Category: Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 April 2024

The Remutaka Conservation Trust, supported by DOC, is replacing predator traps across their 7500-hectare pest control network in southern Remutaka Forest to ensure kiwi continue to thrive.

The Trust first reintroduced kiwi into Remutaka in 2006 with a trial group of eight North Island brown kiwi. A further 20 birds were released in 2009. 

Helicopter delivering new traps to a drop site
Image: Neil Parker ©

To support survival of these kiwi chicks, the Trust implemented a trapping network, covering 7500 ha across southern Remutaka, to control stoats and weasels. The first traps were deployed in 2003, and this trapping network continues to be maintained by a dedicated team of over 150 volunteers. 

With some traps having been in the park for 20 years, the Trust is implementing a trap replacement project to maintain effectiveness across the pest control network.

This project will take place over three years, beginning in 2024, with the team replacing different traplines each year. Trust volunteer Ingrid Greenslade says they are grateful for DOC’s continued support.

“There have been many kilometres travelled over the last 20 years to service the traps and ensure the kiwi population continues to grow,” says Ingrid. “The estimated population is now over 200 birds, which is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.”

DOC Kapiti-Wellington district office is supporting the Trust by providing helicopter transport of the traps to key locations. Individual traps will then be carried to their new locations, with the older traps being helicoptered out on back flights the following year.

This is a large undertaking for an organisation that operates solely through committed volunteers, and DOC is very pleased to support the Remutaka Conservation Trust in this work.

If you want to get involved with the Trust, email volunteers@remutaka.nz.

Background information

• The Remutaka Conservation Trust was established in 1988 to support the newly formed Department of Conservation and advocate for the park.
• The Trust has been conducting pest control for 25 years.
• Cost of this year’s trap replacement is about $45k.
• One of the Trust kiwi project objectives is to continue to build the kiwi population to enable everyday New Zealanders access to hear and see kiwi in the wild.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 April 2024

Each year the Department of Conservation (DOC) Taupō Fishery Management Team calls for photographs capturing the spirit of fishing in the Taupō Fishing District. The lure? Seven Taupō fishing licences to be won, kicking off the new trout fishing season, beginning 1 July, 2024.

DOC Senior Community Ranger James Barnett says the team is looking for photographs to illustrate each of the seven licence categories, including family, senior, and junior licences.

“The overall winning photo is immortalized on the printed season licences, while other winning photos will be used for categories on the website and paper licences.”

The judges are looking for photos reflecting the unique feel and setting of the Taupō fishery.

“Trophy shots are always strong contenders – and submitted every year – but we’re also looking for photos of families and friends enjoying trout fishing, or landscape shots with a fishing theme,” says James.

“Be creative and share what you love about the Taupō fishing experience.”

Entries close midnight, Sunday 19 May 2024.

Up to five photographs can be submitted per person. To enter, email photographs to fishlicence@doc.govt.nz along with your name, where the photo was taken, and the approximate date it was taken. All photos must have been taken in the Taupō Fishing District.

Further information, including a list of the licence categories and full terms and conditions for the competition, can be found online.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 April 2024

The popular Coromandel walking track has been closed since February 2023 after it was extensively damaged by extreme weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle. The track was deemed unsafe for the type of casual “day trip” visitors who frequently go there, and DOC has consistently urged the public not to use the walk.

DOC’s Hauraki Waikato Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says sharing information with community and stakeholder groups is an important part of DOC’s work as it works through a complex set of overlapping issues pertaining to management of the site and the feasibility of reinstating the track.

DOC is working closely with Ngāti Hei, Thames-Coromandel District Council and Destination Hauraki Coromandel on planned activities and ensuring conversations with the community are forward-looking and positive.

“Ensuring we’re aligned with Ngāti Hei and key government organisations is vital.  A natural extension of that is creating community stakeholders’ awareness, on the work and the progress and importantly hearing their perspectives,” she says.

“We know it’s crucial to have honest conversation with the community on what the future holds for this site and how we can reinstate walking access to the beach.”

DOC, Ngāti Hei and technical experts visited the site in March to assess access and infrastructure options. Technical experts returned to the site this week, guided by DOC staff, to carry out more investigations.

Expert advice will be included in information DOC will share at a community drop-in session planned for May. Details of that session will be publicised in coming weeks.

The first phase of data gathering and information sharing for the project is complete. With support from Ngāti Hei, DOC undertook a summer visitor experience survey in February.

The results of the survey of more than 200 visitors strongly indicate Cathedral Cove’s remains a top New Zealand visitor destination.

Analysis of the survey responses revealed the overall satisfaction with the Cathedral Cove experience is the highest for any DOC-managed destination in the country. How people access the Cove – currently only by boat or kayak – doesn’t influence their satisfaction rating, according to survey results.

Scenery and landscapes are the drawcard for visitors to Cathedral Cove.  The survey also assessed facilities and services for visiting Cathedral Cove, with the frequency of water transport scoring highly (3.9 out of a possible maximum 4), followed by safety information and structures (3.7 out of 4). The full results of the survey are available on the DOC website.

A second survey will also form part of DOC’s community update on the future of Cathedral Cove and will be launched in early May.

DOC is working closely with TCDC to maximise opportunities for the community to have a say.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 April 2024

Three DOC handlers working with detection dogs for plague skinks and rodents, and three Auckland Council handlers with detection dogs for kauri disease, ants and rodents, have been inspecting a large quantity of gear, vehicles, sites and people headed for the islands throughout April.

This evening, DOC Ranger Colleen Birch with rodent detection dog Pru will be at Half Moon Bay inspecting trucks, machines and building equipment bound for Motutapu for construction work.

“I’ll be visually checking for potential pests like Argentine ants, plague skinks, seeds and the items they can hide in like clumps of dirt and plant material,” says Colleen.

“Then it will be Pru’s turn. She’ll give everything a good sniff over to ensure there aren’t any rodents hiding away where I can’t see. Once Pru and I are happy everything is pest free, the vehicles will be loaded onto the barge,” she adds.

The April biosecurity site inspections have included the surrounds of a helicopter hanger, a construction yard, the Auckland base of the Dual multi-sport event, and the Half Moon Bay ferry terminal – intercepting plague skinks, mice and an ants nest underneath a vehicle so far.

“Days of work went into making sure the Dual event was a success for people and for wildlife by ensuring Motutapu and Rangitoto remain pest-free. On top of inspecting the equipment and vehicles, Council and DOC handlers worked closely with the organisers and we inspected more than 2000 competitors, volunteers and vendors – especially their bags and camping gear,” says Hannah Irwin, DOC Pest Detection Dog Handler.

Auckland Council’s Kauri Detection Dog Handler Kayla Rench focused her dog Marty’s nose on mountain bikes looking for potential particles of soil infected with kauri dieback.

“Removing soil that could be infected was a priority for me, so I was quite happy to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty and help scrub any bikes that needed attention.”

“DOC and Auckland Council put a lot of resource into biosecurity for pest-free Hauraki Gulf islands. This includes mainland inspections with conservation dog teams, working with commercial boat owners and marinas to obtain Pest Free Warrants and to action pest control, and advocacy with the public,” says Kat Lane, Hauraki Gulf Inner Islands Operations Manager, DOC.

“The payoff comes with having these incredible sanctuaries that can help us bolster nationwide populations of species like wētāpunga/giant wētā, tuatara and kiwi. Motutapu, for example, is a valuable island for nationwide conservation efforts for North Island Brown kiwi and takahē,” says Kat.

Background information

DOC’s Conservation Dogs Programme mentors, certifies and supports dog handler teams to detect New Zealand’s protected species or unwanted pests.

Handlers can be DOC staff, staff from other organisations and individuals. Conservation Dogs Programme dog-handlers are skilled and experienced in wildlife management and pest control.

Air New Zealand is the national partner for the Conservation Dogs Programme. Their investment helps us run a world-class programme offering mentoring, training and certification to dog handler-teams around New Zealand.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  09 April 2024

He rāhui

He aitua! He aitua!

Ka papaki te tai o te atarau, ka huri aku kamo ki te tihi o Tongariro ki nga hihi o te ra e piata mai ana. Aue taukuri e!

It is with great sadness that Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and Ngati Tūwharetoa acknowledge a recent death in Tongariro National Park.

With the support of the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Police and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, a rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for three days from today Tuesday 9 April 2024. It will be lifted at 6am on Friday 12 April.

To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui.

A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) sets a temporary prohibition around the rāhui area and limits access for that period in order to acknowledge the death and to express sympathy to the whānau of the deceased.

It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whānau.  

Transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rāhui.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  08 April 2024

Bookings for the 2024-25 season are staggered to give people making multiple bookings a better chance of securing their preferred dates. The season runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

Bookings open at 9.30 am on the dates below:

• South Island campsites: 9 April 2024
• North Island campsites: 11 April 2024
• Huts: 16 April 2024
• Tōtaranui Campground:17 April 2024
• Sole occupancy lodges, cabins and cottages:18 April 2024
• Momorangi Bay Campground: 23 April 2024

*Bookings for Great Walks will open from May, with specific dates to be announced later this month.

As part of its annual pricing review, DOC has adjusted the pricing of 21 high-demand huts, campsites, and cottages to contribute to the increasing costs.

“Not all facilities are subject to increase, just 21 out of nearly 1,300 campsites, huts, and cottages,” says Director of Heritage and Visitors, Cat Wilson.

“Increases will take effect for these (21) sites from 1 July 2024, and they range from a $5 – $15 increase for the most popular huts such as Hooker and Mueller huts in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

“More people using DOC’s most popular huts means higher upkeep and maintenance costs.

“New Zealand has a huge variety of facilities with price points for all budgets, including many that are free for everyone to enjoy. We recommend booking huts, campsites, and cottages early to secure popular dates and times.”

For information on DOC’s recent pricing changes see: Accommodation price changes 2024/25

To book DOC huts, campsites and cottages visit: Bookings

For a full list of the hut, campsite and cottage and lodge prices see:

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  28 March 2024

Water dragons are a native Australian semi-aquatic lizard and are considered a threat to New Zealand wildlife. Young water dragons are fully insectivorous, supplementing their diets with plants as they grow, and pose a significant threat to local biodiversity.

Kelly Hancock, DOC Manawatu Operations District Supervisor, says while the exotic lizard has been humanely euthanised, DOC rangers don’t want to add dragon slaying to their job descriptions.

“Letting a pet go in your local reserve might seem like the humane option, but many pets aren’t equipped to survive in the wild or can cause damage to the ecosystem if they do,” says Kelly.

“New Zealand weather is too cold for most species of lizards, so they will likely die during winter if outdoors, but if they do manage to survive, they may spread diseases and prey on native plants and animals.”

“We think this one may have been at large in the reserve for a while, so removing it is a big win. The native wildlife will be safer now the invasive dragon has been caught.”

New Zealand’s ecosystems are not equipped to handle invasive species like water dragons or other exotic pets. Lizards, turtles, and even goldfish can wreak havoc on our ecosystems if released into the wild.

Kelly’s advice for lizard owners who are no longer able to care for their pets is to find them a new home.

“Don’t ever release exotic lizards anywhere,” says Kelly. “They may prey on endangered species, compete with them for food, or transmit diseases that could wreak havoc on our native lizards, which have no immunity.”

“Animal welfare organisations like your local SPCA can give advice on how to surrender unwanted pets. This is kinder, not just for the pet, but for our taonga native species as well.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  28 March 2024

DOC Coastal Otago Biodiversity Ranger Jim Fyfe says 29 pups have been tagged to date.

“We’re thrilled with this result, which is a big jump from the 21 pups tagged last season.”

Jim Fyfe says it’s fantastic to think how far the species has come since the first sea lion to breed on the mainland, known as Mum, had her first pup here in 1993.

“It feels like Dunedin’s sea lion population has turned a corner, with a widespread presence across local beaches, and these numbers are a great reflection of the increased presence we’re seeing.”

“Interestingly, we never found the birthplace for at least a dozen pups; for all the ones born in very public places, there were many others that managed to remain hidden away. This is amazing, given how populated our coastal areas are, and there was some effort made to search more isolated areas.”

Jim Fyfe says the pups are now getting more active and venturing out from their birthing sites. Although they are “creching” (or congregating so they can interact to learn through play) they are still mobile and may appear in unexpected places in coastal areas. Pups are reliant on their mothers for about 11 months.

“People are asked to keep an eye out for sea lions, especially when driving on coastal roads – please slow down, it could save a sea lion’s life.”

“If you do see one – whether in the car or on foot – make sure to give it plenty of space.”

If you see one on the road, please report it to DOC by calling the DOC emergency hotline

• 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Jim Fyfe says another two pups are known to have died of natural causes – one was stillborn and the other was accidentally crushed by a large male sea lion.

Tūmai Cassidy from Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou says both whakahao (male sea lions) and kake (female sea lions) are highly valued taoka for the people of Ōtākou and Ngāi Tahu.

“A source of mahika kai, oil and clothing, the sea lion has always been a part of our traditions, whakapapa and culture.”

“Ōtākou hapū members have been involved in the monitoring and management of the growing population since the species first made its return to our takiwā in 1993. Our whānau continue to contribute to the ongoing conservation of our taoka today alongside our treaty partners, including this year’s pup tagging efforts.”

“The fact that our coastlines have enough life to support the growth of their population is a good sign for us. Sea lions are a key part of our ocean and coastal ecosystems and play a vital role in restoring the abundance that formerly existed in our rohe. We hope their population continues to increase for many generations to come.”

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust’s Mike Neill says the trust is thrilled numbers are increasing around the Otago coastline.

“We remind members of the public to continue to respect these wonderful animals by maintaining a 20m distance when enjoying their company.”

Background information

The New Zealand sea lion is one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, with a threat status of Nationally Vulnerable.

They have a total population of about 12,000 but the vast majority live in the Subantarctic Islands, with only a small number found in Rakiura/Stewart Island, Southland and Dunedin. There are thought to be 34 breeding females in Dunedin, with about 160-200 sea lions in the region in total (the number fluctuates as the males move around).

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  27 March 2024

The quad bike got as far as the top of the first set of steps, scuffing the sides of the walking track and leaving tyre marks in its wake.

DOC Buller Acting Operations Manager Chris Hickford says the biker’s actions show a total lack of respect for the Cave Creek Memorial.

It’s the latest in a series of incidents up Bullock Creek Road, which leads to the memorial site, he says.

“The locked swing arm which prevents access to the old bridge up there was pulled out on one occasion. The lock on that gate has also been destroyed several times, and the gate to the start of the Memorial Track has been smashed multiple times.

“It’s hugely disappointing to see such inconsiderate and anti-social behaviour and the impact it has on other visitors and the natural environment.

“Repairing this damage takes our staff away from critical conservation work. It’s incredibly frustrating for them to see their effort and commitment deliberately wrecked by others.”

The quad biker in the photo gained access to the pedestrian only track leading to Cave Creek Memorial Track/Kotihotiho by forcing his machine through a pedestrian entrance on 17 March 2024.

If the public has any information about who this person might be, or other information about any damage done at any time, they are urged to provide information to DOC. This will be kept strictly anonymous, Chris Hickford says.

“We are grateful to those people who are vigilant about protecting our natural spaces and encourage anyone seeing behaviour like this to report it via their local visitor centre, or on the DOC Hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”

Driving a vehicle in any part of Paparoa National Park that is not a formed road is not permitted.

Anyone convicted of an offence against 39(1)(e) of the Conservation Act 1987: knowingly and without authority “interferes with or damages in any way historic or natural features of or on any conservation area” is subject to: in the case of an individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both.

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