Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 October 2024

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Kelly Brider says the projected increase is a testament to landscape-scale predator control and community trapping, which has made this large tract of forest a stronghold for Western North Island brown kiwi.

“The increase would result in 9000 kiwi in Whanganui National Park and surrounds by 2030. But for this to happen, kiwi must grow up in a safe environment, so they will survive and have chicks of their own,” Kelly says.

Save the Kiwi Week is underway from 14-20 October, so it’s a perfect time to encourage communities to protect kiwi.

A kiwi avoidance course for dogs is scheduled for 26 October at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve in Whanganui, which is a great way to help keep kiwi safe from dogs.

“Any dog, big or small, can kill a kiwi, and small dogs can fit into burrows and do significant damage. If you are thinking about taking a dog hunting, or have a farm dog, it’s really important that you do this training,” Kelly says.

“A single adult kiwi can lay up to 200 eggs in her lifetime, and her offspring can produce 800 chicks, so even one death is devastating for populations.”

As well as ensuring your dog is ‘kiwi avoidance trained’, dog owners can follow other steps to prevent their dogs from harming kiwi.

“Keep your dog contained on your property, and under control on a lead when out walking. And don’t let your dog roam, as roaming dogs can harm themselves and people, as well as posing a threat to wildlife like kiwi,” Kelly says.

Check DOC’s website information on where you can take your dog. Dogs are not permitted in kiwi sanctuaries and in many conservation areas.

For more information about kiwi avoidance training and to book, visit www.kiwiavoidancetraining.nz or contact DOC’s Whanganui office whanganui@doc.govt.nz.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 October 2024

It’s another major setback for the species’ Southland population, where only seven pups were born this year. Sea lions began breeding in the Catlins again in 2006 and today there are just 12 breeding age females in the local area.

The mother sea lion, named Jade, gave birth to the pup about 60 km up the Clutha River Mata-au in February, which was highly unusual behaviour.

Jade was found by a local on Tuesday evening, about 100 m from where her pup was found dead in late-September. She had begun to decompose, and it’s believed she washed up there during the recent flooding.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says shooting a sea lion is an appalling thing to do and it’s completely unacceptable.

“Sea lions are a protected species and it’s a very serious offence to intentionally injure or kill one.

“It goes without saying these kinds of incidents must stop. Most people will be deeply disgusted by this sort of behaviour against a protected species and the DOC team is genuinely shocked.

“It’s a tragedy both mother and pup have been shot. DOC staff are determined to find the person responsible and urging the public to contribute any information which may help the investigation.

“We want to find the person who has done this so they can be held accountable. Anyone with any information is asked to come forward by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Jade was well known to the local community and her loss is devastating for locals and those who work with the species, Aaron Fleming says.

“We don’t know when, where or why these sea lions have been shot, or if they were shot at the same time. Any information could help.”

The NZ Sea Lion Trust is offering a $6000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution.

Aaron Fleming says a local vet performed an x-ray and examination, which found about 50 shotgun pellets. Some of these will be forensically tested to see if they match the pellets found in her pup.

“She was lying down and facing away from the shooter, with most pellets entering her chest and spine.”

NZ Sea Lion Trust Co-chair Shaun McConkey says although the sea lion population in the subantarctic continues to decline, one positive is their lives seem to be a bit easier on the mainland, which makes it even more heartbreaking when something like this happens.

“Sea lions were wiped out on the mainland by human hunting, 250 years on and we’re still doing the same thing. The killing of a breeding female is a devastating loss to a small population that has only recently returned to the area.

“It’s important to remember these sea lions are taking fish to feed themselves and their young not just for recreation or enjoyment.

“Thanks to generous donations from the public the reward has increased to a maximum of $6000 for any and all information leading to a successful prosecution in regard to these recent sea lion killings. Please visit our website www.sealiontrust.org.nz for further details.”

Jade was born under a crib (bach) at Kākā Point in 2016. She was named after the late son of the bach owners.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Background information

Pakake have a threat status of “Nationally Vulnerable” and number about 10,000. About 96% of the population is found in the subantarctic islands and is in decline. On the mainland, there are small but growing populations in Rakiura/Stewart Island, Murihiku/Southland and Otago.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 October 2024

“Visitor safety and risk management is a priority for DOC,” says Southern South Island Director of Operations, Aaron Fleming. “We are currently attending to multiple slips, surface damage and tree falls across a number of tracks, some of which are fully closed while we repair them.

“Tunnel Beach Short Walk in Dunedin is fully closed due to around 10 large slips covering the width of the track.

“Despite the carpark being locked and several barriers and signage saying the track is closed, we are alarmed and disappointed by the number of visitors who are choosing to ignore safety advice and walk the track regardless.

“This is also causing frustration to nearby residents with people choosing to park in the neighbourhood and on private property to walk on the closed track.

“Tracks are closed for visitor safety. We are asking for people to please respect closures; our team is working hard to get tracks repaired and re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Our advice is for people to check the DOC website for the latest alerts for areas they’re heading to, or contact the local DOC Visitor Centre for information, rather than relying on web/map search engines which may not yet be up to date.”

Coastal Otago information and closures

• Tunnel Beach Short Walk – Closed. Significant damage with – 10 large slips covering full width of track.
• Taieri River Track – Closed from Taieri Mouth to John Bull Gully – undermined structures, track damage and full track washout near John Bull Gully
• Picnic Gully Track – Closed – undermined structures and full washout of track sections.
• The following Coastal Otago tracks are open but also damaged and may not be suitable for all visitors, use with caution while repairs are undertaken – Sandfly Bay Track, Outram Glen, Huriawa Pā, Orokonui Stream Walking Track, Tomahawk Track, Leith Saddle Walking Track, Bushy Beach Walking Track. McMeekings/Highcliff Track access road – damage to surface, not recommended for low clearance 2wd vehicles.

Central Otago information and closures

• Otago Central Rail Trail – damage to surface. Surrounds will continue to be wet for some time. Potential for additional slip movement over the coming weeks.
• St Bathans Hall – work underway to repair water damage.
• Danseys Pass Campsite – closed due to damage to the access road.
• A slip in the Ida Valley will be repaired this week.

Catlins

• Jacks Blowhole Track – Closed. Trees are down over track and there is significant scouring of track surface by flood water.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  09 October 2024

Te Tapatoru ā Toi Joint Management Committee Chair Vince Copeland says the plan has been under development by Te Tapatoru ā Toi (TTāT), with the support of DOC, to put taiao at the centre of all decision making for the reserves – Moutohorā/Whale Island Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve – known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

“The Committee worked closely with hapū, technical experts and stakeholders to develop a plan of how we expect to care for, protect, and relate to Te Tāpui Tokotoru over the next 10 years.”

TTāT was established through the Ngāti Awa Settlement Act in 2005 and has representatives from Ngāti Awa, the community, and the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board.

The floor is now open for the community to have their say on whether the plan meets the needs and interests of all who enjoy Te Tāpui Tokotoru (the three reserves).

“We invite you to share your feedback with us, and to be part of bringing the vision to life over the next 10 years,” says Vince.

Submissions will be open from 9 October to 1 December, with public hearings on 15/16 November at Te Whare o Toroa Marae.

The draft plan can be viewed on the DOC website copies can be viewed at DOC Whakatāne or Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa reception.

Submissions may be emailed to ttat@doc.govt.nz, or posted to 9 Louvain Street, Whakatāne, 3120.

Background information

The Te Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan (TTāT CMP or CMP), is a statutory planning document describing how public conservation lands and waters will be cared for, protected and managed into the future.

The CMP sets the strategic direction for the management of Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve, known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

The name Tapatoru-ā-Toi symbolises the connection between, and the shared responsibility to care for, these treasured reserves. The name draws upon the symbolism of the triangle (tapatoru) to:

• bring together the three reserves, Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve
• reference the relationship between the three groupings of Ngāti Awa, Department of Conservation, and the community
• recognise the three articles of Te Tīriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa.

Toi-te-huatahi is the esteemed ancestor of Ngāti Awa who dwelled within the bounds of the land and sea of these three significant places.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  07 October 2024

The event is being held on Saturday 19 October between 10 am and 1 pm at the DOC Punakaiki workshop and is part of the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition. It will include a demonstration of how to butcher a goat, as well as a chance to taste goat cooked by a variety of methods.

There will be talks about hunter and firearms safety and on DOC’s work protecting the environment from wild goats. People will also be able to meet some of the dogs and hunters who work to reduce wild goat populations on the West Coast.

Community Ranger Maire Hearty, who is helping to organise the event, says it is a great chance to learn how to break a goat down to different cuts and get some ideas about how to prepare the meat in different ways.

“Goat meat is great in curries, on the barbeque and roasted, and people will be able to try meat cooked these ways on the day.”

Fiona Anderson, DOC Regional Lead for Wild Animals, says wild goats are prolific breeders, and can double their population every year when there is lots of food around and limited hunting pressure. 

“There are thousands of wild goats around Punakaiki, they really love the limestone country. They heavily browse native plants which threatens forest health and prevents regeneration. Over time, goats change the composition of the forest as they eat the seedlings of their favourite species.

“DOC cannot manage their numbers alone and we encourage as many hunters as possible to get involved in the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, which runs until November 26. 

“Bring your tails along to the event to enter the competition. NZDA’s Shane Hall will be on site to officially measure goat heads for the NZDA greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) category.”

The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has a variety of categories for all age groups and levels of experience. The competition aims to encourage hunters, agencies, and landowners to get involved and help reduce the damage wild goats cause to the environment. 

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  04 October 2024

The red alert is in place until 11 pm Friday, with continued rain, surface flooding and rising waters expected into the weekend.

In Dunedin, Tunnel Beach Walk is currently closed as there have been several slips on the track and it is unsafe for visitors. Dunedin City Council has closed the carpark at the top of the track.

Visitors are reminded to respect closures for their own safety.

“It’s too early for us to assess the extent of the damage as we need to wait until the weather settles before we can inspect tracks,” says Southern South Island Director of Operations, Aaron Fleming. “However, it is likely that other tracks are damaged, and some may not be safe to use.”

“We’re encouraging everyone to put safety first and consider postponing plans that involve walking, tramping, hunting or other outdoor activities in weather-affected areas. Hut/DOC accommodation bookings can be transferred to a later date.

“With rain still falling we could be in for more slips and hazards as the situation unfolds.”

To report damage on public conservation land visit: Report damage on public conservation land

Or to report urgent safety concerns or facility damage call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  04 October 2024

The Department of Conservation (DOC) engaged Forest 360 to harvest pines which are creating a seed source of wilding pine at the end of Kashmir Rd. Wilding pines are invasive weeds which threaten to permanently alter our unique New Zealand landscapes.

Forest 360 will remove the pines, allowing native forest to regenerate and will continue to undertake pest plant and animal control in the area for five years after harvesting.

Kelly Hancock, Acting Operations Manager for DOC Manawatu, says closing access is a last resort, but several close calls from people wandering into dangerous situations have left DOC with no other options.

“Initially we kept the road open to the public during weekends, so hunters and trampers could access the local hut and track network.

“Unfortunately there have been multiple incidents, with logging trucks coming across vehicles on the road unexpectedly, hunters popping up next to felling machines while they are operating, and quite a bit of theft and vandalism occurring during weekends.”

Kelly says it is great to see the local community so keen to get into the Ruahine Forest Park and make the most of the opportunities on our doorstep, but it is not safe for people to be driving or walking through an area being actively logged.

“This is really heavy-duty machinery, and an incident could lead to someone being seriously hurt. If people are going to ignore the signs and barriers and venture into the area outside of the agreed access times, we have no choice but to close the area to all public access.

“We must ensure public safety above all else, so it really leaves us with no option but to completely close the road to the public while the pines are being harvested.”

There are several other ways to access the forest park nearby, such as Mill Rd.

Kashmir Rd will reopen to the public for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period, while Forest 360 staff and contractors take a well-earned break. It will be closed again from 5 January until harvest is completed in May or June 2025.

Without the risk of public venturing into the area over the weekend, forestry operations will be able to move to six days per week so the harvest may be able to be completed sooner.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  04 October 2024

This evolved strategic partnership framework builds on and celebrates the respective strengths of the two organisations at the forefront of efforts to save native species and advocate for conservation and will identify new areas for collaboration. 

For more than three decades, Auckland Zoo and DOC have collaborated on recovery programmes and fieldwork for some of our country’s most threatened bird, lizard, amphibian, and invertebrate species – from kākāpō, takahē, and tara iti, to pepeketua/Archey’s frog, kapitia and cobble skinks, and our largest giant wētā, the wētāpunga.

Wētāpunga were once holding on by a thread on a lone Hauraki Gulf island. But with DOC and iwi support, a phenomenally successful breeding programme led by the Zoo has seen the release of more than 7,000 of these unique taonga onto eight pest-free islands across the upper North Island – including islands managed by DOC and mana whenua. Now self-sustaining on four Hauraki Gulf islands, these efforts have led to a positive revision of the species’ threat status.

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley says so many of our native species remain dependent on human care to prevent their extinction.

“Ongoing interventions such as pest control, fenced reserves, breeding programmes, animal translocations and veterinary support are the reason for their survival.

“These kinds of intensive management skills are skills that Auckland Zoo, as a modern zoo and wildlife conservation science organisation, has been perfecting for decades. So, we’re hugely proud to be able to deploy them to compliment DOC’s knowledge and experience in recovery programmes for some of our most threatened invertebrate, reptile and bird species.

“With DOC we also share wider ambitious longer-term aspirations and goals for wildlife and people. Our focus together is on creating a more sustainable future – where we all feel more part of nature than apart from nature, and where species are no longer reliant on intensive care to prevent their extinction,” says Kevin.

“In order for us all to achieve this together, we need to reexamine our relationship with te taiao – the natural environment and all the species that we share it with. An experience at the Zoo helps provide an opportunity for people to connect with nature, to take time to connect with each other, and is a small but significant first step that we can all take to help tune back in to the world around us.”

DOC Director-General Penny Nelson sees this milestone strategic partnership as a huge opportunity for conservation.

“Today’s a chance to streamline how we work together and take advantage of our respective strengths, as we look at exciting new conservation projects to take on.

“When we combine the Zoo’s expertise in breeding, rearing and specialist animal care with DOC’s knowledge and active management of wild conservation sites, we can recover species from the brink of extinction.

“We are currently working together to do that for the tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern: the most endangered bird in Aotearoa with fewer than 35 adult birds surviving today. Intensive management is needed for these birds to have a chance of long-term survival.

“For four years, Auckland Zoo has worked alongside DOC to collect, hatch and hand-rear chicks to boost the wild population. Fifteen tara iti have been safely raised and released to the wild by the Zoo so far, and last summer four incubated and Zoo-raised juveniles contributed to a record-breaking summer breeding season.

“What’s more, a large part of conservation work is advocacy – connecting people and nature. Auckland Zoo, based in the heart of our most populated city, plays a fundamental role in connecting hundreds of thousands of people annually to the unique wildlife and habitats of Aotearoa. That connection can open the door for kiwis and overseas visitors alike to valuing nature and taking action to support our taonga species,” adds Penny.

Fast facts about the Auckland Zoo and DOC partnership

• Auckland Zoo has worked with DOC on 14 national recovery programmes for threatened species – ranging from tara iti, kākāriki karaka, tuatara and wētāpunga to mokomoko (including grand skinks, Otago skinks, kapitia skinks and cobble skinks).
• More than 5000 hours a year spent by Auckland Zoo staff to breed and release endangered New Zealand animals.
  • 427 kiwi hatched at the Zoo and released to the wild as part of ONE (Operation Nest Egg).
  • 80 kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeets hatched at the Zoo and released to the wild.
  • 43 whio/blue duck and 170 pāteke/brown teal hatched at the Zoo and released to the wild.
  • 7,000+ wētāpunga bred at Zoo and released onto pest-free islands in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and Northland’s Ipipiri islands (Bay of Islands).
  • 148 cobble skinks (rescued and Zoo-bred animals) destined for release back to safe areas on South Island’s West Coast in early 2025.
• Since Sept 2011 (the Zoo’s Aotearoa NZ Track Te Wao Nui opening); Zoo staff have worked on 55 DOC field conservation projects across Aotearoa, contributing 28,500 hours.
• Around 100 native wildlife patients each year are admitted to the Zoo’s vet hospital for specialist veterinary treatment and care.
  • Up to 10 kākāpō are treated each year as part of DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery programme.
  • Around 9 sea turtles are treated each year, primarily green sea turtles, two-thirds of which are successfully treated, rehabilitated at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s and released back to the wild.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  03 October 2024

Losing the juvenile female, who was born about 60 km up the Clutha River Mata-au earlier this year, is a significant setback for the local population.

DOC Murihiku Operations Manager John McCarroll says the necropsy, carried out by Massey University scientists, found the young female sea lion likely died several hours after she was shot.

“These necropsy results tell us the sea lion was alive when she was shot. She was last seen alive on Monday 16 September and was reported dead to us on the morning of Sunday 22 September.

X-ray of the sea lion showing shotgun pellets
Image: Massey University

“DOC wants to find out who has committed this atrocious act and we’re calling for anyone with information to get in touch on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

“The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust is also offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution.”

Although DOC staff are relieved to learn the sea lion did not suffer for more than a week, as initially feared, they are appalled at the extent of the painful injuries inflicted on her by the shooter, John McCarroll says.

“She appears to have been shot in the back while lying on her stomach, causing a large amount of bleeding in the abdomen and chest and damage to the lungs, liver, spleen, intestine and spine. At least 25 steel shotgun pellets were found in her body.

“Shooting a protected sea lion and leaving it to a painful death is a disgusting act and completely unacceptable.

“The loss of this juvenile female is a significant setback to the Catlins sea lion population. Sea lions restarted breeding in the Catlins back in 2006, and so far 45 have been born there, although a number of those have passed away.

“In the 2023/24 breeding season there were 13 breeding age females and 7 pups born. It takes 4 years for a female to reach breeding age. Given the low numbers, every female is extremely important to the population.”

Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

The sea lion’s mother Jade was born under a crib (bach) at Kākā Point in 2016. She was named after the late son of the bach owners.

Pakake have a threat status of “Nationally Vulnerable” and number about 12,000. About 96% of the population is found in the Subantarctic Islands and is in decline. On the Mainland, there are small but growing populations in Rakiura/Stewart Island, Murihiku/Southland, and Otago.

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