Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  19 June 2024 Source:  Auckland Airport and Department of Conservation

• Improved shade and shelter for pedestrians as the walkway route changes to keep travellers safe and make way for construction bringing together domestic jet and international travel
• Inter-terminal bus continues to operate every 15 minutes.

With construction ramping up on Auckland Airport’s new integrated terminal development, a new version of the inter-terminal walkway, commonly known as ‘the green line’, opens today.

Auckland Airport has teamed up with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to showcase Aotearoa New Zealand’s beautiful walks along the new green line walkway, where an estimated 24,000 travellers walk each week between the international and domestic terminals. 

Displaying some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, there are 36 different DOC tracks and locations celebrated along the green line thanks to giant panoramic photos, featuring multi-day walks along the golden bays of the Abel Tasman and through the forests of the Paparoa Track on the West Coast. There are also single-day walks including the Rangitoto Summit Track in Auckland and the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail in the Coromandel.

There are also snapshots highlighting off-the-beaten-track and more well known tracks such as the Goat Island Walkway in Auckland, the Tawhai Falls Track in Manawatū-Whanganui and the Maunganui Bluff Track in Northland.

“As New Zealand’s gateway airport, where 75% of international visitors first arrive in our country, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on our country’s stunning landscape and all the amazing places people can choose to visit,” said Auckland Airport’s Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge.

“Our trusty green line walkway is a well-known feature of the airport for people who would rather stretch their legs between flights than take our inter-terminal bus.

“As we adjust the green line route for construction, we wanted to give travellers a taste of the unique walks New Zealand has to offer and all the wonderful work DOC does to open up the outdoors to visitors. We were thrilled to work with DOC on this project,” she said.

DOC maintains around 15,000 km of track across Aotearoa, with around three out of five (61%) international visitors undertaking a short walk or a day walk in the outdoors on their trip to New Zealand. Around two out of five (43%) international travellers visit a national park in New Zealand.

DOC Deputy Director-General Public Affairs, Sia Aston, said: “When Auckland Airport approached us about this project, we jumped at the chance to showcase some of New Zealand’s most stunning natural landscapes and ecosystems, which we want people to enjoy.

“Our unique environment is a drawcard both for international tourists and New Zealanders. DOC works hard to provide experiences that allow people to connect with nature, history and culture. We hope visitors will be blown away by the beautiful options on display, then get out and enjoy them for real.”

The new 950m long walkway follows signage and in most places a green line painted on the footpath, making it easy for customers to navigate their way between terminals. The new route for the walkway is approximately 150 metres longer than the former walkway, adding between two – four minutes depending on your walking speed.

Providing additional shade and shelter, almost three quarters (72%) of the walkway is now undercover thanks to the route passing through 15 containers and part of the Transport Hub building. Two new small rest areas and pōhutukawa trees are along the walkway, adding to the improved experience.

“While some people enjoy a stroll between terminals, people naturally prefer it when the weather’s fine. Our new route is designed to give people more protection from the elements, while we also work to keep them safe from busy construction zones.”

The new walkway route was necessary to make way for the next phases of construction for the integrated terminal, with 35 per cent of the development currently underway and over 600 people working on the build. 

Ms Surridge said as construction continues to make good progress on site, keeping travellers safe on precinct is the airport’s priority.

“The new walkway circles around the eastern end of the existing international terminal, through the Transport Hub and around construction zones. Right now the green line runs through the middle of the footprint of future essential baggage infrastructure to support the new domestic terminal.

“When it opens in 2028/2029, walking between terminals will be a thing of the past for travellers moving between international and domestic jet flights, something we can’t wait to deliver for our customers.

“Upgrading the airport is a bit like changing the car tires while the car is moving, meaning we need to carefully map out every stage of the build, while keeping the airport operating smoothly 24/7,” she said.

Auckland Airport workers will be operating barriers at pedestrian road crossings, between 5am until 11pm.

For those who prefer not to walk between terminals, Auckland Airport operates a free terminal transfer bus service between the domestic and international terminals. It runs every 15 minutes between 5am-11pm, with the trip taking about ten minutes. At the international terminal, the bus leaves from Bus Stop B at the Transport Hub and at the domestic terminal, outside Door 2 from Bus Stop C.

For more information on the DOC walks, visit www.doc.govt.nz/explore

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  18 June 2024

DOC is urging dog owners to ensure they only take dogs where allowed and to keep their dogs under control after two little blue penguins/kororā were killed by dogs in two separate incidents in Tasman in recent months.

Infringement notice fees totalling $1400 were issued to the owners of two dogs in relation to the penguin deaths.

One dog killed a little blue penguin at Observation Bay on the Abel Tasman coast, resulting in DOC infringement notice fees of $1200. A family had taken the dog to the beach and the dog had gone into bush and returned with the penguin in its mouth. Dogs are not allowed in Abel Tasman National Park or in that part of the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve.  

Tasman District Council issued an infringement notice fee of $200 to another dog owner for failing to control her dog after it killed a little blue penguin at Tapu Bay, Kaiteriteri. Dogs are allowed off-lead at Tapu Bay, but the owner had a moment of inattention towards her dog, and it pulled the penguin out of a burrow. The owner immediately arranged for the penguin to receive veterinary treatment but it died 12 hours later.

DOC Motueka Biodiversity Ranger Leon Everett says dog owners have responsibility for ensuring they know where they can take their dogs, what dog control rules apply and for controlling their dogs to keep native wildlife safe.

“Keeping dogs under control in areas they are allowed enables dogs and wildlife to safely share beaches and other places.

“It’s a legal requirement for dog owners to carry a lead in public, even in an off-lead area. Dog owners should also be able to call their dog back straight away, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe.

“On the beach, walk with dogs on the wet sand to avoid little blue penguin burrows in cliff faces and rocky banks and to prevent disturbing shorebird nesting areas in sand dunes or around driftwood. Stay clear of groups of resting shorebirds to avoid stressing them.

“Little blue penguins are not only vulnerable when moving between the sea and their nests at dawn and dusk, but also while in their burrows.

“Penguins and other ground dwelling native birds can’t escape dogs easily. It takes just a second for a dog to cause a fatal injury to a penguin so owners need to be attentive to their dog’s behaviour and be able to recall them immediately if they’re showing interest in wildlife.”

A DOC-led Lead the Way initiative is trying to avoid these situations through advocacy and awareness, by empowering dog owners to share the beach safely with wildlife.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 June 2024

DOC is asking public to be on the lookout for juvenile pinnipeds (adventurous fur seals, sea lions and seals) that may start appearing in unusual locations, a period often referred to as ‘seal silly season’.

“From June – September we start to see young seals begin to explore their environment, often showing up in unexpected places,” says DOC Marine Science Advisor Dr Jody Weir.

Kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals, are marine mammals that spend considerable time on land, typically resting but occasionally exploring. Although they are usually found on rocky shores, their natural curiosity sometimes leads them several kilometres inland.

“Young seals, still dependent on their mother’s milk, tend to venture further afield during this period. It’s not uncommon to find them on roads, in backyards, or even on living room sofas,” explains Dr Weir.

This year has been particularly challenging for New Zealand’s fur seals, with more than 1,000 deaths due to starvation along the Kaikōura coast.

“Although we can’t solve the broader issues of climate change and food scarcity overnight, we can all contribute to keeping these fascinating animals safe,” Dr Weir says.

Last year, seals were spotted in unexpected places, such as the car park of KFC in Papakura and Bunnings in Whangarei. In these instances, DOC intervened to relocate the seals safely back to the water.

“Most seals people encounter are healthy, and behaviours like regurgitating, sneezing, coughing, or crying are normal.”

“People should enjoy observing them from a distance and contact DOC only if they are in immediate danger, such as being on a road, severely injured, or tangled in debris,” says Dr Weir.

If you see a seal that is severely injured, being harassed, or in danger, please call

• 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

How You Can Help Protect Seals

• Watch out for seals on roads.
• Keep dogs at a safe distance.
• Educate others on how to behave around wildlife.

Background Information

• Never touch, handle, or feed a seal as they can be aggressive if threatened. It is also a breach of the Marine Mammals Protection Act.
• Maintain a distance of at least 20 meters from kekeno if possible, and avoid getting between the seal and the sea.
• Give seals space if encountered on or near a beach.
• Always keep dogs on a leash and away from seals.
• Ensure small children are at a safe distance and under control when watching seals.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 June 2024

The Chatham Islands are among Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important conservation places, with unique wildlife like karure / kakaruia / Chatham Island black robin, tāiko/ Chatham Island petrel, and parea /Chatham Island wood pigeon. However, the remote location of the Chatham Islands creates challenges for DOC, both in delivering its work and ensuring the wellbeing of its team.

The operational restructure of DOC’s Chatham Island District team will merge it with the Wairarapa District Team. This change is intended to address existing issues and improve our resilience in delivering this critical conservation work.

This change is hoped to strengthen our partnerships on the islands, allowing us to work in a more integrated way with imi, iwi, and key stakeholders, and improve how we engage with and work alongside the community. It will also improve connectivity between the local team and the rest of DOC, enabling the island leadership to readily work with national experts to ensure best practice delivery of work programmes, strongly aligned with our strategies, policies, and priorities.

Instead of the 10.5 FTE (11 people) currently working in the Chatham Islands District team, there will now be 7 full time roles on island year-round under the new structure, who will share space with the Chatham Islands District Council. Office-based roles will be located off-island as part of the wider district team.

Over the busy summer months from October to April, the on-island team will be bolstered by an additional seasonal team of approximately 20 people comprised of secondments, contractors, and volunteers. While the new operating model is not being driven by funding or cost savings, this larger team of highly skilled and motivated workers on island over summer will be able to provide the best conservation outcomes we can for this unique environment, for the same level of financial investment.

DOC has worked to ensure all staff currently working in both the Chatham and Wairarapa teams have similar jobs available to them, and has engaged in discussion with stakeholders, staff who have worked on the Chatham Islands, and the Public Service Association (PSA).

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 June 2024

The rangers were examining the success of predator control in protecting pekapeka from threats like stoats, rats and possums, as part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Sarah Wills says the size of the roost – 275 individual pekapeka – was staggering.

“Our rangers were buzzing at the discovery of such a massive roost. Being there and seeing the roost was a real privilege.”

A typical pekapeka roost holds up to 100 individuals. The record of 358 bats was from a roost in a cave in the Te Kuiti-Waitomo area, monitored in the 1990s. The latest find is the largest recorded for a tree roost.

“We couldn’t ask for a better demonstration of predator control benefitting our critically endangered pekapeka,” says Sarah.

Pekapeka are only found in Aotearoa New Zealand. They most often shelter in trees during the day, usually choosing the oldest trees with large cavities to roost in. Colonies regularly move between different roost trees, so predator control needs to take place over large areas to protect them.

An intensive predator control programme has operated across Whirinaki Te Pua-ā-Tāne Conservation Park for more than 20 years, with DOC and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare working in partnership to protect the species and ecosystems of Whirinaki.

“Predator control has made all the difference for species normally vulnerable to predation or browsing by stoats, rats and possums,” says Sarah.

“We already know predator control is benefiting native species like whio, kiwi, and tōtara in Whirinaki, and it’s fantastic to see it paying off for pekapeka across the wider area.”

The programme includes aerially applied 1080 bait, as well as ground control methods.

The next aerial predator control operation, scheduled for winter this year, is expected to give native birds and pekapeka a greater chance to breed successfully in spring and summer.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  29 May 2024

In a systematic search covering 82% of the 78,000 hectare national park, the high-resolution thermal camera detected no goats.

Follow-up eDNA testing at several waterways – aimed at detecting genetic material of any species in the area – also failed to detect goats.

DOC Biodiversity Supervisor Danial van der Lubbe says the recent surveys have given a baseline for wild goat numbers in the park.

“The results attest to the effectiveness of our ongoing goat control efforts in surrounding areas; but we know by their nature aerial surveys can’t spot everything,” says Danial.

“Thermal cameras can’t detect animals in dense, forested areas, so there may be the odd goat hiding away in these spots.”

A long-running wild goat control programme in neighbouring Tongariro Forest and Erua conservation areas aims to minimize the opportunity for invasions into the national park.

“It will be an ongoing challenge, monitoring and preventing any establishment in the national park,” says Danial.

“We had a sighting of a goat near the boundary of the national park in April, so it’s always possible one will turn up.

“Thermal imaging, eDNA – these are all tools to help us detect them, now and into the future, but we also do rely on people who are out there all the time to keep an eye on it.”

Wild goats can cause significant damage to New Zealand’s alpine and forest ecosystems. They heavily browse native plants and eat seedlings which can change the number and type of plants present in an area and takes food and shelter from native animals.

People encountering goats in Tongariro National Park are encouraged to report the details, including the location, time, and number of goats, to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). A photo or video would be helpful if possible.

Background information

Wild Animal Management Programme

•  DOC’s programme manages wild goats, deer, pigs, tahr, and chamois at priority conservation sites to protect native plants and habitats.
• We aim to maintain or achieve wild-animal-free areas, prevent the spread of wild animals into new areas, and manage numbers elsewhere to maintain functioning ecosystems.
• Managing wild animal numbers helps to increase forests’ health and resilience in dealing with climate change.

eDNA testing

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to all the tiny traces of genetic material that are left behind as living things pass through water or soil. eDNA testing can provide a snapshot of the plants and animals in a local area at a specific point in time.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  28 May 2024

DOC, Ngāi Tahu and Coal Island Trust moved four male kākāpō to the Fiordland site in a bid to investigate whether the 1163 ha island could one day support a larger breeding population.

DOC Operations Manager for Kākāpō Deidre Vercoe says the move is the next step towards solving the kākāpō habitat shortage.

“With a breeding season predicted for 2026, we are looking at new sites to relieve population pressure on the islands that kākāpō currently live on.”

Coal Island, with its similar habitat and proximity to existing breeding islands, could be our next key site, says Deidre.

“The Coal Island Trust has done incredible work over the last couple of decades removing predators to turn the island into a haven for many native species.”

Coal Island Trust chair Ali King says the kākāpō transfer is one of the highlights of the Trust’s 20-year focus on reintroducing native birds to the island.

“So many trustees and volunteers have worked tirelessly for the past twenty years to help make this day possible – this is a huge milestone in our history and will also have deep significance for our iwi partners. We’re proud to have fostered such a strong partnership with DOC, local iwi and other Fiordland entities.

“We have already seen Haast tokoeka/kiwi reintroduced in 2009, followed by yellowhead/mohua and New Zealand robin/toutouwai in 2015 and now these young male kākāpō will call Te Puka-Hereka their home – I couldn’t be happier.” 

Ngāi Tahu representative on the Kākāpō Recovery Group, Tāne Davis, says, “A lot of planning and thought from Ngāi Tahu has gone into this decision to introduce kākāpō to Te Puka-Hereka since we first investigated this whenua as a potential new habitat for this taonga species in 2017.”

“Ngāi Tahu acknowledges the important predator control work that has occurred on the island over the past twenty years.

“This mahi gives us hope that this trial will be successful and will extend the available habitat for kākāpō in future,” Tāne says.

As with any new site, there are some unknowns with this translocation, says Deidre Vercoe. 

“As long as there are predators such as stoats on the mainland, there will be a risk of reinvasion to any new island site. Coal Island’s extensive trapping network keeps most predators at bay, but stoats do arrive occasionally and there are currently estimated to be one or two individuals present.”

Enhancing stoat monitoring and trialling new control techniques is a focus for the island, which has great potential as a future breeding island for kākāpō, but females won’t be introduced at this stage, Deidre says.

“Ultimately, we need more predator free sites to give kākāpō the best chance to thrive. In the meantime, with the population increasing each breeding season, we need to investigate other options. The males involved with this transfer are fully grown, weighing between 2-4kg, which we believe to be at low risk of stoat predation.

“This new site trial provides us the chance to understand more about the island and the risk of low stoat density to kākāpō, and maybe open the door to more sites in the future.”

The move is part of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme’s future sites plan. As part of this plan, a separate trial investigating whether kākāpō can thrive in a fenced sanctuary is currently underway at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

The Kākāpō Recovery Programme has been supported since 2016 by National Partner Meridian Energy, which provides funding as well as electrical infrastructure, technology and volunteering support to the programme.

Background information

The kākāpō released were: Elwin, Kanawera, Manawanui, and Motupōhue.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  24 May 2024

Thanks to the proximity of State Highway 6, high rainfall, and an abundance of streams and culverts, West Coast sites are serving as “laboratories” to test how well baffles and floating ramps improve fish passage.

“Many of our freshwater fish species are in trouble, with 76 per cent threatened or at risk of extinction. Barriers to fish passage contribute to this statistic,” says DOC Freshwater Science Advisor Nixie Boddy.

“Barriers in waterways, including culverts and pipes, are in place so streams can pass underneath pathways and roads, but they stop some freshwater fish from swimming upstream to feed and grow into adult fish.”

“When culverts and pipes are narrower than the natural stream bed, the water flows too fast. There’s nowhere for the weaker swimmers like īnanga and bullies to rest and recharge.”

“Weaker swimmers often end up congregating below fish passage barriers where competition for food and resources is high. The fish may starve or get eaten by predators.”

Nixie Boddy says clever solutions such as baffles and floating ramps are designed to help fish make their way upstream.

“Baffles added to the bottom of culverts create eddies and slow flows, so fish can rest before swimming again. They also trap rocks, making a more natural stream bed.”                                   

“Floating ramps help fish climb scoured out “plunge pools” and the small waterfalls that tend to develop at the bottom of culverts.” 

“Problem is, scientific testing in the field has been limited. Our research aims to quantify how well these solutions work in the real world.”

A DOC team, led by Nixie Boddy, has established eight West Coast study sites in 2021, from Karamea in the north to Harihari in the south.

“We’ve counted fish above and below culverts, before and after baffles were inserted and then after ramps were added.”

“We don’t know how effective baffles are on steeper, sloping culverts and culverts of different lengths so we’ve looked into that too.”

“It’s important to keep an eye on modified culverts so we know what ongoing maintenance is required and how long the different types of baffles and ramps last.”

Nixie Boddy says final results are a few months away, but the results so far are exciting.

“Following the installation of ramps and baffles at five test sites known to be home for īnanga, we’re now finding īnanga upstream of the culverts at four of the sites. Previously, īnanga were only found downstream – they simply couldn’t pass the culverts.”

Nixie Boddy says understanding how different fish passage products help the fish will inform the national Fish Passage Guidelines used by landowners and industry.

In the meantime, individuals can do their bit to improve fish passage, and now’s the perfect time with World Fish Migration Day coming up on 25 May.

• Use the fish passage assessment tool to check and report structures you think might be stopping fish: Fish Passage Assessment Tool | NIWA
• Check the streams on your land and improve any barriers
• Learn more about fish friendly culverts and rock ramps

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  23 May 2024

Department of Conservation Kākāriki Karaka Operations Manager Wayne Beggs says the translocation adds genetic diversity to the existing kākāriki karaka population of about 95 birds that call the predator-free Marlborough Sounds island home.

“Forty kākāriki were released in four releases in February, March, April and May. They were raised at The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch before being transported to  Oruawairua and acclimatising in aviaries for two days.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu kākāriki karaka species recovery representative Yvette Couch-Lewis says she is happy to see kākāriki karaka from Ngāi Tahu takiwā going to support and supplement the existing wild population of this taonga species on Oruawairua.

“I also want to acknowledge the kaitiaki rangers on Oruawairua who are working hard to ensure the manu thrive there.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia Trust Kaiwhakahaere -Team Lead Wairau Ruihana Smith says this endeavour is about restoring the mauri and uplifting the mana of the motu.

“This is part of our ongoing involvement in this kaupapa. Returning ngā manu is a crucial piece of this puzzle. As kaitiaki, it’s our responsibility to care for the whenua and its taonga. A huge mihi to Te Papa Atawhai, DOC, for their tireless mahi in restoring te taiao – we’re immensely grateful for their support.”

Te Ātiawa o te Waka a Māui Kaitohutohu Taiao Renēe Love says the iwi “values our strengthened relationships with DOC and extended iwi with the translocation of the kākāriki karaka.”

“The DOC rangers show their passion for their mahi with every translocation we attend. Enabling this mahi in Totaranui and Kura te Au ensures our kaitiakitanga duties are respected and encouraged. The guardianship of Te Taiao is paramount for Te Ātiawa which Te Papa Atawhai enable with their endless support.”

Wayne Beggs says earlier in the breeding season, nine wild eggs from two clutches were also successfully collected from Blumine Island and have hatched at The Isaac Conservation and Wildife Trust facility.

“These young birds will become part of the captive breeding programme to help improve its genetic diversity.”

He says it’s a good time to reflect on the success of the kākāriki karaka programme in recent years, while acknowledging there’s still lots of work to do to ensure this critically endangered species’ recovery.

“It wasn’t long ago that kākāriki karaka was right on the brink of extinction, but we’ve made some meaningful gains. In the last few years, we’ve seen a new kākāriki population established in Nelson’s Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, which is increasing steadily, and reintroduced kākāriki karaka back into Hawdon Valley in Arthur’s Pass National Park, with breeding already taking place.”

“Every time we successfully establish a new population, we move a step closer to a secure future for this fragile species.”

Wayne says the Kākāriki Karaka Recovery Programme is working towards Pukenui/Anchor Island in Fiordland as the next proposed release site, and all going well kākāriki karaka will begin to be released there from next summer.

“Kākāriki karaka populations naturally fluctuate based on environmental conditions, so overall numbers aren’t as significant to the species’ survival as established populations at new sites, but our latest modelling suggests the wild population has also increased to more than 500. When you think there were less than 250 back in 2019, it’s remarkable progress in just a few years.”

“We still have a long way to go before kākāriki karaka will be self-sustaining without the intensive management of the recovery programme, but the species is in a much better position than it was just a few years ago.”

Background information

Kākāriki karaka, New Zealand’s rarest mainland forest bird, is a critically endangered parakeet species about the size of a korimako/bellbird.

Once commonly found throughout New Zealand, there are now only populations in Hawdon Valley and the Hurunui South Branch in Canterbury, Oruawairua/Blumine Island in Marlborough, and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson. The species has twice been declared extinct (in 1919 and 1965) before being rediscovered in the late 1980s.

The recovery programme is run by DOC and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and works closely with partners like The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park and Auckland Zoo. Their captive breeding programme work is vital to the survival of the species. MainPower, Christchurch Helicopters, RealNZ, Canterbury University also support the programme.

The programme’s work includes managing existing populations through monitoring and predator control, establishing new populations, captive breeding for wild release, and research.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  21 May 2024

A video shared to Instagram in February, and reported to DOC, shows the man jump from a pleasure boat into the sea off the coast of Devonport, Auckland – in what appears to be a deliberate effort to touch or “body slam” the orca.

DOC and the Harbour Master had been receiving calls that weekend from concerned members of public about how close people were getting to the mammals. DOC was subsequently tipped off to this video by a member of the public.

DOC Principal Investigation Officer Hayden Loper says the 50-year-old Auckland man showed reckless disregard for his own safety – and that of the adult male orca with a calf swimming near the vessel.

At one point in the video the man yells “I touched it” to other people on the boat, before asking “did you get it?”, in apparent reference to the filming of his antics. Other people aboard the vessel laugh and cheer as they watch.

“The video left us genuinely stunned,” Hayden says. “As well as the initial attempt to dive onto the animal, the man stays in the water and then swims toward it again in a second attempt to touch it.

“This is stupid behaviour and demonstrates a shocking disregard for the welfare of the orca. It is extremely irresponsible.

“Orca are immensely powerful animals, and this really could have ended horribly – with either the startled whale being injured, or the man responsible being harmed by the aggravated animal.

“It’s a very clear breach of the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Orca are classified as whales under conservation legislation and it is illegal to swim with, disturb or harass any marine mammal.”

DOC marine science staff say there have been incidents in which wild orca have been perceived to have attacked humans – including recent incidents off the coast of Spain, where orca have sunk several small vessels – and any sudden moves near orca significantly risk the chance of people being harmed.

Orca are an apex predator and the species’ population found around the waters of New Zealand is estimated to be between 150 and 200 individuals. Disturbance by vessels, including recreational boats, is identified as a threat to orca due to noise pollution and boat strike.

Hayden urges New Zealand social media users to continue alerting DOC to content they believe breaches legislation protecting New Zealand wildlife.

“This is the third case in recent years in which social media content has led to a successful prosecution for DOC and we greatly appreciate the tip-offs we get from the public.”

Anyone who sees an incident they believe may breach conservation legislation can call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

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