Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  23 April 2025

The second bridge on the Hooker Valley Track has been impacted by riverbank erosion from wind and rain events over the past few years and is also susceptible to heavy snowfalls.

DOC staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain over Easter, the bridge was closed.

“We’ve been managing the second bridge for the past couple of years, adding micro piling and other measures but continued erosion of the riverbank, with the prospect of more heavy rain and snow loading this winter, we have made the decision to close the bridge permanently,” says DOC Director of Asset Management Shan Baththana.

DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones says while it’s disappointing to have to close the bridge, public safety is DOC’s number one priority.

She says the walk up the Hooker Valley is closed temporarily until access to the lower part of the track is secured and a new suspension bridge is built.

“Walking up the Hooker Valley to see Aoraki and staying at the popular Hooker Hut is a highlight for many visitors and the temporary closure of the track will disrupt plans. But public safety is always number one.”

“We’re now focused on securing the site so we can reopen the lower section of the track as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are several other beautiful and accessible walks that remain open and offer those stunning views of Aoraki that people love. Kea Point is a great place for visitors to get those once in a lifetime photos. Aoraki/Mount Village is still very much open for business.”

Sally Jones says what’s exciting is the new 189-metre-long suspension bridge being built on the Hooker Valley track.

She says the new bridge is a significant investment in the long-term resilience of the Hooker Valley Track. Once complete, it will be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country — and a remarkable way to safely experience the power and beauty of this landscape.

The new bridge has been specifically designed to withstand more extreme weather events.

“One of New Zealand’s best day hikes, Hooker Valley Track is used by around half a million visitors annually and is the most popular visitor attraction in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We are committed to investing in these well-loved nature experiences. We need to continue to provide safe access and make sure our infrastructure is future proofed against the effects of climate change, rainfall and winds. Nature is our most important economic asset and sustains industries like tourism.”

Sally Jones says work has already started on the bridge project with track building around the site. The aim is to have it open in Autumn 2026.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has over one million visitors annually and is second only to Fiordland in terms of most popular New Zealand national parks for international visitors.

Sally Jones says the number of visitors is increasing and she does have a message for those visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook.

“A concerning trend we’re seeing is visitors going off track through fragile vegetation and rocky terrain. This not only causes lasting damage to the environment — it also puts people at real risk. The landscape here is breathtaking but unforgiving. We ask everyone to think carefully about where they’re walking and climbing, and to stick to marked tracks for their own safety and to help protect this special place for others.
We all have a responsibility to do this. DOC staff work hard to keep people safe and over the next year while we are building the new bridge, we need everyone to respect the environment and the advice we give.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  22 April 2025

DOC’s Acting Taranaki Operations Manager Phil Melgren says the visitor centre building was identified as needing replacement several years ago, due to its age and condition. Through an agreement between DOC and Te Atiawa, the iwi will lead on demolition of the existing building and construction of the new facility.

Phil says the current visitor centre will close at 3.30pm on 27 April 2025 – at the end of the current school holidays.

“The visitor centre will be closed for a minimum of three days during the transition period. A DOC staff member will be on site to provide information to visitors.”

The temporary visitor centre building is on site and is being readied to be opened on 2 May. It is in the upper car park along with new visitor toilets.  The temporary visitor centre and toilets have been designed with ramps to be fully accessible.

Phil says the temporary visitor is expected to operate for two years while the new facility is constructed. It will have the same opening hours – 8.30 am to 3.30 pm seven days a week – with the same services for information, hut tickets and some retail offering, particularly gear to help visitors keep safe and warm on the maunga.

Demolition of the old visitor centre will start in the middle of May. The first thing visitors will see is some vegetation clearing and fencing going in place.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  19 April 2025

Assessments show walking access can be reopened but visitors need to be prepared, says DOC Operations Manager Nick Kelly.

“High tides and storm surges are still present on the beach. Check the weather forecast via MetService and plan your visit during low tide.”

“DOC rangers have been on-site inspecting the infrastructure, which has held up well, despite a couple of trees down and some damage to signs.”

Nick Kelly noted that while most people respected the closure during the severe weather, some ignored the signs and barrier.

“It’s really disappointing to see people purposefully ignoring the closure and putting themselves in unnecessary danger during a major storm event when emergency services are needed elsewhere.”

“On top of that, it encourages tourists without the skill and local knowledge to follow suit and put themselves at risk too. We need community members to be exemplars for respecting this place and looking out for our visitors.”

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, the area is prone to geological and landslide risk, particularly after heavy rain.

DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.

DOC will continue to monitor the site for potential risks and land movement over the coming days.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 April 2025

The DOC Community Fund (DOCCF) is a contestable Crown fund, open to community groups and private landowners to support community-led conservation projects on public and private land.

This 2025 funding round criteria focused on protecting and restoring threatened species and ecosystems. Projects are funded for up to three years and cover a range of threatened ecosystems and species across Aotearoa New Zealand, including plants, invertebrates, and birds like tara iti/fairy tern, New Zealand’s rarest bird.

Director Strategic Partnerships and Investment, David Van Der Zouwe, says the 20 projects and organisations funded are those most likely to have the greatest positive impact for biodiversity.

“The DOCCF is an investment in our future,” says David. “Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique species and habitats will have a better chance of being enjoyed by future generations thanks to this funding.”

The DOCCF received 291 applications, totalling requests for more than $141 million – the largest amount of funding ever sought through this fund – compared to $77 million in 2023. With an average grant of $450,000, the funding targets investment into high-value conservation outcomes, and supports collaboration and engagement with local communities and iwi.

“There is a huge appetite for funds from community groups to support conservation projects,” says David.

“The passion and dedication of all applicants is admirable, making this a challenging process. Ultimately, the projects awarded funding prioritise our species in genuine danger of disappearing forever.

“When they’re gone, they won’t come back. So helping our vulnerable species and places recover and thrive, through projects like these, is a great way to make a real difference for nature.”

The recipients and their related projects are available on the successful applications 2025 webpage.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 April 2025

That’s according to last year’s winner Patrick Clement, whose photo featured three generations of family enjoying Taupō Fishery. He says his family all ended up with a licence featuring the photo to keep as mementos.

“They love it. The photo was taken in 2017, and the boys are now old enough to fish, and I’m pleased to report they caught fish not just at the Trout Centre, but also in the ‘big river’!”

As one of the winning entries, Patrick also received a free full season licence for the 2024-2025 season.

“My mates were out on the river bragging that they were fishing with someone famous,” he says.

This year, seven Taupō fishing licences are up for grabs to kick off the new trout fishing season beginning 1 July 2025.

While the overall winning photo makes it onto printed season licences, other winning photos are used for categories on the website and paper licences.

DOC Senior Community Ranger James Barnett says the judges are looking for photos celebrating the uniqueness of the world-famous Taupō Fishery.

“It could be a trophy shot, but equally important are those moments with family, with friends, or even landscape shots with a fishing theme.

“We’re looking for photos for seven licence categories, including family, senior, and junior,” says James.

“For many of us getting out into nature with a fishing rod is our happy place, and a photo of your fishing experience could be just the thing we’re looking for to celebrate the joy of fishing in Taupō.”

Entries close midnight, Sunday 18 May 2025.

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

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

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 April 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and Marlborough District Council

“Boaties are not allowed to go within 100 m of king shag colonies under the district’s environment plan rules, to protect this endangered species which only breeds in the Marlborough Sounds,” DOC Ranger Dan Palmer says.

“King shags are famously skittish and tend to fly the nest when disturbed by a noisy boat, leaving their eggs and chicks vulnerable to predation by gulls.”

There are colonies on Sentinel Rock – a popular fishing spot – and at Trio Islands, Duffers Reef and White Rocks.

They’re often mistaken for common shags, but Dan says there are a few important differences.

“Unlike common shags, king shags won’t go near anyone with a fishing line and aren’t interested in scavenging, so they don’t tend to trouble boaties. King shags are also larger than their common shag cousins.”

Marlborough District Council Principal Coastal Scientist Oliver Wade says the taonga bird species was identified as needing specific protection through the development of the new Marlborough Environment Plan.

“The rules in the new environment plan identify the limited number of important breeding and roosting sites for the King Shag and put in place a 100 m exclusion zone that applies to any boating activity.

“Marlborough District Council and the Department of Conservation are committed to working together to care for this incredible species, which can dive up to 60m and is the deepest diving bird species in our region.”

Dan Palmer says king shags are under considerable pressure following challenging La Nina conditions in 2022-23.

“At last count, the overall number of birds was 614, having dropped by 25 per cent since 2021, although last year’s successful breeding season was a bright spot. Still, we’re going to continue to see La Nina knock-on effects in the breeding population over the coming years.

“The good news is we can help king shags by simply respectfully sharing space. They’re unique and special – and if they go from here, they’re gone from everywhere.

“Giving king shags the space they need creates a much safer environment for adults to protect their eggs and chicks, and gives king shags a fighting chance to grow a healthy, resilient population.”

Background information

The king shag is only found in the outer Marlborough Sounds. Because they have a small range and there are not many of them, even a single adverse event could impact most of the population.

A deep diving bird, they feed on bottom-dwelling fish species including lemon sole, opalfish and witch. Given their preferred prey, king shags depend on a healthy seafloor ecosystem.

Other threats include disturbance from human activity and bad weather events.

King shags breed in winter, making nests of sticks and seaweed cemented with guano on low rock platforms, steep rock faces, or rock ridges. Typically, they lay one to three pale blue eggs per nest.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 April 2025

One of Bluff’s signature tracks, Foveaux Walkway is an easy, well paved track following the Motupōhue/Bluff coastline to a lookout point.

The track is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is a huge drawcard for both locals and tourists. Hundreds of people visit daily to take in views over Foveaux Strait, Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island.

DOC acting Operations Manager Murihiku Jono Airey says it’s a special track.

“It’s visually stunning with native flora and fauna and is rich with Māori and European history. We’re talking about nature and heritage unique to New Zealand, these are things you can’t find anywhere else.

“Dogs are allowed on the track as long as they are on lead. Dogs are doing what dogs do, but unfortunately their owners are leaving their dogs’ faeces behind in this precious place. It’s a long-term issue, and it’s getting worse.

“It’s not good enough, track maintenance is now a dangerous, disgusting job for our rangers. They return covered from head to toe in dog excrement thrown about by scrub-cutters. They even wear face shields to protect themselves. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Dog faeces contain germs which can harm humans and wildlife and should always be picked up and disposed of responsibly.

Along with marine mammals kekeno/fur seals and pakake/sea lions, the area is frequented by marine sea birds including tītī, shag, tawaki/Fiordland crested penguin, mottled petrel, kororā/little penguin and numerous forest bird species. In winter tohorā/southern right whales can be spotted in the strait.

“Unless things improve, we will have to exclude dogs from our track network in Bluff to ensure the health and safety of our rangers, visitors, and wildlife,” says Jono.

“Dog poo bins aren’t an option for us, they encourage fly tipping and illegal dumping and require a level of maintenance we can’t resource.

“People tramping in our backcountry carry out human rubbish and waste to protect our natural environments, so we’re sure visitors to the urban Foveaux Walkway can manage the much easier job of cleaning up after their dogs.”

New signs will soon remind dog walkers of their obligation to remove dog poo from the Foveaux Walkway, and DOC will monitor the situation to inform decisions on future dog access to the track.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 April 2025

The number of marine mammal species in New Zealand classified as Threatened or At Risk has increased from 10 in 2019 to 14 today, with the sperm whale, pygmy blue whale, southern right whale dolphin, goose-beaked whale, and pygmy sperm whale added to the list. Leopard seals were moved from at-risk to migrant.

A ‘Threatened’ species status is given to animals in serious trouble. New Zealand has the highest proportion of threatened indigenous species in the world – more than 4000 native species are currently threatened or at risk of extinction.

Panel lead and DOC Senior Science Advisor, Dr Dave Lundquist, says several species have been shifted to a more threatened conservation status. This includes sperm whales, which were moved from Data Deficient to At Risk – Declining.

“Research published by the University of Otago in 2022 shows a long-term decline in the number of sperm whales seen off Kaikōura during summer,” says Dave Lundquist.

“We don’t yet know if this reflects a broader drop in sperm whale numbers across New Zealand, but the panel has taken a precautionary approach and assumed it could be.”

Thanks to improved population data, eight other marine mammal species previously considered Data Deficient now have updated conservation statuses. This includes pygmy blue whales, now listed as Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable.

The New Zealand sea lion has also been moved to a higher risk category – from Nationally Vulnerable to Threatened – Nationally Endangered. This is due to a smaller estimated number of breeding adults and a faster rate of population decline than previously thought.

“Estimates suggest sea lion numbers could decline by 30–70% over the next 30 years, which is about three generations. Multiple human-caused threats are likely to be contributing to this decline,” says Dave Lundquist.

Bottlenose dolphins are the only species whose status has improved – from Threatened – Nationally Endangered to Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable. However, Dave Lundquist says this change is due to better information, not an actual increase in numbers.

“We previously estimated fewer than 1000 coastal bottlenose dolphins in New Zealand, plus an unknown number of oceanic ones. We now know there are over 1000 oceanic dolphins, which improved the overall status. But coastal populations are still at risk and depend on local conservation efforts to survive.”

Dave Lundquist says the positive takeaway is that when people act to reduce threats and protect nature, it makes a real difference.

“This information is valuable for everyone involved in marine mammal conservation – including iwi, community groups, businesses, fishers, councils and government.

“When we understand the conservation status of marine mammals, we’re all better equipped to make informed decisions to help protect them and their habitats.”

The conservation status of 57 marine mammal types found in New Zealand waters was reviewed by an independent panel of national and international experts. They used the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) – a tool that assesses the extinction risk of native species.

NZTCS assessments are reviewed roughly every five years and are based on factors such as population size, trends, and distribution. DOC uses these results to prioritise conservation work, guide resource allocation, and shape policy decisions. The assessments also support collaboration with iwi, researchers, community groups, and others working to protect native species.

Visit the New Zealand Threat Classification System’s website for the latest marine mammal conservation status data and background notes.

Background information

Explanation of Conservation Status.

The NZTCS is a rule-based system for experts to assess the risk of extinction faced by organisms in Aotearoa New Zealand. The NZTCS is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and complements the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Independent panels of experts assess groups of taxa (for examples, birds, reptiles or marine mammals. Species, subspecies, varieties and forms are collectively known as taxa, singular = taxon), approximately every five years, using criteria of population state, size and trend.

Knowing a species’ risk of extinction provides a basis for setting priorities and making decisions, planning recovery programmes and research, monitoring the effectiveness of management and gaining support for habitat protection. Taxa assessed as ‘Threatened’ face greater risk of extinction because they have small population with greatest rate of decline. Taxa assessed as ‘At Risk’ are not considered Threatened, but they could quickly become so if conservation management reduces, if a new threat arises, or if the declines continue.

Published assessments and manuals can be found on the New Zealand Threat Classification System Lists. Data supporting these publications can be accessed from the NZTCS database.

The expert panel assessed the conservation status of 57 taxa of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, fur seals and sea lions.

Thirteen species have changed status since last assessed in 2019. One has a more threatened status, one has a less threatened status, and the remainder are neutral status changes (into and out of the category Data Deficient).

The published research on sperm whale decline in Kaikōura can be found here: Long‐term decline in abundance of male sperm whales visiting Kaikōura, New Zealand.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 April 2025 Source:  National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, Department of Conservation and Waikato Regional Council

Wilding conifers are a pest tree species impacting on native bush and coastal environments, taking water, light and air from native plants that are home to endemic birds, lizards and bugs. The wilding conifers at Opera Point are self-seeded, and if left uncontrolled, they will eventually take over – as they have at many locations around New Zealand.

DOC and Waikato Regional Council staff have arranged for an experienced and qualified local arborist to undertake the work at Opera Point, a small and picturesque headland near the settlement of Whangapoua. The project has been made possible through funding from Waikato Regional Council and is supported by the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (NWCCP).

DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Josh Angell says Opera Point is significant to local iwi, and is also a popular recreation location for the local community and visitors.

“We have been in an ongoing conversation with iwi and the community about enhancing the biodiversity at Opera Point and working to restore the small forest area there – and the wilding conifer project contributes to that,” Josh says.

“Wilding pines along the foreshore above and below public access tracks at the point have caused significant damage to the reserve during and after extreme weather events.”

As high winds and rainfall topple the conifers, the root balls expose large holes in the ground, damaging cultural significant landmarks and infrastructure. This results in track closures and high levels of financial investment to reinstate safe visitor access and ongoing archaeological assessments.

The Opera Point conifer removal project will see two methods used – what is colloquially known as “drill and fill”, with small holes to be drilled into trees into which herbicide is then injected. The trees will be left to decay and break down over time. This method is used as it causes the minimum impact on surrounding native plants. The remaining wilding conifers – close to historic features and tracks and access areas – will be completely felled using chainsaws later this year. The two methods are among the accepted good practice for wilding conifer removal.

The reserve will stay open during the arborists’ work, and people visiting are urged to stick to the marked tracks. Public access will be restricted in some areas during and following the operations, to ensure safety.

The arborists’ work at Opera Point is scheduled to start on Wednesday 16 April, and is expected to take between two and three weeks, weather permitting. Once the initial work is completed, the trees’ deterioration and decay will be monitored.

“Waikato Regional Council is responsible for biosecurity and protecting special places within the region,” Waikato Regional Council Senior Biosecurity Officer Clark McMichael says.

“The local residents who enjoy the walking tracks and native bush at Opera Point want to see the native environment protected and restored – and this project will progress that.”

Background information

This project is part of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, which is led by Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force, and delivered locally through Regional Councils, Runanga and Community Trusts.

For more, visit National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.

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