Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  20 December 2023

DOC closed the Okura Bush Walkway in May 2018 to help stop the spread of the pathogen phytophthora agathidicida (PA) which causes kauri dieback disease. The closure was supported by the declaration of a rāhui by mana whenua; Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aōtea.

Following the initial closure, DOC worked with mana whenua on track upgrades to mitigate against the risk of kauri dieback disease. Whilst some upgrades were made during 2019 and 2021, the closure remained as it was identified further mitigation was needed.

The track was still closed when the extreme weather in the summer of 2023 caused major slip damage. Four sections along the southern end of the track suffered major damage.

A landslide spanning around 40 metres extends right from the top of the cliff to the sea. The section is impassable, and the thick layer of debris remains unstable. Three other landslides have either destroyed or severely compromised the track.

Rebecca Rush, Auckland Mainland Operations Manager says that there is a lot of uncertainty and further work to be done.

“Sadly, there are no easy fixes for Okura Bush Walkway. We have sought a geotechnical report and are working closely with mana whenua to continue to explore options for the long-term future of the track.

“Given the extensive damage to the walkway, finding a solution that will withstand future severe weather events will be challenging and likely very costly. This may result in a decision not to reinstate the walkway.

“If a solution is found to reinstate all or part of the walkway, it is likely to take some years to plan and undertake this work.

“This has been a long process, and it is frustrating to have this space closed for recreation. However, we’re now dealing with both significant landslides in addition to concern over the health of kauri – some of the trees are centuries old.”

As one of the longest-living tree species in the world, some of the kauri in Okura Bush were growing in the 1600s when the Māori ancestor Maki and his people settled in the area.

DOC and mana whenua have a track management agreement to enable public access in a way that reduces the risk of PA, supports forest health and respects tikanga (cultural customs).

The northern section of Okura Bush Walkway from Stillwater to Karepiro Bay (Dacre Cottage) remains open and is managed by Auckland Council.

Alternative outdoor recreation areas close by include Long Bay Regional Park, and the Te Ara Tahuna / Ōrewa Estuary Path managed by Auckland Council, for water activities visit the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve managed by DOC.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  19 December 2023

The views of more than 1400 Tohu Whenua heritage site visitors were recorded in the survey.

“Tohu Whenua loosely translates to ‘landmarks’ in te reo Māori,” says Tohu Whenua Governance Group Chair Andrew Coleman. “The programme was launched in 2016 to help Kiwis and internationals connect with Aotearoa New Zealand’s must-see heritage experiences.

“Since then, we’ve launched 26 Tohu Whenua heritage sites around the country. These special places give people a chance to discover Kiwi heritage and history through experiences like cycling alongside historic railway lines or exploring Kororipo Pā – the seasonal home of famed Chief Hongi Hika.”

88% of surveyed visitors to Tohu Whenua sites reported a high level of satisfaction with their visitor experience. When asked about how it could be improved, they suggested things like sound tours, increased audio experiences, and more information about Māori history.

When asked for one thing they would remember most about their experience they provided feedback such as “how incredible it must have been for the first waka to land here” (Cape Brett / Rākaumangamanga) and “learning more about people and where they went and their connection to places…” (Totara Estate).

“We’d encourage people to visit Tohu Whenua’s website and social channels this summer for a free guide to inspire them to seek out hundreds of other equally fascinating heritage places around the country that tell our stories,” said Andrew Coleman.

DOC’s Director of Heritage and Visitors Cat Wilson says the survey shows how enthusiastic New Zealanders are about heritage and Tohu Whenua and underlines the importance of building on ways for both national and international visitors to interact with our places of historic significance.

“There is clearly an appetite for stories of New Zealand’s past combined with culture and heritage in beautiful natural settings. It’s wonderful to see how much this means to individuals and families who want to see it nurtured for future generations.”

For the full survey results visit: Marketing & Brand Elements | Tohu Whenua

Background information

Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, with support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Te Puni Kokiri.

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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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