scenic Reserve has been removed thanks to the response and advice of neighbouring farmers.

Date: 27 May 2015
Following phone calls from the public concerned about the welfare of New Zealand fur seals in Gisborne, DOC is reminding the public to leave seals alone to rest.

Date: 25 May 2015
The Whanganui District hunting blocks under the Central North Island online permits system have been updated.

Date: 22 May 2015
Three of the seven pest free islands in the Bay of Islands will soon provide safe new havens for saddleback/tīeke and whitehead/pōpokotea from Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Date: 21 May 2015
Historic Hooker Hut has been removed from its precarious position above the crumbling moraine wall of the retreating Hooker Glacier, in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

Date: 21 May 2015
20 pāteke (brown teal) are hoping for good weather when they fly into Napier today on the last leg of their trip to their new home.

Date: 20 May 2015
Four kiwi were recently released into the Rangataua Forest south of Ohakune. Three of them ‘flew’ in from Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch courtesy of Air New Zealand.

Date: 15 May 2015
Following consultation, DOC has changed its local policy concerning the use of power assisted cycles (e-bikes) on the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Date: 13 May 2015
Golden Bay Mountain Bike Club members are getting stuck in to improve eroded sections of the historic Kill Devil Track in Kahurangi National Park.

Date: 11 May 2015
Source: Air New Zealand Public Affairs
The year six students from Hamilton's Hillcrest Normal School beat 152 other entries to win the Virtual Great Walker competition.

Date: 11 May 2015
DOC suspects a bull is camping in Monckton’s Scenic Reserve and has closed the reserve and walkway until further notice.

Date: 11 May 2015
The Department of Conservation says no great white butterfly infestations have been found so far over autumn but it is asking Nelson residents to keep a lookout for the pest over winter.

Date: 11 May 2015
A new ‘Urban Living Wall’ launched in central Christchurch will showcase innovative technology that can be used to create green walls and city spaces.

Date: 07 May 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
New Zealand’s vulnerable native species will now have another strong voice for their protection with the announcement of the country’s first Threatened Species Ambassador.

Date: 06 May 2015
The Community Conservation Partnership Fund and a jet boat company are helping control predators in Southland and Fiordland.

Date: 04 May 2015
DOC and Rotorua Lakes Council say there are lessons to be learnt from the recent unnecessary death of eels in the Tauranga district.

Date: 01 May 2015
An iconic piece of Fiordland’s early settler history has been restored thanks to a combined effort from local businesses.

Date: 28 April 2015
Rotorua predator control projects have the chance to win $2,500 for providing information on their work to Predator Free NZ.

Date: 28 April 2015
Today the Department of Conservation will join Tai Poutini Polytechnic to commemorate the lives of those who died at Cave Creek 20 years ago.

Date: 24 April 2015
The Community Conservation Partnership Fund together with dedicated volunteer contribution has helped control predators in the Rotoehu Area, Rotorua.

Date: 24 April 2015
DOC is no longer confident the local organisation managing visits to the tunnels can ensure the safety of visitors.

Date: 23 April 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry is pleased to announce two key remnants of the native landscape of the Banks Peninsula will now be open for public access.

Date: 22 April 2015
Field monitoring results indicate rats and stoats have successfully been knocked back across large areas of South Island beech forest this summer.

Date: 21 April 2015
Ongoing complaints about dogs at the Department of Conservation Kuripapango campsite are raising concern.

Date: 20 April 2015
The new 20-bed Pahautea Hut is now open to the public.

Date: 20 April 2015
Setpoint Solutions is pleased to see the return of jewelled geckos to New Zealand after they were poached from Otago Peninsula over a year ago.

Date: 20 April 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says the return of two illicitly taken native jewelled geckos to New Zealand shores sends a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated.

Date: 17 April 2015
Little spotted kiwi/ kiwipukupuku are today being returned to Dusky Sound in Fiordland for the first time in more than a century thanks to the support of the Fiordland Lobster Company.

Date: 16 April 2015
A Canterbury school group’s dream of halting the decline of kiwi in their local conservation area is a step closer to reality with the release of up to ten adult birds this autumn.

Date: 15 April 2015
The much-loved Flora Hut in Kahurangi National Park is warmer and looking fresh after a spruce up by the Nelson Tramping Club.

Date: 15 April 2015
DOC has completed the removal of Gardiner Hut which was deemed beyond repair after a significant rock avalanche in July 2014.

Date: 15 April 2015
Source: Department of Conservation and New Zealand Fur Council
Greater conservation and economic benefits will follow an agreement signed by the Department of Conservation and New Zealand Fur Council today.

Date: 14 April 2015
With famous ginger pop star Ed Sheeran on stage in New Zealand, another ginger media star - Kindara – took front stage at the weekend.

Date: 14 April 2015
DOC has installed a new boot cleaning station on the popular Hakarimata Walkway.

Date: 13 April 2015
The East Coast/Hawke's Bay Conservation Board welcomes the current review of the East Coast/Hawke's Bay Conservation Management Strategy.

Date: 10 April 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry opened the new Aotea Conservation Park on Great Barrier Island, the first such park in the Auckland region.

Date: 07 April 2015
DOC rangers have rediscovered a native herb that was believed extinct and another herb thought to be extinct in the wild.

Date: 02 April 2015
Te Anau Wildlife Centre will join DOC’s kākā captive breeding programme after resident birds successfully reared chicks this summer.

Date: 02 April 2015
Introduced wasps are estimated to cost the economy more than $130 million a year, according to a new study.

Date: 31 March 2015
New images show 'escape' ramps installed in holes in the ground on Enderby Island are saving endangered sea lion pups from a needless death.

Date: 31 March 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has closed Albany Scenic Reserve until further notice to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

Date: 27 March 2015
Nearly 100 wetland management specialists assembled in Hamilton for a symposium focussing on the Ramsar Convention, relating to wetlands of international importance.

Date: 27 March 2015
DOC says great white butterfly activity around Nelson could pick up in the coming months.

Date: 25 March 2015
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has learned a lot about using self-setting traps to rid islands of rats from a trial just completed on Native Island, off Stewart Island/ Rakiura.

Date: 23 March 2015
The Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand visited the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre on the Firth of Thames recently to farewell bar-tailed godwits and red knots.

Date: 19 March 2015
A passionate group of young people will be paddling kayaks made from plastic bottles along the Abel Tasman coastline this weekend to counter plastic pollution and encourage sustainability.

Date: 19 March 2015
Critically endangered takahē have a new retirement home in Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary near Taupō.

Date: 19 March 2015
Picton business Dolphin Watch & Nature Tours have become the first SMART Operator in the country in an initiative developed by DOC to increase the protection of marine mammals.

Date: 17 March 2015
With the annual deer 'roar' approaching, DOC is reminding hunters to put safety first.

Date: 16 March 2015
The Wellington Conservation Board welcomes the review of the Wellington Conservation Management Strategy.

Date: 18 March 2015
The Northland Conservation Board has just released an A3 colour poster highlighting the plight of kūkupa (New Zealand pigeon or kereru) as part of the Board's Save the Kūkupa campaign.

Date: 15 March 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today welcomed the interest shown in community conservation through the large number of nominations for Conservation Boards in 2015.

Date: 12 March 2015
Once presumed extinct, the critically endangered takahē has had a hugely successful breeding season.

Date: 12 March 2015
Only six days of fish stock remains to feed 77 threatened yellow-eyed penguins in Otago.

Date: 12 March 2015
Source: Project Janszoon
Ten kakariki or yellow-crowned parakeet have today been released into the Abel Tasman National Park to join a further 12 birds released last year.

Date: 12 March 2015
Rare native parakeets are today being released back into a Canterbury high country valley for the first time ever.

Date: 11 March 2015
The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station is to reopen after sufficient rain reduced the fire danger.

Date: 10 March 2015
The Minister of Conservation, Hon Maggie Barry, has announced that the second round of the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund is now open.

Date: 10 March 2015
A rat and mice have been caught on the predator-free Adele Island in Abel Tasman National Park.

Date: 10 March 2015
150 blue rubber ducks are taking to the water for the Great Fiordland Whio Race on the Upukerora River, Te Anau.

Date: 10 March 2015
A group of dedicated volunteers are about to start the 2015 New Zealand dabchick count for the Rotorua district.

Date: 09 March 2015
A new ‘creche’ facility at Orokonui Ecosanctuary is to welcome its first occupants this month—five critically endangered Haast tokoeka kiwi chicks.

Date: 06 March 2015
The Northland Conservation Board is urging community conservation groups in Northland to apply for a slice of funding from the 2015 Community Conservation Partnerships Fund.

Date: 06 March 2015
The Department of Conservation is undertaking new research in the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve this week as part of its ‘ecological integrity programme.’Related

Date: 05 March 2015
Source: Pukaha Mount Bruce
A Department of Conservation ranger checking a male kiwi’s transmitter at Pukaha Mount Bruce last week found not one but two newly hatched white kiwi asleep in a burrow.

Date: 05 March 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Nominations for the Green Ribbon Awards, which honour New Zealand's environmental leaders are now open.

Date: 03 March 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry is pleased to announce a bumper crop of tuatara eggs on Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island this breeding season.

Date: 03 March 2015
Source: Office of the Associate Minister of Conservation
Associate Minister of Conservation Nicky Wagner is reminding all travellers that wildlife crime is serious and they should think twice before purchasing any wildlife products or souvenirs overseas.

Date: 02 March 2015
The Minister of Conservation, Hon Maggie Barry, has announced that the second round of the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund is now open.

Date: 26 February 2015
Source: NEXT Foundation
The dairy industry today joins with NEXT Foundation and Department of Conservation to dramatically transform the way invasive predators are managed on mainland New Zealand.

Date: 25 February 2015
Staff and volunteers from 3 different agencies were called in to deal with reports of a potential illegal fire in the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve this weekend.

Date: 24 February 2015
On Sunday 1 March, the biggest ever Play Date with Nature will take place in Te Anau’s Ivon Wilson Park.

Date: 23 February 2015
It’s been a bumper whio/blue duck breeding season both on and off the rivers throughout New Zealand.

Date: 23 February 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has today announced the Department of Conservation’s 2015 Community Conservation Partnerships Fund is open for submissions.

Date: 23 February 2015
The Department of Conservation is celebrating this year’s bumper whio/blue duck breeding season in eastern parts of Kahurangi National Park with a public whio day event.

Date: 18 February 2015
The Department of Conservation says dead whales from last weekend’s mass pilot whale stranding on Farewell Spit have been secured but not all the whales have been accounted for and whale bodies could wash up in Golden and Tasman bays.

Date: 18 February 2015
New fire restrictions have been put in place at Kawakawa Bay following an increase in use of the popular bay west of Kinloch on Lake Taupō.

Date: 18 February 2015
‘Flipper’, the paralysed little blue penguin who appeared in the media in early January has had to be euthanized despite weeks of care and rehabilitation.

Date: 17 February 2015
Children from more than 110 schools throughout the country will be spending more time gaining conservation skills outside the classroom this term, as part of a competition being run by the Department of Conservation, with support from Air New Zealand.

Date: 16 February 2015
A 52-year-old Auckland man, whose dog attacked and killed a protected New Zealand fur seal pup, has been fined $1000 in the Waitakere District Court today.

Date: 13 February 2015
198 pilot whales have been stranded on Farewell Spit.

Date: 13 February 2015
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is piloting a targeted bait station method to control wasps over the summer.

Date: 12 February 2015
A Canterbury man has been successfully prosecuted for breaking whitebaiting rules while fishing on the Ashley River/Rakahuri last spring.

Date: 10 February 2015
Ruapekapeka Pā has been awarded the international Green Flag Award for the second year in a row.

Date: 10 February 2015
Tongariro National Park recently hosted two families on amazing whio adventures won during Whio Awareness Month and Conservation Week.

Date: 09 February 2015
The second national Kauri Dieback Symposium held on 14 and 15 February 2015 in Hokianga highlighted that containment of the disease is currently our best weapon.

Date: 05 February 2015
Man-made nesting platforms have boosted Lake Wanaka’s population of endangered great crested grebes/kāmana.

Date: 05 February 2015
Two rats with the potential to decimate bird populations on Mokoia Island were recently stopped in their tracks with strategically placed trapping lines on the island’s shoreline.

Date: 04 February 2015
The Department of Conservation says it is fully committed to its current organisational structure and continuing to develop into a more effective conservation organisation.

Date: 02 February 2015
The Department of Conservation supports the proactive action by a Northland Iwi in placing a rahui over two maunga near Kaiwaka in Northland.

Date: 02 February 2015
Chris Jenkins will retire from the Department of Conservation this Thursday after 37 years of public service.

Date: 30 January 2015
Recent high tides and heavy seas resulted in Department of Conservation staff having to rebury a number of whales on Ohope Beach yesterday (subs - Thursday).

Date: 30 January 2015
Young people from 15 to 24 are in with a chance to win international travel by entering the World Wetlands Day youth photo competition.

Date: 30 January 2015
A photo of a young green gecko has helped confirm that a breeding population has established on Maitu Somes Island.

Date: 29 January 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Proposals by the Pike River Families Group Committee for the Pike River mine site and the surrounding area to be added to the Paparoa National Park and for the establishment of a new Great Walk between the mine site and Punakaiki have been welcomed by the Government, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith said today.

Date: 29 January 2015
The project had been in planning with winter 2015 as a target date but has been delayed for a year until winter 2016. The eradication must take place in the winter when mice numbers are at their lowest and food resources are scarce.

Date: 29 January 2015
Once again temperatures increased this afternoon as fire crews continued to work to ‘black out’ around the edge of the fire area at Flock Hill and control flare ups in hot conditions today.

Date: 28 January 2015
Due to extreme fire danger, the Acheron Road through Molesworth Station will be closed to vehicles from 7pm Wednesday 4 February.

Date: 28 January 2015
Update: Favourable weather conditions aided fire crews to halt the spread of the large wild fire today at Flock Hill near Craigieburn Forest Park in Canterbury.

Date: 27 January 2015
Winning a whio adventure in Tongariro National Park was ”a really amazing experience” according to Conservation Week competition winner Palmerston North student Sarah Ridsdale.

Date: 27 January 2015
Banding two rare whio blue duck with DOC rangers in the Tongariro Forest Park was a truly unique opportunity won by ten-year-old Theo Stebbings of Dunedin.

Date: 21 January 2015
The Department of Conservation says it is taking steps to ensure a more consistent approach to its handling of applications for commercial concessions in national parks in response to an opinion released last month by the Ombudsman.

Date: 20 January 2015
Heightened fire risk resulting from a dry, hot start to summer has triggered the restriction of public access to Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington harbour as of 31 January 2015.

Date: 20 January 2015
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is pleased with the prosecution of two whitebaiters in the Wairoa District Court on January 12 2015 for breaches of the Whitebait Fishing Regulations.

Date: 15 January 2015
An old anchor briefly discovered on Moutohora Whale Island may have been part of historic sulphur mining activities.

Date: 15 January 2015
As part of its war on wilding conifers in the Mackenzie Basin, the Department of Conservation is undertaking extensive pine and larch.

Date: 13 January 2015
Spreading the network of pest control traps and bait-stations has taken a backseat for conservation rangers who have been diverted to fight far more imminent threats.

Date: 13 January 2015
The Department of Conservation is urging fishers to take care using set nets in Tasman and Golden bays after two endangered Hector’s dolphins were found dead in Tasman Bay in recent days, one in a set net.

Date: 13 January 2015
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry today announced a new Yealands Family Wines partnership with the Department of Conservation.