Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  02 July 2024

Three prominent reserves in and around Whakatane will be temporarily closed to all public access during July for animal control operations to protect and enhance the mauri of the ngahere/forest.

Ōhope Scenic Reserve, Kōhī Point Reserve, and Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve are scheduled for short, staggered closures between Monday 22 July and Thursday 25 July while contractors conduct wild pig and deer control.

The work is being undertaken as part of the Whakatāne and Ōhope Sites Environmental Programme, a collaborative initiative focused on restoring and improving the biodiversity across the Whakatāne and Ōhope hillscapes.

Nine partners, including DOC, Whakatāne District Council, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, landowners, iwi, and hapū, are working together toward the shared vision of a healthy taiao for future generations.

Management of introduced species is core to achieving the vision of the partnership, and the wider Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy. Managing numbers will help protect native species and increase forests’ health and resilience in dealing with climate change.

DOC Senior Community Ranger Jesse Burt says deer and pigs can pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s native forest ecosystems.

“They prevent the regeneration of plant species they eat, which can ultimately change the entire structure and composition of native ecosystems.”

“These reserves are popular and close to urban areas, meaning recreational hunting is not allowed for safety reasons. The planned operation will help to address an overabundance of pigs and deer in a safe manner,” says Jesse.

The reserves will be closed on a staggered schedule to minimise disruption. Kōhī Point Reserve will be closed on Monday 22 July, Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve on Tuesday 23 July, and Ōhope Scenic Reserve will be closed from Wednesday 24 July to Thursday 25 July.

Warning signs will be placed at track entrances, and main entrance points will be staffed to ensure public safety and prevent unauthorised access during the operation.

The Whakatāne and Ōhope Sites Environmental Programme Working Group coordinating the operation would like to thank community and visitors for their understanding and cooperation during this essential work.

For further information please contact Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 0800 884 880 or info@boprc.govt.nz.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  02 July 2024

DOC Director Heritage and Visitors Cat Wilson, welcomes the increase in international visitors exploring New Zealand’s public conservation land.

“We are excited more international visitors are coming to see us again,” says Cat.

“The upwards trend shows we are on our way to pre-COVID international visitor numbers, which is great news for the New Zealand economy and tourism operators.”

The most visited attractions by international visitors were beaches and national parks, including Fiordland, Aoraki Mount Cook and Tongariro National Park. Meanwhile, local New Zealanders gravitated towards sites closer to urban areas, including the Auckland region’s Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve and Rangitoto Island. Short walks remained the most popular activity undertaken by New Zealanders.

“Warmer than average temperatures across nearly all of the country saw many New Zealanders spending more time outdoors,” says Cat.

“Over the 2023/24 summer, around half of New Zealanders visited protected natural areas like our national parks, conservation areas, and marine reserves each month, and almost one-third visited a heritage site, such as historic reserves and places of national significance.

“It’s great to see both nature and our rich cultural heritage continue to excite and draw people, and we hope Kiwis and visitors alike continue to explore New Zealand’s incredible places,” says Cat.

2023/24 Summers Insights Report (PDF, 2,720K)

Background

• In December 2023 the number of overseas visitor arrivals into New Zealand was 418,900, compared to 528,200 in December 2019 (pre-COVID).
• Of these 418,900 overseas visitor arrivals, 40% were from Australia, 13% were from the United States, 7% were from the United Kingdom and 5% were from China.
• There were 2.96 million overseas visitor arrivals recorded in 2023, a post-pandemic increase of 1.52 million from the previous year.
• Between December 2023 and February 2024, the number of New Zealanders visiting protected natural areas each month remained near 50%.
• For the same period, New Zealanders who visited protected heritage places each month remained near 30%.
• The number of New Zealanders visiting protected natural areas was slightly higher in February 2024 compared to February 2023, reflecting the better weather this summer.
• Similar to last summer, short walks (less than 3 hours duration) remained the most popular activity undertaken by New Zealanders.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  30 June 2024

He rāhui

He aitua! He aitua!

A rāhui has been placed on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu above 2,000 m until Tuesday 2 July at 6 am.

On Saturday 29 June 2024 a climber in the vicinity of Whangaehu Hut on Mt Ruapehu passed away as a result of injuries sustained during a fall.

NZ Police, the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO) and Tukino Ski Field staff collaborated to rescue the climber.

All involved have expressed their condolences to the family, friends and whānau of the deceased.

To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider refraining from accessing the area during the rāhui.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  26 June 2024

The joint Department of Conservation and Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki response began when a DOC ranger spotted a rat on the island in late April.

Based on camera footage, only one rat is suspected to be present, although there could potentially be more. Additional tracking tunnels, cameras, and conservation dogs have been deployed, alongside a variety of baits in and around traps.

As the rat (or rats) is avoiding traps, DOC has adopted another strategy of selectively placing the toxic bait brodifacoum in bait stations or discrete locations around the island.

DOC Inner Hauraki Gulf Islands Operations Manager Kat Lane says it is crucial to keep Motutapu pest-free.

“The island is of high conservation value, and is actively used for threatened species recovery programmes,” says Kat. “Species such as tūturuatu/shore plover, takahē, and Coromandel brown kiwi all rely on Motutapu remaining pest-free.”

“This rat is a threat to the seven critically endangered tūturuatu we have on the island, as the birds are especially susceptible to mammalian predation. A planned translocation of juvenile captive-bred birds on to the island has been paused while we eradicate the rat.”

There is increasing urgency around the response, as a range of sea and shore birds, including the tūturuatu and tūturiwhatu/NZ dotterel, will begin their nesting season from July – eggs and chicks are easy targets for mammalian predators.

Motutapu is also home to other species not commonly seen on the mainland, including tīeke/saddleback, kākāriki/parakeet, korimako/bellbird, and kororā/blue penguin.

While it is unknown how the rat arrived, Kat says Aucklanders play a major role in keeping these islands pest-free. 

“It could have stowed away in a boat, gear or bag, or potentially swam or drifted on debris from the mainland – Norway rats can swim up to 3 km.”

“Boat owners can help keep islands pest free by checking your vessel and gear for rats, mice, ants and skinks before departure. You can also set traps or bait stations on your vessel and in the area it is stored.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  26 June 2024

DOC Operations Director Eastern North Island Jade King-Hazel says a reduction in services would support the completion of essential facility repairs and allow for a re-set in the park due to staffing changes.

“It will also allow staff to take much needed breaks.”

The holiday park has a variety of accommodation options, including self-contained chalets and units along with small cabins and camping options, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.

From now until September 30 only the self-contained options will be available to visitors. The remaining holiday park accommodation options will be closed for this period.

The shop and fuelling service will remain open with normal business hours of 8.30 am-4 pm weekdays and 9 am-4 pm weekends and public holidays.

“DOC continues to work closely with Te Uru Taumatua to discuss the current/future shape and nature of the holiday park, and how it contributes to the manuhiri/visitor experience within Te Urewera.”

“This focus supports and aligns with the opportunity to enhance the authenticity of experience within Te Urewera moving forward for all,” said Jade King-Hazel.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 June 2024

Restore Oakura comprises a group of local volunteers set up to trap predators in their back yards and around the coastal community. The volunteers’ collective effort can be traced back to 2019, when Toby Shanley from Restore Oakura heard the distinctive call of the grey-faced petrel and did some investigation, subsequently finding several of the sea birds and a burrow.

This week is Te Wiki Tūo ā-Motu, National Volunteer Week where those who give their time to the community and environment are recognised – like the Restore Oakura volunteers. Toby, along with other volunteers from Restore Oakura, set about protecting the birds by installing traps around the area.

Proof of the birds’ vulnerability came when the group installed a trail camera to monitor the burrow. What they saw came as a shock: a ferret, stoats, a dog and, most recently cats, visited the borrow with the nesting adults inside.

In 2022 a ferret killed a chick in the nest before it could fledge.

“All these different visitors to the same burrow show just how in danger these birds are,” says Toby.

A donation from Oakura local Norton Moller allowed the installation of further traps to protect the burrow and a section of the coastal walkway from Ahu Ahu Road to the Oakura campground where the seabirds were seen.

Grey-faced petrel colonies are dispersed across coastal North Island, but Taranaki’s only other confirmed mainland colony was at Rapanui, a predator fenced area near rural Tongapōrutu.

Grey-faced petrels spend most of their time at sea where they are fast and graceful, soaring on the sea breeze he explains.

 “Returning to land they are clumsy and slow and nest in burrows so they are really vulnerable to predators.”

Every two weeks a volunteer checks the approximately 2km trap line. The hard work paid off when a chick successfully fledged in 2023.

The increase in trapping through the local Oakura and region-wide Predator Free Taranaki.  programmes meant mustelid numbers are being knocked back which could be seeing an increase in coastal birds coming back to the region says Toby.

“We are doing further monitoring around the coast to see if birds are coming in at night and it’s looking promising.”

But the protection needs to continue and grow: “They need ongoing protection in order to help them survive and thrive.”

He’s asking people to help by keeping their dogs in sight and under control when walking them along the Taranaki coast.

Cat owners can have their pets spayed and keep them indoors at night.

People can get involved by setting traps in their back yards or volunteering for a local trapline.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 June 2024

Their loud chattering joined the steadily increasing chorus of native birds that have benefitted from long-term predator control and been monitored for over 26 years at this South Westland site.

DOC Principal Scientist Colin O’Donnell, who has been involved since the start of monitoring, says bird life has flourished with counts of most native species steadily increasing.

“All native birds were predicted to decline without intervention but regular use of aerial 1080 combined with extensive trapping has turned their fortunes around.”

“Mohua/yellowhead were heading towards extinction at this site but since 2018 have been the most common counted bird.”

Mohua have increased from a low of 14 in 1991 to 479 counted in the 350ha study area in 2023. The Landsborough is now a stronghold for this threatened species.  

The spike in yellow-crowned kākāriki was due to the beech forest seeding (a mast) and fuelling a prolific breeding season in 2023, says Colin O’Donnell.

“When food is plentiful, kākāriki can keep breeding from late summer right through the winter and have up to three nests with an average of five chicks per nest.”

“However, as tree hole-nesters and with noisy nestlings, kākāriki are also a target for stoats and rats.”

Beech masts are also a bounty for rats and mice, and stoats which feed on the rodents. Rising predator numbers in the Landsborough last year triggered the need for an aerial 1080 predator control operation, which took place in January this year. This successfully reduced rats to undetectable levels and would have knocked down stoats and possums.

The outcome for native birds won’t be known until the next bird count this coming spring.

Predator control began in 1994 in the Landsborough and has since expanded to include extensive trapping and aerial applications of 1080 when needed (eight treatments since 1998). The Landsborough’s rich birdlife makes it a priority area for DOC’s national predator control programme.

Central Otago NZDA’s new trapline in the lower Landsborough has added a line of defence, reducing the invasion of rats and stoats into the valley.

The Landsborough bird count is DOC’s longest dataset monitoring bird populations through repeated aerial 1080 applications. Since monitoring began native bird numbers have more than doubled, while introduced birds have halved likely due to increased competition from native birds.

Background information

DOC’s team of bird experts spend several days in early summer each year doing 5-minute bird counts at 112 stations in the Landsborough. In 2023 they did a total of 177 bird counts.

Upward trends were recorded for nine native bird species – mohua/yellowhead, bellbird/korimako, brown creeper/pīpipi, fantail/pīwakawaka, tūī, rifleman/tītitipounamu, grey warbler/riroriro, kākā and yellow-crowned parakeet/kākāriki – although bellbird and grey warbler counts are showing signs of levelling off.

Counts for tomtit/ngirungiru, kea, NZ falcon/kārearea, kererū and shining cuckoo/pīpīwharauroa have remained more-or-less stable or are increasing at a very slow rate.

Two species – silvereye/tautou and long-tailed cuckoo/koekoeā – have declined. Greater competition for nectar from tuī and bellbird may have suppressed silvereye numbers. Long-tailed cuckoo migrates to the Pacific islands each winter and may be being affected by conditions there.

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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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