Articles tagged with Department Of Conservation
Join the 2026 National Wild Goat Hunting Competition to Protect NZ Landscapes
1 week ago | 158 viewsHunting and Fishing Minister James Meager urges Kiwis to participate in the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition to help control wild goat populations and protect New Zealand’s native landscapes. Since its 2023 launch, the competition has removed over 33,000 goats and encourages conservation through hunter-led efforts, offering prizes and involving hunters of all ages. Running from August to November 2026, the event is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, landowners, and sponsors.
Tags: James Meager New Zealand National Wild Goat Hunting Competition wild goats conservation hunters Department of Conservation New Zealand Deerstalkers Association hunting landownersFirst H5 Bird Flu Case Detected in New Zealand Seabird; Public Advised to Stay Alert
3 weeks ago | 220 viewsA brown skua found on Petone beach in Wellington tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza strain, marking New Zealand's first detection of this globally circulating bird flu, though there is no evidence of wider spread or poultry infection. Authorities, including MPI and the Department of Conservation, are closely monitoring the situation, urging the public to report groups of sick or dead birds without handling them, while continuing biosecurity measures and vaccination programs for endangered native birds. New Zealand remains prepared to protect poultry production and wildlife, emphasizing that eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat and maintaining ongoing surveillance and industry collaboration.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Health New Zealand Poultry Council kākāpō takahē kakī kākāriki karakaTe Here ā Nuku Bill Returns 3000 Hectares of Land to Original Owners in NZ
1 month ago | 360 viewsThe Te Here ā Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill is being introduced to Parliament to return approximately 3,000 hectares of land in the South Island to its rightful owners, resolving a historic trust law issue dating back to the 1840s. The Bill enables the legal transfer of land held by the Crown in trust to the Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, while allowing the Crown to lease back some land for public use, including key conservation areas. This resolution, distinct from Treaty settlements, addresses a private law matter and corrects a longstanding injustice over land ownership.
Tags: Te Here ā Nuku Nelson Tenths Chris Bishop Tama Potaka Crown Department of Conservation Abel Tasman Great Walk Kaiteretere Treaty of WaitangiNew Zealand Prepares for Bird Flu Arrival: Biosecurity Measures and Safety Tips
1 month ago | 458 viewsNew Zealand is actively preparing for the potential arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain, collaborating across government agencies and local councils while urging the public to adopt strong biosecurity measures. Recent detections of the virus in migratory seabirds in Western Australia highlight the risk, prompting close monitoring and communication with Australian authorities. Citizens are advised to watch for signs of illness in birds, maintain cleanliness, avoid contact with wild birds, and report multiple sick or dead birds to authorities, with the human health risk currently assessed as low.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Ministry of Health Health New Zealand H5N1 bird flu avian influenza Australian authorities$14.1M Boost for Predator Control to Protect Native Wildlife in NZ National Parks
1 month ago | 371 viewsNew Zealand’s Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a $14.1 million boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to expand predator control efforts across key South Island national parks and valleys. This funding will help protect native wildlife such as mohua, kiwi, and kea from increased threats due to a major beech mast that has fueled predator population growth. The Department of Conservation will implement its largest predator control program ever, covering over one million hectares using aerial 1080 and trapping methods to safeguard biodiversity and support New Zealand’s predator-free goal.
Tags: Tama Potaka mohua kākāriki karaka piwauwau pekapeka whio kea kiwi Department of Conservation International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy$2M Boost to Double Wasp Control in New Zealand's Visitor Hotspots and Biodiversity Sites
1 month ago | 389 viewsThe New Zealand government is doubling wasp control efforts in visitor hotspots and priority biodiversity sites with a $2 million boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, aiming to expand the Wasp Wipeout program nationwide. This program targets harmful introduced German and common wasps, which significantly damage native species and cost the economy over $130 million annually, by providing bait and technical support to community groups. The increased funding will enable treatment of 60,000 hectares annually, improve coordination and research, and help restore native ecosystems by reducing wasp populations.
Tags: Tama Potaka Wasp Wipeout International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Department of Conservation New Zealand Vespula wasps German wasps biodiversity invasive species native birdsInvestigation and Remediation of Former Endeavour Inlet Mine Site in Marlborough Sounds
1 month ago | 381 viewsThe environmental impacts of the former Endeavour Inlet antimony mine site in Marlborough Sounds are being investigated for remediation, with a two-year project funded equally by the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation. The investigation will assess contamination risks to soil, water, and ecology, consider sea level rise effects, and inform mitigation and safety measures to protect the surrounding recreational, coastal, and heritage areas. This effort aims to manage risks and preserve the environment for continued public enjoyment of the region.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Tama Potaka Marlborough Sounds Endeavour Inlet Ministry for the Environment Department of Conservation antimony Queen Charlotte Track Picton environmental remediationAoraki/Mount Cook Landfill Cleanup Completed to Protect Park Ecosystems
2 months ago | 584 viewsA $3.32 million remediation project to clean up two former landfill sites near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village has been completed, removing about 2500 cubic metres of waste to prevent contamination of the Hooker River and Lake Pūkaki. The Department of Conservation and the Ministry for the Environment jointly funded the project, which addressed erosion and flooding risks that threatened water quality and ecosystems. The work, supported by the Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund and Environment Canterbury, began in April 2026 and finished in June 2026.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Tama Potaka Department of Conservation Ministry for the Environment Environment Canterbury Hooker River Lake Pūkaki Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund remediation projectNew Zealand Investor Visa Growth Category Now Allows 20% Philanthropic Gifts
2 months ago | 616 viewsFrom 1 June 2026, investor migrants applying under New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Growth category can allocate up to 20% of their NZD $5 million investment to philanthropic gifts supporting eligible charities or conservation initiatives. This change adds flexibility to the Growth category, which focuses on business growth and innovation, by allowing contributions to social, environmental, and cultural causes while maintaining strong economic outcomes. Eligibility criteria for recipient charities will be strengthened to ensure gifts benefit New Zealand communities and do not personally benefit applicants.
Tags: Active Investor Plus Growth category Erica Stanford Tama Potaka New Zealand philanthropy investor migrants charitable gifts Department of Conservation immigration policyHauraki Iwi Treaty Settlements Passed: Historic Redress for Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui
2 months ago | 597 viewsAfter 15 years of negotiations, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Claims Settlement Bills for three Hauraki iwi—Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Ngāti Hei—formally acknowledging the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and providing financial, commercial, and cultural redress. These settlements include Crown apologies, agreed historical accounts, and protocols with government ministries, aiming to support the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental aspirations while fostering enduring relationships. The settlements allocate millions in financial redress and property rights specific to each iwi's region, marking a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and strengthening future partnerships.
Tags: Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Ngāti Tara Tokanui Ngāti Hei Paul Goldsmith Treaty of Waitangi Hauraki iwi Crown Pare Hauraki Collective Ministry for Culture and Heritage Department of ConservationFast-Tracked Waitaha Hydro Project to Boost West Coast Renewable Energy
3 months ago | 731 viewsA fast-tracked 23MW Waitaha Hydro project in the Waitaha Valley, supported by Westpower Limited and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, aims to generate renewable electricity for 12,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by 129,000 tonnes annually, enhancing the West Coast’s energy resilience and lowering high electricity costs. The project, which took about 20 years to progress and received necessary approvals within five months under the Fast-track Approvals Act, is expected to create 71 full-time jobs during its $160-$200 million construction phase. This initiative also contributes to New Zealand’s broader energy system by managing dry-year hydro risks and supporting local economic development.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Maureen Pugh Westpower Limited Poutini Ngāi Tahu Waitaha Hydro Department of Conservation Infrastructure Minister Regional Development Minister New ZealandMajor $8M Repairs Begin on SH73 Retaining Wall at Candys Bend for Safety
3 months ago | 693 viewsA resilience project is commencing to repair a damaged retaining wall on State Highway 73 at Candys Bend, a vital route between Christchurch and the West Coast, damaged by 2018 flooding. The repairs, funded by the Crown Resilience Programme with a budget of around $8 million, aim to prevent potential collapse during future flooding or seismic events and ensure long-term safety and connectivity. Work will begin soon and conclude early next year, with efforts to protect the area's native flora and fauna in collaboration with local iwi and the Department of Conservation.
Tags: Chris Bishop State Highway 73 Candys Bend NZ Transport Agency Hunter Civil Arthur’s Pass Village Otira Crown Resilience Programme New Zealand Government Department of ConservationSH73 Candys Bend Retaining Wall Repair Begins to Boost Resilience
3 months ago | 616 viewsA major repair project is commencing on a damaged 1950s retaining wall at Candys Bend on State Highway 73 between Christchurch and the West Coast, crucial for freight, tourism, and local communities. The work, funded by the Crown Resilience Programme with an $8 million budget, aims to prevent potential collapse from future flooding or seismic events by filling voids, improving drainage, and reinforcing the structure. NZTA will collaborate with local iwi and the Department of Conservation to protect the area's native flora and fauna during the repairs, which are expected to start soon and finish early next year.
Tags: State Highway 73 SH73 Candys Bend Christchurch West Coast Chris Bishop NZ Transport Agency Hunter Civil Crown Resilience Programme Department of ConservationRestoration Proposals Open for Historic Chateau Tongariro in National Park
4 months ago | 2764 viewsThe Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) opening on 19 March 2026 to find experienced operators to restore and manage the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings. The proposals must balance commercial viability with heritage conservation, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the cultural significance of Tongariro National Park. The selection panel will evaluate submissions to ensure the restoration supports tourism, local businesses, and aligns with the park's values, with no guarantee of concession awarded.
Tags: Chateau Tongariro Tama Potaka Tongariro National Park New Zealand Conservation Minister heritage restoration tourism tangata whenua Department of Conservation RFP 2026Government Invests $3.5M to Restore Tongariro National Park After Fires
5 months ago | 867 viewsThe Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.
Tags: Tongariro National Park Tama Potaka Ruapehu District Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro Department of Conservation Maunga Ora International Visitor Levy biodiversity pest management ecological restoration