A fluffy new Royal cam star hatched last night in the northern royal albatross breeding colony at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula.
Category: Environment
Generous donor funds new hut on the Waiau Pass Track
Trampers crossing the Waiau Pass between Nelson Lakes National Park and St James Conservation Area will find the new 6-bunk hut Waiau Hut a welcome sight at the end of their 15 km trek.
Invitation to adopt a valley
Individuals, groups and businesses have a novel opportunity to help boost conservation in New Zealand – by adopting a Fiordland Valley.
Track upgrades help fight the spread of kauri dieback
DOC has completed track upgrades in kauri forests throughout the Hauraki, Coromandel and Tauranga districts, to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
Get the kids off the couch this summer
Toyota Kiwi Guardians is an activity programme that helps kids connect with nature by encouraging them to go on epic self-guided adventures and earn rewards.
Otago sites celebrate their new Landmark status
Two historically and culturally significant landmarks – Bannockburn Sluicings and the Otago Central Railway Trail – will celebrate their recent elevation to Landmark status at events on 27 January.
DOC funding boost for Picton Dawn Chorus
Picton Dawn Chorus has secured $60,000 from DOC to support their pest control work.
Fabulous flock of whio arrive at bootcamp
A whopping 26 whio have arrived at the Whio Hardening Facility in Turangi.
World Wetlands Day celebration at Rakatu Wetlands
Rakatu Wetlands, located on the floodplain of the Waiau River, will be the site for Fiordland’s 2018 World’s Wetland Day celebration on 27 January.
Fishers warned to avoid marine reserves
DOC is warning fishers to stay out of marine reserves around Banks Peninsula after a recent spate of alleged illegal fishing.
Native trees illegally cut down at Marlborough campsite
DOC is appealing for information about the cutting down of native trees at Robin Hood Bay, a popular coastal camping spot in Marlborough.
Leopard seals continue Auckland visits
DOC is reminding people to keep safe as two female leopard seals continue their visits to Auckland’s seaside spots.
Impact of pests in Raukumara Forest Park
DOC is reviewing options to address the impact of pests within the Raukumara Forest Park.
Rat tracks spark Tiritiri Matangi incursion response
A routine check of tracking tunnels on Tiritiri Matangi island on 8 January has launched a search for a rat on the inner Hauraki Gulf sanctuary.
Record number of whio ducklings on Mt Taranaki
A record number of whio ducklings have been located on Mt Taranaki in what is proving to be a boom year for the rare native blue duck.
Zero tolerance for poaching at Gisborne marine reserve
MPI and DOC will continue to take a zero tolerance approach towards people who poach from the Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve north of Gisborne.
Media statement
We are sad to confirm that a volunteer hut warden’s body was located near the Pinnacles Hut in Canterbury, in what appears to have been a fall.
Public reminded to be careful around coastal nesting sites
We are reminding the public to be careful on and around the region’s beaches at this time of year, especially around nesting sites.
Birds breed at Bluff for first time in more than 100 years
For the first time in more than a century, kakaruai/South Island robin have produced chicks on Motupōhue/Bluff Hill.
Lake Whatumā secures $25,000 DOC grant
Central Hawke’s Bay’s Lake Whatumā Wetland Care Group has secured $25,000 from DOC to continue their critical restoration work.
Wellington kiwi roost gets pest control boost
A forest park near Wellington has been swarming with more volunteers than usual for the past year; and they’ve installed a massive new network of next-generation traps to tackle stoats and rats which prey upon brown kiwi and other native birds.
Private restoration project rewarded with repeat funding
In a hidden valley, just a stone’s throw from the new Kapiti expressway, a lifestyle couple are restoring their 19-hectare block of bush for native lizards and insects.
Pirongia to become kokako stronghold
Pirongia’s Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society so desperately wants its own maunga to be a kōkako stronghold, its members have become deeply involved in protecting both the land and species where its future songbirds presently live.
Rotokare halo project extended
The outstanding success of pest eradication and native species population growth achieved within Taranaki’s Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve over several years is now requiring the ‘halo’ beyond the reserve boundaries to be extended ever further.
Funding for remote Kawhia wetland restoration
Two remote lakes south of Kawhia Harbour are to benefit from restoration work following successful funding applications to DOC’s Community Fund.
DOC boosts community conservation efforts
The fourth year of funding from the DOC Community Fund has been awarded to over 112 projects across the country.
Widowed takahē paired up again
Three new takahē arrived in Wellington this week and another is moving between pest-free islands. The movements will help provide companions for birds who have lost their elderly mates this year.
Give trout fishing a go this summer
If you’re visiting the Taupo region over summer, there are plenty of trout fishing opportunities available.
Enjoy a family holiday on the East Coast
The East Coast is a popular holiday spot for families looking to get away from urban hustle and bustle. There’s lots to do and plenty of places to explore.
Take a squizz at lizards – but don’t touch
DOC is keen to ensure people can enjoy our lizard species, without disturbing them.
Share our beaches this summer
DOC and Gisborne District Council are reminding the public to be careful near New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu and banded dotterel nesting sites on the East Coast this summer.
DOC’s top tips for summer in Northland
Check out these tips for keeping Northland safe this summer.
Predator control puts rock wren on the rise
The reclusive rock wren/tuke is on the rise in Kahurangi National Park due to our predator control programme, recent monitoring confirms.
Support for Cape Foulwind conservation
A project to protect native species and enhance the landscape of Cape Foulwind in Buller will be boosted by support from the DOC Community Fund, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage has announced.
Mystery of Ruapekapeka burial site solved
A 171-year-old mystery, at the site of the battle of Ruapekapeka in Northland, has been solved.
Boost for fairy tern conservation efforts
A partnership between DOC, Te Arai and Mangawhai Shorebirds Trust, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, and Boffa Miskell will protect the endangered fairy tern.
Campground wardens wanted in Hawke’s Bay
DOC Hawke’s Bay is looking for wardens at Waitara/Glenn Falls, Everetts and Kuripapango campsites.
Clean outcome against rubbish dumper
An Invercargill man has been fined for dumping vacuum cleaners and other rubbish in the Seaward Moss Conservation Area.
Stay safe on backcountry roads this summer
DOC is investing in road signage on a problematic West Coast backcountry road this summer but says travellers must prepare, drive to the conditions and expect more traffic.
$16,000 fine for fishing in West Coast marine reserve
A Nelson man has been fined $16,000 for commercial fishing in a West Coast marine reserve.
Summer holiday hot spots
Get tips for enjoying the summer from DOC in Manawatu.
Responsible Catlins camping ranger recruited for summer
A Responsible Camping Ranger will be roaming the Catlins coast this summer to help educate visitors on appropriate places to camp.
Fire risk on the rise
DOC rangers in the Rotorua area are preparing for a hot dry summer and the extreme fire risk that comes with it.
Endangered dolphin sighted in Napier
Napier had a surprise visitor on the weekend – an endangered Hector’s dolphin.
Forestry company praised for protecting kea nest
DOC is praising a Nelson forestry company for temporarily halting operations around a kea nest to protect the kea.
‘Tis the sea lion season
A series of New Zealand sea lion/rāpoka specialists will begin their journeys to subantarctic islands this week for the start of sea lion study season.
Relief as rat ruled out on Whenua Hou
DNA analysis has ruled out a Norway rat as the culprit for a dropping found on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island last week, news welcomed by DOC.
Support for community conservation goals
Conservation groups across New Zealand will benefit from $4.2 million in new funding grants announced today by Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage.
DOC responds after possible rat sighting on Hauturu/Little Barrier Island
DOC has activated a response plan following a possible rat sighting on pest-free Hauturu/Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
DOC upgrading Dome Valley tracks to help prevent kauri dieback spread
DOC is upgrading two tracks through kauri forest in Dome Forest, near Warkworth, to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
Potential rat dropping sparks response on Whenua Hou
A full-scale response has been launched after a potential rat dropping was found on the predator free island.
DOC appalled at latest 1080 threats to staff
DOC confirms it has asked New Zealand Police to investigate after receiving a second threatening letter from an anti-1080 protestor in Taranaki.
DOC appeals for public help after seal attacked on Back Beach
DOC rangers are appealing for the public’s help after a dog attack on a fur seal at Back Beach last weekend.
Fine for fishing in Wellington marine reserve
A public tip-off has led to the conviction of a man who illegally fished in Wellington’s Taputeranga Marine Reserve.
DOC appeal for public help after seal attacked on Back Beach
DOC rangers are appealing for the public’s help after a dog attack on a fur seal at Back Beach last weekend.
First fairy tern chick of 2017-18 breeding season
One of New Zealand’s rarest birds, the New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti, has been boosted by a chick successfully hatching at Mangawhai, North of Auckland in late November.
Leopard seals in Auckland
Leopard seals are a protected species, normally found along the edge of the Antarctic pack ice. An increasing number are visiting New Zealand and there are two leopard seals being seen in Auckland waters.
Scorching southern summer a serious fire risk
Campers and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to be fire wise this summer as warm, dry weather persists in the south.
Bones and feathers bring people together
The traditional method of preparing albatross bones for tattooing chisels is bringing together two iwi and Department of Conservation staff in a wānanga on Matiu/Somes Island today.
Rare bird makes Waikanae home
A rare shorebird has been spotted at Waikanae estuary and may be breeding for the first time.
Status change to three campsites
From 1 December three DOC free camping areas in the Taupō District will change from restricted to ‘no camping’ sites. The sites are the Omori Stream car park near Kuratau, the Oruatua picnic site near Tauranga-Taupō and the Landing Reserve in the Taupō boat harbour.
Spot-a-skink
DOC wants Manawatu residents to report local lizard sightings to help build an accurate picture of distribution in the region.
Yellow-eyed penguin nest numbers down
Recent yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho nest counts on mainland New Zealand indicate a continued decline in numbers in some areas for this rare taonga species says DOC Threatened Species Ambassador Nicola Toki.
Conservation dogs search Marlborough Sounds islands
A pest detection blitz by 12 conservation dogs and their handlers in the Marlborough Sounds last week found no predators on island sanctuaries, giving assurance the islands are safe for the endangered native species living there.
Changes to access at Lake Otamangakau
Anglers will be affected by a plan to reduce vehicle access to Lake Otamangakau near Turangi from December.
Bookable beds beckon for Ruahine huts
DOC is implementing a seasonal booking system for beds at the popular Rangiwahia and Sunrise huts.
Operation to protect Northern Ruahine native species now complete
An aerial pest control operation to protect at-risk native species in the Northern Ruahine Ranges has been completed.
Rare tūturuatu washes up in Hawke’s Bay
One of New Zealand’s rarest animals the tūturuatu or shore plover is now even closer to extinction after one was found dead in Westshore this week.
First whio arrival at crèche
Two whio have become this season’s first customers at the Hardening Facility at the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
Kahurangi Battle for our Birds pest control completed
DOC’s Battle for our Birds aerial 1080 pest control in western Kahurangi National Park has been completed, making the area’s at-risk native wildlife safer from predators.
Roys Peak track to reopen this weekend
A significant project to upgrade the Roys Peak Track vehicle facilities is almost complete, with the track open to the public again on Saturday 18 November.
Research shows most New Zealanders support pest control
Initial findings from a social research project show that most New Zealanders support the need for pest control.
Possible mouse sighting on Tiritiri Matangi
DOC is responding to a possible mouse sighting on pest-free Tiritiri Matangi island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Fires threaten people and wildlife in park
Three people have been trespassed from the Kaweka Forest Park for illegally lighting fires which threatened not only the campsites, but people and native wildlife.
Stranded orca in Marlborough returned to the sea
An orca stranded on Marfells Beach in Marlborough since yesterday has been successfully refloated this afternoon and was swimming out to sea.
Kaikōura’s native species and conservation areas a year on from earthquake
DOC staff have had a busy year managing the impacts of the November 2016 earthquake on native species and conservation areas and that work continues.
Bad behaviour a cause for concern in Fiordland
A formal complaint has been made against a group of jet boaters at Lake Alabaster Hut on the Hollyford Track.
Heavy snow part closes tracks
A section of the Routeburn Track is closed 8 and 9 November due to heavy spring snow.
DOC conservation dog finds mouse on truck headed for pest free island
A DOC conservation dog has sniffed out a mouse on a truck that was being barged to pest free Motuihe island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Entries open for Green Ribbon Awards
DOC East Coast encourages entries into Green Ribbon Awards for outstanding contributions to the environment.










































































