The pest-free open sanctuary has been the subject of a month-long incursion response after a rat was found dead in a trap in February.
DOC Rakiura Operations Manager Jennifer Ross says that after more than four weeks of increased surveillance, intensive trap checks and comprehensive monitoring work across the island, there have been no further rodent detections.
“This means we’re winding down our incursion response and returning to normal surveillance measures. Normal surveillance doesn’t mean we’re taking our foot off the pedal; far from it. Having an intensive network in place round the clock means when we do get a detection – like we did in February – we can act quickly and scale up.”
Ulva Island is one of the few pest-free open sanctuaries in New Zealand. It is home to vulnerable native species like tieke/South Island saddleback, mohua/yellowhead, titipounamu/rifleman, and South Island kākā.
Since 20 February DOC staff have checked over 225,000 trail camera images, walked more than 110 km of trap lines, travelled more than 180 km by dinghy, and completed over 2,750 trap checks. Two rodent detection dogs also scoured the island multiple times.
“Given how close Ulva is to mainland Rakiura – just 780 m at its closest point, and how many people visit it, incursions are frequent, averaging between 1 and 2 incursion events each year,” says Jennifer.
“Catching rats in traps is a key way we detect and remove invaders and protect the island from rat populations becoming established.”
The island was first declared pest free in 1997. In winter 2023 a breeding population of rats established on the island sparking an intensive re-eradication programme. In the months since the eradication took place, monitoring – including trap checks, motion sensitive camera surveillance, and the use of rodent detection dogs – had not shown any sign of rats remaining on the island, until one was found in February.
As part of last year’s re-eradication response, the island’s biosecurity system was upgraded with more trail cameras, more frequent trap checks and a rearranged grid increasing detection control devices in the coastal area where rodents usually arrive.
However, Jennifer says keeping Ulva Island pest free will continue to be a challenge as long as there are pests on mainland Rakiura.
“That’s why initiatives such as Predator Free Rakiura are so important, and everyone has their part to play.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone for doing their part and continuing to be extra vigilant when visiting Ulva Island. Special mention to the Ulva Island Charitable Trust who have offered to donate $5,000 to the response.”
If you see anything suspicious on Ulva Island – please take photos, record the location accurately and report it to the DOC Rakiura Office.
In New Zealand, marine mammals including Hector’s dolphins/upokohue are protected species under the Marine Mammals Protection Act and Marine Mammals Protection Regulations. This legislation directs how vessels must behave around marine mammals and says it is illegal to harass or disturb them. All vessels and people involved in the SailGP event, including any support boats or spectators, must abide by this legislation. It is a legal requirement. People controlling vessels who encounter a dolphin or other marine mammal must travel no faster than idle/no wake speed if within 300m of a dolphin, and do not herd, harass or obstruct marine mammals or cut through groups.
DOC does not have a role in permitting or allowing the race to go ahead. DOC’s role is to advocate for marine mammals and to carry out compliance functions if any incidents involving protected wildlife were to occur which may have broken the law.
SailGP has chosen to hold its event in a marine mammal sanctuary that was established for the protection of Hector’s dolphins. This decision to hold the event there was made in the full knowledge that protection of the dolphins from the impact of boats will be paramount.
In the lead-up, DOC provided feedback and advice on the race organisers’ marine mammal management plan, working closely with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki. Our feedback focused on technical advice ensuring the plan reflected the Marine Mammals Protection Act and Regulations and advocating for the safety of marine mammals.
The marine mammal management plan was developed by and belongs to the race organisers. DOC does not have a role in implementing it. We have staff at the event, including a vessel on the water, who are prepared to respond if an incident involving a marine mammal was to occur.
Hector’s dolphins/upokohue have a conservation status of “Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable”, which means they have been assessed as facing a high risk of extinction in the medium term. They are unique to New Zealand and are one of the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphins.
At this time of year, mothers and calves are present in the harbour and calves have been seen on the course this weekend. Newborn calves and young animals are vulnerable to boat strike as they are less aware of risk, spend more time on the surface and dive more slowly than mature dolphins.
We recognise the importance of events to the region and acknowledge yesterday’s cancellation would have been disappointing for spectators and racers.
The above can be attributed to Henry Weston, DOC Deputy Director-General Operations.
DOC used replica eggs as a management tool during high-risk periods such as storms and high tides, allowing the birds to continue incubating while their real eggs were temporarily held in incubators or moved to safety at Auckland Zoo.
Initially, DOC used hand-painted wooden eggs, followed by real eggs with hollow interiors filled with wax. However, these methods presented challenges as the eggs became fragile over time.
In 2023, with funding from the Endangered Species Foundation (ESF) Tāngaro Tuia te Ora, DOC commissioned Shaun Lee to produce 3D replica eggs, which were then hand painted by artist and marine biologist, Carina Sim-Smith.
Real egg (left) and 3D printed dummy egg (right) used in tara iti nest protection. Image: DOC | DOC
The replica eggs have undergone meticulous design considerations including shape, weight, UV resistance, size, colour, and texture. The success of the replica eggs has been pivotal in protecting tara iti nests, ensuring the birds continue their incubation without disruption.
The resulting eggs are so close to the real thing tara iti parents are completely oblivious when they were swapped out.
“DOC is really lucky to have the support of ESF to produce these 3D eggs which are a crucial management tool used to save tara iti. They allow us to improve productivity and save nests without losing real eggs in the process,” says Ayla Wiles, DOC Biodiversity Ranger, Whangarei.
Natalie Jessup, General Manager of ESF, says: “It’s been so heartening this year to see the progress DOC, volunteers, community groups and Auckland Zoo have made to boost numbers of the tara iti.
“We were happy to see the replacement eggs were successful at holding nesting sites during risky periods when the real eggs were safely cared for at Auckland Zoo – they were so realistic parent birds had no idea they were not sitting on the real thing.”
This success is part of a broader initiative to conserve tara iti populations, which has seen a record-breaking breeding season with 22 eggs laid and 14 chicks successfully hatched.
A dedicated team of tara iti DOC rangers and volunteers works year-round to trap predators, create safe nesting environments, and prevent disturbance near nesting sites.
The tara iti, once widespread, now breeds at only five main nesting sites from Auckland North: Papakānui Spit, Pākiri Beach, Waipū and Mangawhai sandspits, and Te Ārai Stream mouth. DOC collaborates closely with various partners, including Patuharakeke, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Zoo, the Shorebirds Trust, the NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Tara Iti Golf Club, and the Waipū Trapping Group.
Generous support for the tara iti season has been provided by the Shorebirds Trust, Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Tara Iti Golf Club, Auckland Council, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.
Vito and his handler, DOC Senior Ranger Adeline Bosman, were inspecting the mainland site and its surrounding area in case the highly aggressive ants were present as they are a serious risk to native species, which have no defence against them.
Adeline says this is a good news bad news situation.
“The bad news is the ants are present,” says Adeline, “and that they exist in New Zealand at all. The good news is we found this lot before they made it onto a pest-free island, and can handle accordingly.”
First detected in Auckland in the 1990s, Argentine ants are especially difficult to deal with due to their unusual behaviours compared to other ant species. They are highly aggressive, swarming over and biting perceived threats or obstacles, and possess multiple queens per colony. When they detect they are being poisoned, they cease foraging in that area and move away to continue the colony elsewhere.
“Certified conservation dogs are the only active tool we have, alongside passive tools like cameras and traps,” says Adeline. “If it wasn’t for dogs like Vito, we’d be at a much higher risk of these ants spreading even further afield.
“These dogs help prevent disasters before they happen.”
DOC will treat the site and its environs and eradicate the local population of ants before the materials are shipped to Matiu/Somes Island to construct the new wharf, intended to be in service by summer 2024.
Adeline and Vito continued their work in Wellington last week, inspecting sites on Matiu/Somes Island, Mana Island, and Kapiti Island. No incursions of Argentine ants were found on any of these pest-free islands.
“If you’re visiting pest-free islands, please comply with biosecurity regulations and check your clothes and packs,” says Adeline. “We don’t all have Vito’s nose!”
Vito is certified under DOC’s Conservation Dogs Programme. Air New Zealand is the national partner for the Programme, and their investment helps DOC run a world-class programme offering mentoring, training, and certification to dog handler-teams around New Zealand.
The disappointing incident is a reminder for drivers to check and follow the rules before taking vehicles on to conservation land.
Department of Conservation Warranted Officer Lorna Luciani says DOC wants to speak to the group who were seen driving eight quad bikes on the Bealey Spur Track last Saturday (16 March), which is partly in Arthur’s Pass National Park.
The track is popular for both day and overnight walkers. It climbs through native beech forest and crosses pristine sub-alpine terraces with excellent panoramic views over the upper Waimakariri River before ending at the historic musterer’s hut built in 1925.
Vehicles, including quad bikes and mountain bikes, are not permitted on this track.
Lorna says it’s hugely disappointing to see this inconsiderate and anti-social behaviour, impacting both other visitors and the natural environment.
It is estimated the resulting damage to the track and natural surroundings will cost approximately $5,600 to repair.
“Repairing this damage takes our staff away from other critical conservation work, and it’s pretty frustrating for them to see their previous effort and commitment on the job trashed by careless people.
“A DOC ranger visited the scene this week, and said the riders had clearly left the formed walking track in several locations causing considerable damage to native vegetation and a fragile wetland area.
“Many live tree roots on and next to the track were broken or had a ring of bark removed, and ‘corduroy’ logs used to protect boggy areas from foot traffic have been uprooted.
“At one point the quad bikers travelled off the track through known great spotted kiwi/roroa territory.”
Lorna says the tramping track is now littered with tens of thousands of loose rocks dislodged from the track surface, creating numerous trip hazards for other users. Several boardwalks were also damaged.
“We are just relieved they did not also try to get through the large wetland and kettle lake area below Bealey Spur Hut.”
Lorna thanked members of the public for informing DOC of this incident, and especially for cleaning up the litter left behind.
“We’re asking those who were riding the quad bikes, and other hikers who saw them, to come forward and talk to us, please contact arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz,” Lorna says.
If the public has any information about this incident they are urged to provide any information to DOC – and it will be kept strictly anonymous.
“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 the National Park that is not a formed road or campsite is an offence under the Arthur’s Pass National Park bylaws and carries the penalty of an infringement fee of $400 and a maximum fine of $800.
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.
Much like you, probably, I once considered gulls to be associated with the ocean and hot chips – that’s if I considered them at all. Working at the Department of Conservation has taught me to reconsider things.
A gull by any other name
You might think it’s silly that DOC keep insisting on calling them ‘gulls’, rather than seagulls – but it’s with good reason. None of these gulls reside exclusively next to the sea.
Our largest, black-backed gulls (karoro in some dialects) are frequently seen in Tongariro National Park – about as far from the sea as you can get in Aotearoa!
Kararo/black-backed gulls. Image: Shellie Evans. Text on photo: Krysia Nowak.
Our smallest, tarāpuka/black-billed gulls, nest on braided rivers in the South Island, and around lakes in the North Island.
People are regularly surprised to find these gulls inland – probably because ‘sea’ is in the name. But there you have it.
Breeding season for most gulls is spring-summer, so that’s when they tend to bunch together and become more visible. They gang up for safety in numbers to protect their chicks.
Although human food is not good for gulls (or any birds!), they don’t know that, and in summer people eating outside seems like an easy source of food for growing gull families.
Some of our gulls have been moved along from traditional breeding sites – people are encroaching on their natural territories, so they turn up in funny places.
When natural food sources are low (e.g. krill for red-billed gulls), they seek alternatives.
Tarāpunga/red-billed gulls. Image: Shellie Evans. Text on photo: Krysia Nowak.
Here today, gull tomorrow
Two of our three gull species are in decline, so it matters how we react to their breeding decisions. Urban environments aren’t really the best for breeding gulls (or the people around them) and it’s on us to ensure they are encouraged to more natural locations for future seasons.
Number 1 hot tip:
Please don’t feed them!
It’s bad for them
It encourages them to come back next year!
Protected
Tarapūka and tarāpunga are absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. Anyone who disturbs these gulls and/or their nests can be convicted with penalties ranging from fines up to $100,000 and/or up to two years imprisonment.
Tarāpuka/black-billed gull. Image: Shellie Evans. Text on photo: Krysia Nowak.
Spot the difference
I’ll be the first to admit these photos are not a definitive guide to bird identification (for that you can check out our website or NZ Birds Online) but in a pinch they show you the difference between our gulls.
Other ways you can help:
Trap pests near breeding colonies, on your property and in the community
Never feed gulls any food or scraps – some of our food is harmful to them
Be a responsible cat owner
Find and volunteer with your local community conservation group
Get kids or schools involved
Leave nesting birds alone
Avoid leaving old fishing lines in the water
Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control
Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs
Hiking, camping and hunting with your dog on conservation land.
Image: DOC
If you’re planning on camping, tramping or hunting on conservation land with your best four-legged friend this summer, here’s a quick guide to what you need to know before you go.
PrepareProtectEnjoy!
Prepare
Heading to the hills with your hound can be so much fun, but a successful trip will need a bit of planning and preparation.
Depending on what you’re up to or where you’re headed, your pup might need a permit to be there, or only allowed to be there on lead, or may not be allowed there at all*, so it’s vital you check before you head out: Where you can take your dog and access rules: Dog access (doc.govt.nz)
*You may be issued an infringement fine or prosecuted if you take your dogs into no access areas, controlled areas without a permit, or breach the conditions of your permit.
Visit the Department of Conservation website to find:
Image: DOC
You can also search on the webpages for individual DOC walking tracks and campsites to see what the specific access rules are for the site. For example:
One thing to be aware of is that dogs are not allowed inside DOC huts, so if you’re out on an overnighter, make sure you have a plan to keep your furry friend comfortable, warm and secure from dusk to dawn.
Protect nature
Why is dog access controlled on conservation land?
The short answer is, to protect native wildlife and to protect your dog.
To protect our precious native species, DOC carries out predator control using traps and poisons, and both can harm a dog. Some poisons can be fatal to dogs, so always check for signage and website notifications, and keep your dog on lead to keep them safe in areas where traps or poison are being used.
Dogs have also been known to get themselves into situations with dangerous wildlife such as sea lions and come out worse off. Keeping your dog under control or on a lead can mean the difference between an upsetting day out versus an awesome one.
Consider what’s best for your dog to keep them safe in all scenarios. Accidents and incidents can happen when out and about exploring nature.
Becoming a wildlife-wise dog owner helps to keep our wildlife and your dog safe in nature.
Vulnerable native wildlife
Dog attacks can kill or injure species such as kiwi, penguins, and fur seals. For sensitive species like kiwi, even one death can have a devastating impact on their recovery. It is illegal for dogs to injure or kill native wildlife in New Zealand and there is risk of fines and prosecution for owners.
Non-fatal attacks can also have large impacts. Penguins and seabirds may be scared away from nests and abandon eggs or chicks.
Dogs (and other pets) aren’t allowed in some conservation areas, like National Parks, as the risk to native wildlife is too great. In other areas dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. Visit the DOC website to find tracks and campsites where dogs are welcome.
Image: DOC
Dogs on beaches
While your pooch might love a day at the beach, it’s important to remember that lots of native wildlife makes their home on the foreshore.
If you’re hunting with dogs on public conservation land, there are some rules you need to follow. For example, your dog may need to have avian avoidance training and a permit before it can come with you to the hunting block. For more info: Hunting with dogs: Hunting (doc.govt.nz)
Enjoy!
Summer holidays are even better with your dog. They love nothing more than hanging out with you in nature and having an adventure. So – check off what you need to know to keep them safe and legal, make sure you’ve given some thought to how you can protect New Zealand’s native wildlife while you’re out an about, and you’re good to go!
Throughout the year we get people messaging, emailing and calling us up to help them identify different animals, plants and creepy crawlies they’ve found around Aotearoa. Requests come through our social media accounts, visitor centres and the DOC call centre. This increases over the summer period with more New Zealanders out and about exploring over their holidays, and some even coming across our native species in their own backyards!
We love seeing the photos and descriptions of your feathered and scaley finds. We often do our best to help identify species in question, however we don’t always have a scientist or species expert on hand to help identify your finds. So, our recommendation to all observers out there whether you are an expert or an amateur when it comes to our native wildlife, is to join iNaturalist NZ – Mātaki Taiao.
This blog covers the ins and outs of New Zealand’s ever-growing online forum for the nature community, previously known as NatureWatch NZ.
New Zealand Red Admiral | Image: Tony Wills
So, what is iNaturalist NZ – Mātaki Taiao?
Have you ever encountered a reptile, bird, species or plant that was unfamiliar to you? No matter the location, iNaturalist helps identify all sorts of different species both animal and flora. It is a simple process, you create an account, upload your images and become part of a close-knit online community.
A place where you can record what you see in New Zealand nature, meet other nature watchers, and learn about Aotearoa’s natural world. All while contributing to science. Every observation can contribute to our country’s biodiversity science. iNaturalist NZ – Mātaki Taiao was created and is managed by the New Zealand Bio-Recording Network Trust (NZBRN Trust), a registered Charitable Trust in New Zealand.
Mātaki Taiao is the Māori name for iNaturalist, which translates to watching nature. The word Mātaki means to gaze, watch, inspect, examine, or observe. Taiao translates to the natural world around us.
Before iNaturalist, NatureWatch NZ was launched in 2005. It incorporated the same aim as iNaturalist; however, users were unable to upload images. iNaturalist was created a few years later in 2008, in California, after three university students came up with the concept for their final project of their master’s degree.
It grew substantially, and became popular internationally in the following years, and iNaturalist now has 1.8 million registered users globally. It is also co-owned by the California Academy of Sciences, and the National Geographic Society.
iNaturalist is tailored for those who are both curious and knowledgeable, who want to be involved in nature that is available at their fingertips no matter their level of expertise. This site allows the user to:
Keep track and record their encounters with other organisms on their account
Crowdsource identifications, you can connect with experts who can help you identify the organisms you observe
Learn about nature, the user can build their knowledge by talking with other naturalists and helping others
Create useful data, help scientists and resource managers understand when and where organisms occur
Become a Citizen Scientist, find a project with a mission that interests you, start your own or get started by recording observations
Don’t just take our word! Ecologist Jon Sullivan has earned the title of one of New Zealand’s most prolific users of the app and shares why it is important for the conservation of our native wildlife and flora, encouraging New Zealanders to continue to post their observations.
Jon Sullivan is an Ecologist at Lincoln University in Canterbury. Alone, he has recorded tens of thousands of pictures and audio recordings of the many different creatures found in Christchurch. This includes, birds, insects, plants, mould, and mushrooms he has observed.
Jon Sullivan, Lincoln University Ecologist – snaps a fern to log on iNaturalist | Image: Joseph Johnson/STUFF
Since its introduction, the app has helped keep track of pest populations, indicate the change in the climate and the cause it is having on the life cycle of different species.
It has also, been an important factor in rediscovering species that were thought to have been extinct and has even helped the discovery of some new species through the many experts within the community.
Jon Sullivan is the curator for the New Zealand branch of iNaturalist – Mātaki Taiao. Alongside the NZ Bio-Recording Network, Sullivan was instrumental in optimising iNaturalist for New Zealand users. In 2014, Aotearoa became only the second country in the world, to get our own regional network – Mexico being the first.
iNaturalist uses computer learning to give a quick indication of what species the user might have observed in the picture or audio recording. As well as being home to several different experts, who quickly weigh in on what has been captured through the images.
With over 40,000 entries observed, many New Zealand firsts, Jon Sullivan has also contributed to the app by identifying around 50,000 species for other users.
Tracking the spread of new species is important for biosecurity and stopping pests, while protecting what is already there. It is something anyone can help with.
“New Zealand nature is amazing, and we need New Zealanders to be aware of that and engaged in what’s around them…By everyone paying more attention to nature, we’re seeing more new things…It’s also great fun. It makes every day a bit more of an adventure.”
Several of Jon’s finds have even been made as close to home as his backyard! He has logged 591 species, including 209 plants and 119 moths or butterflies. Finding a new species in his Eucalyptus trees, a giant thrip, winged insect – the first encounter in the South Island.
How do you use iNaturalist – Mātaki Taiao?
No matter what level your expertise is, anyone can easily record their observations.
Go to https://inaturalist.nz/ or download the app from your app store on your mobile device.
Works on all your devices, you can always observe even without mobile reception or WIFI.
There are different components to the site, something for everyone. From observers to identifiers as well as different communities you can join. Projects is one of the many initiatives created on the site, where it allows you to pool your observations with other people. Whether you’re starting a citizen science effort of keeping tabs on the birds in your neighbourhood, Projects are the way to go.
iNaturalist NZ Guides, helps you learn about biodiversity all around the world. Wherever you’re exploring big or small, Guides can help you make sense of our planet’s range of diversity. The iNaturalist taxa guides are interactive online pictorial guides to assist in species identification. They can also be printed in various forms and enabled as offline guides available on mobile devices even when out of range of an internet connection.
Example of a Guide on iNaturalist
Guides have a front page with images of each species, and taxon pages describing each species.
User guides may have ‘tags’ describing attributes of each species, e.g. colour, size, shape (generally macro features that help distinguish between them). On the front page of each guide, you can select the attributes you observe and see the species that match.
Taxa info is available if you are looking to observe a particular group of species, such as kararehe (animals), reptiles, manu (birds), arachnids, fungi, amphibians, plants and aitanga pepeke (insects).
There has been mass engagement since the introduction of iNaturalist NZ, our own special regional network started, with 2,087,728 observations to date, 18,701 species observed, and 50,671 people have signed up, these numbers continue to grow each day.
Examples of the latest observations across the country
How to make an observation on iNaturalist:
Open the app or webpage, click the ‘observe’ icon. Here you can choose whether you’d like to take a photo, record sound, or upload an older photo.
Fill in what you saw – it’s okay to be vague like ‘duck’ or ‘mushroom’ if you’re not sure. The app can also use artificial intelligence to make suggestions.
Add where and when you saw it. Make sure to use the ‘captive/cultivated’ slider if it applies to your finding.
Press share. Experts will quickly weigh in to help verify your observation.
Before submitting your observations, make sure the photo is clear and showcases the species you are wanting to be identified.
To find different species in certain places around the country that have already been observed/identified go here. Places have been marked on the map of New Zealand; each place page displays all the species iNaturalist NZ knows about from that certain area. This includes information about the species abundance, conservation status, and who was the first to observe in that place on iNaturalist NZ. You can use filters to find what you are looking for base don taxonomic group, colour, conservation status, or just the full search option in the top right corner – which incorporates all of the above.
Example of the ‘Places’ section on iNaturalist showing the map of New Zealand
We at DOC strongly recommend our followers, as well as anyone who is interested in the many species our country has to offer, and the overall nature community, to download iNaturalist NZ. It is easy to make an account today. This site and app have been a huge help in the conservation of our land, species and nature since its introduction.
There have been species that have been rediscovered purely through an observation, where the location had been pinpointed, making it able to be identified from the experts onsite, these include our very own DOC staff. It is free to use, and we encourage you to have it available next time you are out and about as you do not need internet connection to be able to make observations making it accessible even out deep in the bush!
Make a difference and help preserve our native wildlife and flora this summer, by contributing to iNaturalist NZ today! And if you’re visiting Aotearoa this summer and want to continue observing in your own country, iNaturalist.org is your go to.
Nelson Lakes – the site with the largest number of ‘pets in national parks’ offences in the country. Mainly because the road takes people to the ‘public’ carpark that is actually inside the national park.
The summer holidays are here, and many pet parents and their fur balls are raring (and barking and meowing) to get out of the house. Excitement and enthusiasm is great, but being a responsible pet parent is being conscious of ‘no pets allowed’ spaces. You don’t want to end up getting a fine for your dog in a national park, or your cat. You want that money in your pocket for the holidays, right?
Though pets simply love the great outdoors (most of them, anyway), it’s important to be conscious of the harm they could do to the ecology and wildlife around them – and themselves!
We have been battling to get unaware pet parents to follow the rules. We spoke with our Principal Compliance Officer Jeff Hall on what those rules are, and why we should follow them.
Where aren’t pets allowed?
Let’s first go over the rules around animals in national parks, tracks, and offshore islands in NZ.
Different areas have different regulations on whether you can take your pet there or not.
Some areas allow pets, others require a permit, and some don’t allow pets at all.
Let’s make one thing clear – national parks in New Zealand do not allow pets at all.
Most offshore islands don’t allow pets, either. Some walking tracks and campgrounds may allow pets though, but you should also be aware that some car parks in national parks, such as Kerr Bay in the Nelson Lakes National Park are also “No Pet” areas.
It’s best to check pet-related regulations BEFORE you go. To do so, navigate to this page, select your activity, and tick the ‘dogs allowed’ box. Now you’re able to search all the pet-friendly areas that allows Fido or Felix to come along:
If you’ve already chosen your destination and you’re not sure whether it’s pet friendly or not, phone the nearest DOC visitor centre to the place you intend to visit.
Why will you get a fine for a dog in a National Park?
In short, fines for bringing pets into a national park are there to protect both wildlife and the pet involved. Dogs and cats have a natural instinct to hunt and predate, which poses a risk to New Zealand’s native animals. National parks often house some of our most vulnerable and endangered species, which dogs or cats can maim or kill.
A lot of the native species are ground dwelling and therefore easy for a dog to chase down and attack. The danger to the pets themselves is that they could come across poison intended for pest or predator control, eat it and become seriously ill and/or die.
A black-fronted dotterel, one of New Zealand’s endangered birds.
How big is the pets-in-parks problem?
Despite us being clear on where pets are and aren’t allowed, the team sees it becoming more commonplace for people to bring dogs and cats into national parks.
Since 17 December 2020 to 14 November 2022 there have been a total of 467 recorded cases nationally involving dogs either attacking or killing wildlife or being somewhere they shouldn’t be. The actual instances are thought to be a lot higher as not every one will have been reported.
In one such incident on one of the inner Hauraki Gulf islands (one of New Zealand’s highly protected pest-free offshore islands), an off-leash and unsupervised dog attacked and killed a weka – one of our country’s highly endangered birds.
A weka – threatened, despite being a common sight in some areas
And dogs aren’t the only ones causing chaos.
There have also been instances of people bringing cats into national parks.
A person brought one in her bag, which subsequently ran off into the undergrowth. The lady reported it to us and the cat wasn’t found until the next day. This could have had serious consequences to the local wildlife, which are susceptible to predation.
How big is the fine for a cat or dog in a national park?
The fines can be big, and so can the impact on our precious taonga.
Penalties for allowing a dog to kill wildlife in New Zealand can be severe. According to the NZ Dog Control Act, anyone whose dog seriously injures a person or kills protected wildlife can be fined up to $20,000. They can even face a jail sentence of up to three years. In this instance, three dogs were put down and two owners were fined.
While we’re on the subject of pets (animals) not being allowed in national parks, equally, you can’t take animals out of nationals parks, and keep them as pets. If you’re out and about and see geckos or lizards leave them where they are, they are native taonga species and are not pets.
Lead the waywhile enjoying our parks
Even in areas that allow pets, they should always be on a leash. A long or short lead is very useful on a walking track or beach, for keeping both your dog and other animals safe. Even more so when it’s colour coded.
PD recently partnered with us on our Lead the Way programme, which includes a quiz that teaches pet parents how to become wildlife wise. Once you’ve completed the quiz it’ll unlock the ability to purchase a Lead the Way lead for your dog or cat. These high quality, locally-made leads indicate your pet’s temperament to other pet parents. They’re either green, orange, yellow or red, which means the below:
Green – your pet is happy to be around other pets and people. Orange – your pet isn’t always comfortable around other pets and people. Red – your pet doesn’t like socialising with unfamiliar pets or people. Yellow – your pet is disabled or vulnerable to interactions in some way.
You’ll also be very clearly demonstrating your support for the protection of our precious wildlife. Hopefully that encourages others to do the same!
Now you know why you’ll get a fine for your dog in a national park, or your cat. Knowing where pets aren’t allowed is all part of being a responsible pet parent. Another part is making sure you have proper pet insurance to cover them in case of an accident or illness.
PD Insurance is the Auckland partner for our Lead the Way programme that helps to protect native coastal wildlife and keep dogs and people safe.
We take a look back and count down some of the biggest conservation stories from 2023…
10. Bat counting in Pureora
The pekapeka/short-tailed bat monitoring in Pureora Forest wrapped up for the 2023 season with 219 bats tagged over three nights, surpassing our target of 200, and catching a good mix of juveniles and adults, males and females.
In December we were notified of a surprise hen house break in up North. Waipapa local, Jane, was checking on her chickens when she noticed the intruder, a North Island brown kiwi, taking a nap next to one of her chooks.
According to Jane, the chickens were surprisingly chill about their visitor and seemed to be open to the new company.
Unique kiwi sightings like these are becoming more and more common in the Far North, all thanks to large community groups undertaking intensive predator control and reviving kiwi population numbers.
It’s not every day you come home to find a seal curled up on your front porch, but during seal silly season you never know where these adventurous animals might pop up!
This little pup was found taking a nap on the porch of a Wellington family’s home in September. It had been on a bit of a mission, climbing up the seawall stairs, crossing a road, hiking up a footpath, a driveway, and finally another set of stairs, before reaching its nap spot. Our Kapiti-Wellington standby officer was called out to relocate the young kekeno, and took it further around the coast to a safe place away from dogs and traffic.
Have you listened to any of the *award-winning* podcast episodes we’ve made this year?
Our Sounds of Science podcast offers a behind-scenes-look at how we care for NZ’s native species and natural environment. We won a silver in Climate section at the New Zealand Podcast awards! Thanks to the NZ Podcast Awards! We don’t envy the tough job your judges had.
Extreme weather events earlier this year caused widespread damage to conservation areas, tracks, campgrounds and huts, heritage sites and native species and habitats. Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and Hawke’s Bay were most severely affected.
By July staff had checked, cleaned-up and reopened about 80% of roughly 500 visitor sites closed for safety due to the extreme weather.
More than 10,000 wild goats were shot for the National Wild Goat Hunting competition. The competition encouraged hunters to target wild goats and raised awareness of the damage they cause to New Zealand’s precious native ecosystems and farmlands.
The competition was a joint endeavour by the DOC and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association to help raise awareness of the damage wild goats can do.
In November protected native geckos were returned to the wild after years in illegal captivity.
Charges were brought under the Wildlife Act relating to the unauthorised holding of 63 geckos and skinks – from 11 different species. The man responsible was fined $7000 and the animals were released in to the wild or rehomed with authorised keepers, as they couldn’t be released to the wild after being held in captivity for a long time.
DOC and Air New Zealand renewed their partnership to work together for conservation, announcing a further five-year commitment and a doubling of direct investment annually.
Building on more than a decade of collaboration, the renewal will see Air New Zealand directly invest more than $5 million in DOC biodiversity programmes over the next five years including support for the Conservation Dogs programme.
1. Fiordland Kiwi Diaries
Down in the remote wilderness of Fiordland, kiwi are in trouble. Over three years, DOC rangers monitored 34 chicks in the rugged Shy Lake area. Not a single one survived. Most were killed by stoats.
In 2020, we aerially applied 1080 bait in the area for the first time to knock back introduced predators and buy time for kiwi to grow.
Our Fiordland Kiwi Diaries exclusive miniseries follows the work of our dedicated rangers to save the Fiordland tokoeka.
