Category: Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  18 December 2023

Deputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services Ruth Isaac says that information received through the public notification period will be considered as part of the application process.

“DOC is required to run a robust and transparent concession process when it receives an application to use Public Conservation Land for commercial purposes.

“Ensuring commercial activity on conservation land is carried out in a way that protects wildlife and landscape as much as possible is vital.

“We understand there has been a lot of uncertainty around the future of skiing on Mt Ruapehu and thank people for their patience with this process.” says Ruth Isaac.

The public submission period will begin Wednesday 20 December and will end 9 February 2024.

Pure Tūroa’s application will be available on the DOC website for the public to review and fill in the submission form.

The application is being notified as soon as possible to allow people the best opportunity to make submissions. The holiday period (20 December – 10 January) is not included in the 20 working day minimum timeframe, which starts on 11 January 2024.

If submitters wish to be heard in person, DOC will hold a public hearing in February 2024.

At this stage DOC has not received an application for concessions for the Whakapapa ski field. Whakapapa ski field will therefore remain under the ongoing management of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited’s receivers at this stage.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  18 December 2023

The Te Araroa Trust has provided 2000-litre rainwater tanks at DOC huts, Starveall, Slaty, Tarn, Hunters and Red Hills in the Richmond Ranges and at Blue Lake Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park. At each hut, the additional tank supplements an existing 2000-litre tank.

DOC Nelson Lakes Operations Manager John Wotherspoon says being part of Te Araroa has considerably increased usage of the backcountry Richmond Ranges huts, from scores to thousands of people a year staying overnight, and in dry summer weather, tank water often runs out.  

“Some Richmond Ranges huts have rivers or streams nearby where people can get water, but tank water running out has particularly been a problem at high-altitude huts where there is no nearby water source.

“Blue Lake Hut is busy in summer both with Te Araroa walkers and others making the trip to see the stunning Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake, which is reported to have the clearest freshwater in the world. Rotomairewhenua is tapu/sacred to mana whenua iwi, particularly to Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. People are asked not to touch the water in these lakes to uphold their mauri/life force and pureness.

“Extra tank water will reduce the possibility of people filling their water bottles from the lake.

“We’re grateful to Te Araroa Trust for stepping in to provide the six additional water tanks so people staying at these huts over summer have more likelihood of water coming out when they turn on the taps.” 

Around 4000 people a year make the 3000-kilometre Te Araroa journey from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.

Te Araroa Trust’s executive director Matt Claridge says the new tanks are a valuable addition to the trail.

“Thanks to funding from the New Zealand Community Trust, our walkers will have access to fresh water onsite and when you’re walking the length of the country this is a huge benefit.

Mr Claridge says thanks must also go to Te Araroa Te Tau Ihu Trust (Nelson/Marlborough) for helping facilitate the installation of the tanks.

The Richmond Ranges is one of the most challenging Te Araroa sections and DOC advises people walking the route to be well prepared for its rugged terrain and the possibility of flooded rivers, freezing temperatures and snow.

“Advanced tramping skills, including river crossing skills, along with alpine tramping and navigational experience are needed for walking the Richmond Ranges route,” says John Wotherspoon.

“We strongly recommend people don’t pack light, aiming to walk the route quickly, as they can be caught out if there are delays due to bad weather or flooded rivers. People should wear sturdy footwear and carry extra food, plenty of warm clothing and a tent or other emergency shelter. They should also have a distress beacon to get help if needed.

“Many river crossings are unbridged. People should not attempt to cross flooded rivers if unsure it’s safe and there are no clear points to enter and exit the river – turn back or wait for the water level to drop.”

People planning to walk the Richmond Ranges are advised to read the Richmond Ranges Te Araroa route information on the DOC website to ensure they are well prepared and that the trip is right for them.

DOC will be surveying southbound Te Araroa walkers at Blue Lake Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park over much of the summer to gauge numbers using DOC huts, campsites and tracks in the top of the South Island. Walkers will also be asked to rate their experience of these facilities. 

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 December 2023

A total of 10,134 wild goats were shot for the competition. The competition encouraged hunters to target wild goats on either public or private land and raised awareness of the damage they cause to New Zealand’s precious native ecosystems and farmlands. There were more than $50,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, with national prize winners have been announced today on DOC’s National Goat Hunting Competition web page and via NZDA and DOC’s social media channels. 

Nearly 700 hunters entered the competition, and many reported they would be more likely to hunt wild goats because of the competition. They also reported as well as enjoying hunting and winning prizes, that being outdoors, getting some exercise and contributing to conservation were primary motivations for entering.  

Competition entrant Jesse O’Gorman says he saw a flyer in his local Hunting & Fishing store and thought it would be a good thing to give a go.

“It’s good exercise and fun to get out in the bush, while knowing what you’re doing is helping the environment. I collected 54 tails from properties around the Wellington region.”

Jesse says he dropped flyers into letterbox to ask if he could hunt on property owners’ land. This led to gaining permission to hunt wild goats on a large forestry block and QEII blocks. He also shoots hares for the forestry manager.

“I also brought my little sister out for a hunt, she loves the outdoors and hunting.”

NZDA National Vice President Callum Sheridan says: “It has been great to see hunters getting involved. Wild goat hunting terrain can be rugged and tough going – offering a great backcountry adventure.”

DOC National Programmes Director Ben Reddiex says the competition brought hunters, landowners, and the conservation sector together to collectively help raise awareness of the damage wild goats can cause to native plants and farmlands, and encourage hunter participation.

“We have seen some great organised wild goat hunts, promotional events, and wild goat meat barbeques held across the country by hunters, farmers, DOC and Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd. Television hunting shows NZ Hunter and The Hunters Club also got in on the action, featuring stories on the competition.

“Managing wild goat numbers is an ongoing challenge for New Zealand’s native ecosystems and farmlands. Even though the competition is over, wild goats breed quickly. Hunters and farmers can continue to play a role in reducing numbers to help protect the environment.”

Wayne Langford, Chair of Federated Farmers New Zealand says: “Wild goats and other pests are a huge issue right across the country. They eat pasture, spread disease, and undermine a lot of the good environmental work that’s being done in communities.” 

“Being wild means these animals don’t stay in one place – and that’s the challenge. The goats roam freely across both public and private land, so we all have a shared responsibility and role to play in keeping numbers under control.

“Federated Farmers was proud to be a part of this initiative because it brought farmers, hunters, and the government together to try and do something about the problem.”

The series of recipes featuring wild goat meat, created specifically for the competition were hugely popular, highlighting the community’s interest in both conservation and resource utilisation. Dariush Lolaiy, chef and co-owner of the Auckland wild food specialist restaurant Cazador, developed these recipes.

Dariush says: “Wild goat is a versatile protein well suited to the coal grill, slow braises, and even charcuterie. Given the transport and ammunition costs associated with hunting wild goats, finding tasty ways to use the meat is important.”

Hunting and Fishing NZ Ltd was a founding sponsor and supporter of the competition.

“If we can symbiotically enjoy the outdoors, promote hunter-led conservation, and put food on the table, then everyone wins,” says Chris Sharland, Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd’s Marketing Manager.

The value of utilising wild goat meat, getting into the outdoors, and supporting conservation initiatives is something Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd stands behind as well, Chris says. Many of the company’s Hunting & Fishing stores were popular entry points for the competition.

DOC and NZDA thanked competition’s 2023 sponsors. The support and prizes donated by sponsors played a pivotal role in the competition’s success.

• Founding sponsor: Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd
• Major sponsors: NZ Hunter and Huntech
• Supporting sponsors: Traeger Grills, Back Country Cuisine, Lowa Boots, InfiRay, Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority, Tatonka, Bushnell, LEDLenser, Thorlo, and Topo4GPS 

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 December 2023

Senior Ranger Cameron Hunt says in July DOC staff became aware of several sections of cleared bush on the northwest side of the park near Pukeiti.

Working closely with NZ Police, they discovered a campsite and several clearings in the area. The clearings measured up to 10m by 10m, and a pile of rubbish was found at the campsite.

A CCTV camera set up at one of the clearings captured the picture of a man DOC is keen to identify – prompting the release of the image and a call to the public for help.

“This man’s face is clearly shown in the CCTV image and we’d like to speak to him about what’s happened here.

“We believe someone knows who he is, and we’d welcome any information which helps us identify him.”

CCTV footage captured the man DOC is keen to identify
Image: Cameron Hunt | DOC

Cameron says whoever set up the camp has gone to some trouble, taking in 200l plastic water tanks, a 44-gallon steel drum, five car batteries, a small fridge, a gas cooker and even constructing a basic platform, or floor, from ponga logs and plywood.

“This person is obviously pretty organised and quite committed to whatever they were doing.”

Anyone who can identify the man in the picture is urged to contact Cameron Hunt on 027 246 1083 or by emailing chunt@doc.govt.nz.

Under the Conservation Act, it is illegal to fell or remove trees, shrubs or plants on or from public conservation land.

It can result in a fine of up $100,000 and two years in jail. If the offending continues, further fines of $10,000 a day can be imposed.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 December 2023

DOC, well-being sector partners, and iwi collaborated to create Ways to Wellness: He Ara Taiao ki te Ora Tairāwhiti.  

DOC Tairāwhiti Operations Manager Matt Tong says the guide has a nature therapy focus, encouraging people to spend time in nature for their mental and physical well-being, healing, and recovery. 

“We’re thrilled to release the guide in time for the summer as the days get longer and the whenua is drying out, giving people more opportunity to explore our beautiful region and connect with te taiao (nature),” says Matt.

“Similar to how a doctor recommends physical activity as a therapy for many conditions, this guide suggests nature as therapy. Not only are there the many benefits of physical activity while connecting with te taiao, there is also evidence of the positive impact on mental wellbeing, recovery time, and other factors in our overall well-being.” 

The guide features five short walks close to the city, as well as information on where to loan a ViMo (all-terrain wheelchair) for free, how to get involved in volunteering, and nature-focused activities for families. For those wanting to go on their own wairua (spiritual) journey, ideas for how to get started are also in the guide.

Sports Gisborne Tairāwhiti, Ngā Manu Taupua Manager Kelly Nelson says getting outdoors supports overall well-being in many ways. 

“Not only are our local walking tracks a place for movement, but they are also great spaces to connect with te taiao for play and taking a break from our busy lives.”

Tairāwhiti Community Voice Co-ordinator Tracy Bacon, representing social services, is pleased to hear of the great incentive in our region.

“With cost a barrier to many, this allows all to participate. We will utilise this as part of the support to our community, enhancing the wellness of many.”

With summer approaching, people can start their ways to wellness journey by picking up or downloading a copy of the guide. 

The guide will be distributed by doctors, mental health advocates, disability sector staff, and partner organisations. It is also available from the Department of Conservation, Tairawhiti Environment Centre, Sports Gisborne Tairawhiti, Gisborne Volunteer Centre, and online at www.doc.govt.nz.

Ways to Wellness: He Ara Taiao ki te Ora Tairāwhiti (PDF, 3,165K)

Background information 

Ways to Wellness Tairawhiti: He Te AraTaiao ki te Ora Tairawhiti was originally developed using the ‘Healthy Nature Healthy People’ programme, which ran in DOC from 2015 until 2021. It encouraged New Zealanders to connect with nature to improve their health and wellbeing.

The guide was made possible due to a network of representatives from the Tairāwhiti health, environment, recreation, volunteering, disability, iwi and community development sectors. It now includes Sports Gisborne Tairāwhiti, Parafed Tairāwhiti, Strive Rehab and others. Supported by tangata whenua health providers, medical professionals, and Project Co-ordinators Sandra Groves (First Chapter) and Charles Barrie (Taiao Huru Huri).

The guide follows the Mental Health Foundation Five Ways to Well-being: Connect, Take Notice, Be Active, Give, Keep Learning. 

ViMo means vitality in motion. It’s a multi-function, all-terrain, lightweight collapsible recreational wheelchair. It would benefit the disabled, elderly people, or those who are experiencing injury and illness, including whanau with limited mobility. ViMo chairs don’t move by themselves – you will need someone to push them. The ViMo chairs can tackle many of the walking tracks and green spaces, but they are not good on steps.  

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  12 December 2023

The camp and other accommodation facilities have been closed since August after early geotechnical findings found there was a risk heavy rain could trigger more landslides and debris from a June landslide, into the path of the accommodation facilities.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Deep Cove Trust have been working with expert engineers to better understand the risk and are now able to reopen the hostel building.

DOC Operations Manager for Te Anau, John Lucas, says the comprehensive new findings show that with the right measures in place, the camp can once again invite guests to stay overnight.

“Safety is the top priority for both DOC and the Trust. Now we have a more complete picture of the risks, we can look at what mitigations might be possible. In this instance the highest risk is during periods of heavy or extreme rainfall. What that means is the Trust will have safety plans in place to restrict activities in and around the hostel when there’s a MetService red rainfall warning in place.”

Deep Cove Trust chairman Mike MacManus says the hostel is thrilled to be able to welcome overnight guests back.

“For many Otago and Southland people Deep Cove Camp has rated as their most memorable camp and has been a rite of passage for over 50 years, and it was with great sadness that we announced the temporary closure of the facilities back in August. However, with the information on hand, we couldn’t offer with certainty that the facilities weren’t going to be significantly affected by another event. Now with new in-depth information to hand we can plan ways to safely host people here once more.”

While the hostel can be reopened, the findings show there is still further work to be done for the other facilities such as the managers accommodation, Wilmot Lodge and the Tree House and they remain closed.

The Trust will work directly with schools around their bookings for the new year and ensure the new safety plans are well communicated with all involved.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  04 December 2023

Surveying of kiwi in the area between Tairua and Hot Water Beach has shown a 10% increase from 2015 to 2020.

Numbers are expected to continue to increase following the recent distribution of biodegradable 1080 bait pellets at Whenuakite which will provide further protection to kiwi from stoats.

Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group spokesperson Janice Hinds says the area’s kiwi benefit from a combined predator control approach.

“We have an amazing crew of landowners who contribute to on-ground predator control covering 3,500 hectares.

“Then, every 3-4 years the Department of Conservation and Waikato Regional Council apply 1080 bait – cleaning up the possums destroying the canopy, and the trap-shy rats and mustelids we miss.

“The difference is extraordinary.”

Coromandel has a long history of environmental protection and conservation work, much of it focused on species found in its expansive forests.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Leon Pickering says vulnerable brown kiwi are a particular focus of the aerial predator control programme.

“We know that kiwi chicks are especially at risk – with up to 95% loss of chicks being killed by predators in some locations.

“Sustained predator control, a paired system like this, means around 60% of the chicks make it to adulthood.”

Monitoring has shown the recent aerial 1080 operation in Whenuakite managed to reduce rodents to an undetectable level. Stoats have also been controlled, at a rate of 90-100% on average, through secondary poisoning as they feed on rodent carcasses.

While kiwi are more active at night, Janice says during the day there are further signs of the biodiversity gains from the programme.

“We’ve seen flocks of kererū – up to 250 at a time, and the tomtits are spreading up from the South, we’ve seen pōhutukawa trees flower for the first time in a lifetime.”

Leon says the support of the community has been critical to achieving this success.

“We’ve had landowners coming across kiwi in their backyards – they’re seeing the results – more and more are coming to us and asking to be involved.”

Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group is in it for the long haul.

“Dad (Arthur Hinds 1946-2017) was involved from the early days, and now it’s a family thing – we just got our 2-and-a-half year-old grandson some tramping boots, that’s some succession planning!”, says Janice.

“We would like to thank Save the Kiwi and Waikato Regional Council for their financial support to keep our work going.”

Whenuakite kiwi, and the whole forest ecosystem around them, are in good hands.

Background information

Whenuakite Kiwi Care group was established in 2001. The group works across 4000 ha of private and conservation land to care for kiwi and their habitat between Tairua and Hot Water Beach.

The wider Coromandel region has seen the highest rate of increase in brown kiwi numbers anywhere in the country over the last two decades, in large part due to community groups such as Whenuakite Kiwi Care.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  01 December 2023

The Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit responds to increasing demand for sustainable seafood by supporting the tuna longline fishing industry to implement measures to reduce seabird bycatch.

The Department of Conservation and the Southern Seabirds Trust presented the toolkit project this week to an APEC roundtable of representatives from governments, industry, NGOs and academia from ten APEC economies.

“This project signals a new approach to bycatch mitigation because we’re engaging directly with the industry – those who are having the highest impact on our birds,” DOC’s International Manager Danica Stent says.

“The toolkit will support companies and fleet managers to achieve their objectives for seabird bycatch management. Although it doesn’t promote new regulations or standards, it will present information on bycatch mitigation in a way that is practical and accessible.”

The toolkit will bring together essential information about the ocean areas important to threatened seabirds, the best measures to avoid bycatch of seabirds, and robust monitoring methods.

International seafood industry and sustainability giants Thai Union, Tri Marine and Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS) joined the event expressing their support for the toolkit and how it can help reverse seabird population declines while at the same time delivering benefits to industry.

Danica Stent says the biggest threat for many seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, is bycatch in tuna longline fisheries on the high seas, outside New Zealand.

“This threat is driving decline of many species, and some of our most critically threatened species may become extinct in our lifetimes if we do not address the problem.

“New Zealand is home to more breeding seabirds than anywhere else in the world, many of which are taonga to Māori and 90% are in trouble.”

In a global seabird bycatch assessment funded by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries, it was estimated that 30,000-40,000 seabirds are being caught every year in the southern hemisphere.

Danica Stent says the bycatch problem can be solved if longline vessels use simple and cost-effective tools that make fishing “seabird safe”.

“Solutions to the bycatch problem include bird scaring lines to scare birds away from baited hooks, weighting hooks so they sink quickly away from diving birds and setting hooks at night.

“This forum gives us access to fishing economies with fleets that have a high overlap with our vulnerable seabirds, including Japan, People’s Republic of China, and Chinese Taipei.”

Development of the Seabird Safe Fishing Toolkit is being supported by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ocean and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG).

Five APEC economies co-sponsored the roundtable to discuss the toolkit: Chile, Chinese Taipei, People’s Republic of China, Peru, and the United States.

The toolkit will be developed over 2024 and presented to the APEC Oceans and Fisheries Working Group in August 2024.

Background information

• Thirty-one percent of all seabirds are listed as threatened by IUCN. Satellite tracking seabirds shows they face the highest threats in the high seas’ areas.
• Compared to other nations, New Zealand has the greatest number and diversity of seabird species, 90% of which are threatened or at risk of extinction.
• The toolkit project is being developed by the APEC (Association Ocean and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG). The project was initially presented to the OFWG in late July 2023, and was well received.
• Development of the Seabird Safe Fishing Toolkit is funded by the New Zealand Nature Fund, Live Ocean, and a US philanthropist, and led by Southern Seabirds Trust, in partnership with the Department of Conservation.
• The Southern Seabirds Trust is a non-profit organisation whose partners are the New Zealand Government (Department of Conservation, Fisheries New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Seafood New Zealand, Te Ohu Kai Moana and WWF-New Zealand. The Trust works collaboratively with fishers and fishing companies to protect seabirds.

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