Category: Environment

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 December 2024

This is the biggest die-off for sooty shearwaters in northern New Zealand since the shearwater ‘wreck’ in 1999, which followed a large El Nino event in 1997-98.

DOC received reports about unusually high numbers of dead seabirds on North Island west coast beaches throughout November and early December.

“Starvation was confirmed as the cause of the bird deaths, not Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI), which was the initial concern, and we suspect the starvation is related to climate change-induced ocean warming,” DOC Principal Science Advisor Graeme Taylor says.

“Our initial assessment is that the deaths are probably associated with unusually warm seas off the coast of Japan affecting the birds’ food stocks. In the spring migration, juvenile birds are returning from the coast off Japan to New Zealand in poor condition and dying when they get here.”

Sooty shearwaters, considered an at-risk species, were the most affected, followed by Buller’s shearwaters and fairy prions. All three species are dependent on conservation management measures to prevent further declines.

Principal Science Advisor Graeme Taylor says past tracking of sooty shearwaters revealed 70% of the New Zealand population migrates to seas north and east of Japan.

“A tagged bird we recaptured in 2024 showed an interesting change in route, departing New Zealand in May heading towards Japan then changing tack and heading east to the Gulf of Alaska.

“We presume the change resulted from unfavourable sea conditions off the coast of Japan.”

Graeme says the spring migration is now almost over, so reports of dead birds are expected to decline over the next month as the birds disappear from our beaches.

“However, we’re likely to see a higher frequency of seabird die-offs like this as oceans continue to get warmer and there’s less available food in their northern hemisphere foraging grounds”.

Graeme cautions people to be careful around any dead birds on the beach.

“HPAI has decimated seabird populations around the globe, and there are concerns it will get here eventually through infected migrant seabirds or marine mammals. It’s important to be careful.

“We normally ask people to weigh freshly dead birds, and we’d confirm if they’d died from starvation. However, due to the risk of HPAI, don’t touch, handle, or collect dead or sick birds to avoid spread of the virus and protect yourself.”

Members of the public should report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals, or other wildlife to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

In the meantime, DOC will continue to keep an eye on the situation and work with the Ministry for Primary Industries on monitoring dead seabirds around our coastlines.

Background information

HPAI (the highly infectious H5N1 strain) has decimated seabird populations around much of the globe but has not yet reached New Zealand or Oceania. This differs to the H7N6 strain of bird flu recently found on the chicken farm in Otago.

Find out more at avian influenza.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 December 2024

A significant fire started near Bridge Hill on December 5 and grew to about 1000 hectares. Firefighters controlled the blaze after several days, but the area remains an active fireground and hotspots could still flare up.

DOC North Canterbury Operations Manager Leeann Ellis says DOC staff will need to get in, assess the damage, and make sure tracks are safe for visitors before they can be reopened.

“Given the area is still an active fireground, it’s become clear we won’t be able to assess these tracks until early in the new year. The Craigieburn Valley and Broken River ski field access roads are also closed.”

Leeann says as well as potential hotspots, hazards on the tracks could include track damage, dangerous burnt trees, and falling rocks or other debris due to unstable ground.

“We know this will be disappointing to some people who had hoped to enjoy the area through the holidays. Fortunately, plenty of other unaffected tracks in the area will be open.

“The DOC website is the best place to check which tracks are open and closed. We will keep it updated as tracks in the fire area are checked and reopened.”

Currently closed tracks and roads include:

• Craigieburn Edge Track
• Camp Saddle Track
• The Luge Track
• Mistletoe Track
• Helicopter Hill Track
• Craigieburn Sidle 73 Track
• Coal Pit Spur Track
• Hut Creek Track
• Bridge Hill Track
• Dracophyllum Flat Track
• Cragieburn Valley Ski Area access road
• Broken River Ski Area access road

Leeann says the fire highlights why it’s so important to be safe with fire in the outdoors.

“Fires on conservation land are often started accidentally. No one wants to see native ecosystems, tracks and huts, or heritage and cultural sites destroyed by a fire, so we’re urging people to stay fire safe in the outdoors this summer.”

To stay fire safe this summer, check any fire restrictions on Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s checkitsalright.nz website before lighting a fire, follow site-specific fire bans, park so hot car exhausts aren’t in long grass, and be careful with gas cookers.

Find out about local fire restrictions at the Check it’s alright website.

Read more about lighting fires on public conservation land

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 December 2024

A rat eradication operation took place on the atoll’s Home and Cooks islets over August and September 2023. Monitoring to confirm the atoll’s rat-free status was recently completed, with trail cameras and traps showing no evidence whatsoever of rats.

Arthur Neale, the atoll’s Executive Officer, says Palmerston’s rat-free status means the world to him and everyone else who lives on the atoll.

“Rats infested the atoll for over a century. They ate our crops, invaded our homes and harmed local wildlife. We saw the rat problem becoming worse, with the potential to seriously undermine our resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

“Benefits from the rat eradication are already evident. Our food security has improved massively. Fruits like guava, mango and star fruit are now abundant and free from rat damage. Our nu mangaro (a coconut tree variety) are thriving. Vegetables, especially cucumbers, have seen an astonishing increase in yield.

“We’re very excited to see more native species now rats are no longer eating them. Seedlings of tamanu and puka are increasing and we’re seeing and hearing more birds. Wood pigeons and red-tailed tropic birds have returned to Home Islet. Crabs and lizards appear to be more abundant.”

The work that led to a rat-free Palmerston Atoll began several years ago when local NGO Te Ipukarea Society prepared the Palmerston Island Natural Resource Management Plan 2020, which highlighted the potential benefits of eradicating rats.

From there, a partnership to eradicate rats from Palmerston Atoll was set up between New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC), the Palmerston Atoll community, Cook Island’s National Environment Service and Ministry of Agriculture, and Te Ipukarea Society.

Arthur says the community’s preparations for the eradication operation were immense. “We had to ensure there wasn’t any food for rats – bait had to be the only option. Everything was sealed up, from food to kitchen wastewater systems. We removed sugar cane from our gardens and fruit from trees. We couldn’t risk having livestock feed and faeces available to rats, so we had to carefully manage our chickens and pigs.”

The six-week operation covered Palmerston Atoll’s Home Islet, which has around 30 inhabitants, and the uninhabited Cooks Islet. Bait was hand laid across the two islets and 116 buildings on Home Islet were baited.

Em Oyston from DOC was the project team leader and one of three DOC National Eradication Team members on the ground for the operation. The DOC team has international expertise in island eradications.

“Working on this project with the community and Cook Island agencies was a privilege. The operation’s logistics were challenging, so Palmerston Atoll’s official rat-free status is very satisfying and a huge credit to everyone who played a role in this project,” Em says.

To help the atoll to remain rat-free, biosecurity measures are in place. Detection devices and traps are installed and visiting vessels will be checked offshore for rats or any other pests.

Jessie Nicholson, Biodiversity Coordinator at the Cook Islands National Environment Service, says the rat eradication is a national milestone.

“Palmerston is the first inhabited island in the Cook Islands to be deemed rat-free. This is an incredible achievement that should be celebrated by all people of the Cook Islands.

“Some of our outer island communities have heard about the eradication in Pamati (Palmerston) and expressed interest to conduct rat eradications on their islands also. Palmerston is truly leading the way.

“The National Environment Service is extremely pleased with the successful outcome of the eradication and wishes to acknowledge all those who helped along the way to make this a reality for Palmerston.”

The work was made possible by funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a major supporter of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service, a collaborative Pacific-led partnership to restore island resilience.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 December 2024

Deputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services Ruth Isaac says that the feedback received through the public notification period will be considered as part of the application process.

“WHL has applied for a 10-year lease which will allow them to take over RAL operations at Whakapapa ski field as well as six buildings in Whakapapa village and a water pipeline easement.

“DOC is committed to running a robust and transparent concession process when it receives an application to use Public Conservation Land for commercial purposes.

“We will continue to consult with iwi throughout this process, including seeking to understand how we can protect their values and interests through the concessions.

“It has been a long road to get to this stage and we would like to thank everyone for their patience as we continue to work through this process,” says Ruth Isaac.

The public submission period will begin Monday 16 December and will end 7 February 2025.

WHL’s application is available on the DOC website for the public to review and fill in the submission form.

Application for a concession by Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited

If submitters wish to be heard in person, DOC will hold a public hearing in February 2025.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 December 2024 Source:  Office of the Minister for Hunting and Fishing

This marks a 22% increase from last year.

“This fantastic result demonstrates the importance and benefit of strong partnerships across the hunting community in addressing the damage wild goats cause to farmland and native ecosystems,” Mr McClay says.

Spearheaded by DOC and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with support from Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd, and Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority, the competition connected over 800 hunters with landowners, improving access to private land and significantly impacting wild goat populations.

The competition, also saw $70,000 in prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector, highlighting the commitment of all parties to protecting New Zealand’s great outdoors.

“Prize winners have been announced today on the competition web page and via NZDA and DOC’s social media channels. I look forward to next year’s competition and wild goat hunting becoming a regular feature in the hunting calendar.”

National Wild Goat Hunting Competition

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 December 2024

The track will be fully open for use from 12.00 am Saturday December 14.

The affected section of track, between the Pike29 Track junction and the Pororari Hut was closed due to a significant slip last week and it was initially thought repairs would see it closed until the 21December.

Chris Hickford, Operations Manager for the Greymouth District says the reopening is a week ahead of schedule.

“We’ve had some good luck, good weather, and better than expected geology which has meant the job of blasting a new bench across the slip went really well.

“We know how important the track is for the regional economy. The team has pulled out all the stops and put in some very long days to get this section of track reopened during this busy period.”

The slip that took out the track was approximately 25-30 metres wide and extends for quite some distance on a steep slope above and below the previous track alignment.

A new track has been benched across the slip face, and while further finishing work will be required in the New Year it is now able to be reopened to a standard suitable for safe public use.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 December 2024 Source:  Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation, Tūhura Otago Museum, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago

Rūnanga member Rachel Wesley says the weeklong dissection led by Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou in partnership with Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation, with support from Tūhura Otago Museum and Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago, was groundbreaking for not only science but also in terms of creating new frameworks for how indigenous groups can work with western science.

“Not only was this tohorā (whale) the first of its kind to be dissected by science, but it was also the first time our hapū (subtribe) worked with scientists to pull together indigenous and western knowledge systems so we can all gain a better understanding of the whale and its behaviours,” Rachel says.

“This process was led by our rakatahi (young people) and guided by our esteemed guests from Ngāti Wai – Hori Parata and his son Te Kaurinui – who are tōhuka (experts) in working with these taoka (treasures). By working with and learning from leaders in te ao Māori, as well as leaders in western science, our rakatahi can revive ancient matauraka (knowledge) and develop an in-depth knowledge system to pass onto the next generations.”

The 5-metre-long male spade-toothed whale washed ashore at Otago’s Taiari Mouth in July. It was the first time a complete specimen has been recovered in good condition for examination.

The examination, led by DOC Marine Science Advisor and beaked whale expert Anton van Helden involved mana whenua from Te Rūnanga o Ōtakou, scientists from New Zealand, plus three leading US marine biologists: Dr Joy S. Reidenberg, Dr Michael Denk, and Dr Alexander Werth, completed on Friday.

Mr van Helden says a lot of new discoveries were made last week, with more to come. But one point of interest was Dr Denk’s discovery of tiny vestigial teeth in the upper jaw.

“These little teeth embedded in the gum tells us something about their evolutionary history. It’s remarkable to see this and it’s just another thing that we had no idea about,” Mr van Helden says.

Scientists also found that the whale had nine stomach chambers, which was previously unknown.

“In some of those stomachs we found squid beaks and some lenses from the eyes of squid, a few parasitic worms, and maybe some other parts of organisms that we are not quite sure of. We have a parasitologist who will study them to find out what they are,” Mr van Helden says.

“We also found interesting structures associated with both feeding and sound production. Weights and measurements and descriptions were made of various muscles and organs, to help us describe this species and make comparisons with related species.

“These all add to the body of knowledge we are building.”

Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou named the whale Ōnumia, which reflects the traditional name of the area where the whale beached. Ōnumia is located on the mouth of the Taiari River, on the Taiari Native Reserve. By naming this whale, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou are reestablishing a traditional practice that maintains their strong bond with the environment, while also affirming their traditional names.

Dr Reidenberg says this is the first time she has worked with an indigenous group through the entire dissection of a whale and the experience was hugely rewarding.

“It was incredibly different to have the involvement of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, because in a normal dissection, we just want to know what attaches between A and B,” Dr Reidenberg says.

“But all the other things we have learned about the importance of the whale to the Māori people, about the traditional stories, the sacredness of the whale, in particular certain parts of the whale, we may have been totally oblivious to and now we can be more sensitive because we understand more, and we’ve enjoyed learning more.”

Mr van Helden says bruising to the head and neck and a broken jaw has led scientists to believe the whale suffered some sort of head trauma that may have been the cause of its death.

“We don’t know but we suspect there must have been some sort of trauma, but what caused that could be anyone’s guess,” he says.

From here, scientists will analyse the data they have recorded from the whale and publish their findings under the direction of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou.

“It’s a week I’ll never forget in my life, it’s certainly a highlight and it’s the start of the storytelling around this beautiful animal,” says Mr van Helden.

For more information on spade-toothed whales and other beaked whales: Beaked whales

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  12 December 2024

Department of Conservation Director General Penny Nelson presented the award to Mr Barkla, who was nominated by the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, with supporting letters from several botanical societies, conservation boards, tertiary institutions and researchers.

John worked for DOC for over 30 years in a range of roles in Whanganui and Otago and continues to serve on the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network as he has done for many years (three of them as President) and has been a member of the Botanical Society of Otago for over two decades.

He continues to support DOC with threatened plant conservation in the Otago region and is a highly respected field botanist who has been a panel member of the New Zealand Threat Classification System team assessing the threat status of vascular plants. He has also supported regional threat classification assessments.

“John’s passion for plants is legendary,” says Penny Nelson. “He volunteers extensively in his own time, going in to battle for plants that others might overlook, such as small leaved tree daisies (Olearia) and Inland Cresses (Lepidium).

“Recently he discovered a new population of Craspedia “Cape Saunders’ on Otago Peninsula. He has also rediscovered rare plants such as Veronica lilliputiana, and Myosotis rakiura on the Otago Peninsula and the only known extant population of a small daisy – now known as Solenogyne christensenii – near Lake Wanaka.”

“Thanks to John’s successful seedling trials we also know a lot more about how to propagate the Nationally Vulnerable Olearia hectorii,” says Penny Nelson.

“John is an outstanding botanist who generously shares his extensive botanical knowledge with others. I’m told he has collected more than 700 specimens for herbaria – housed in seven different institutions.

“His contribution to citizen science is enormous – making more than 25,000 observations of his own and helping confirm identification for another 76,000 observations.

“After being professionally and personally involved in plant conservation for more than four decades, John Barkla has made an enormous difference for our native plants and is thoroughly deserving of this award.”

One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest conservation awards, the Loder Cup was donated by avid plant collector and enthusiast Gerald Loder in 1926 to encourage and honour New Zealanders who work to investigate, promote, retain and cherish New Zealand’s indigenous flora.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 December 2024

With fewer than 35 individuals remaining, every nest, egg, and chick is vital to the survival of this iconic species.

Encouraging start to the season

The tara iti breeding season is off to a bumper start, with 9 active nests recorded and 25 eggs laid. 8 chicks have successfully hatched through the DOC/Auckland Zoo captive rearing partnership, and 3 chicks have hatched in the wild. Fingers crossed the season continues as it has started.

DOC Ranger Nikki Hartley says “We’re thrilled to see so much activity early on in the season. It’s a super busy time, but every successfully fledged chick gets us one step closer to safeguarding tara iti for future generations.”

Protecting the tara iti: A collaborative effort

The success of last year’s record-breaking season, where 22 eggs were laid and 14 chicks hatched, was achieved through a combination of predator control, innovative chick-rearing techniques, and habitat protection. This year, DOC continues to build on these advancements:

• Predator control efforts have already ramped up, with hundreds of traps deployed to protect nesting sites. Cats, mustelids, and rats remain the primary threats to tara iti eggs and chicks.
• Incubating eggs and hand-rearing chicks at Auckland Zoo remains critical tools in increasing productivity and growing the population.
• DOC is also doing research to help better understand the tara iti population dynamics and the threats they face, to ensure we are well equipped to reduce risks to the species.

Key nesting sites and community involvement

Once widespread, the tara iti now breeds at only 4 main nesting sites north of Auckland: Papakānui Spit, Pākiri Beach, Waipū and Mangawhai sandspits.

DOC collaborates closely with partners including Patuharakeke, Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Zoo, The Shorebirds Trust, the NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Tara Iti Golf Club, and the Waipū About Tern Trappers.

Generous support for the tara iti season has been provided by the Shorebirds Trust, Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Tara Iti Golf Club, Auckland Council, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.

To help tara iti and other endangered shorebirds

• Stay out of fenced areas and use designated walkways. 
• Avoid shorebird nests and chicks.
• Keep dogs on leads and out of reserves. 
• Remove bait, fish, and rubbish to deter predators.
• Avoid driving or cycling on the beach.
• If you are being chased, swooped at, squawked at, or if a bird is on the ground pretending to be injured, you are too close to a nest.
• If you find a nest do not touch it and move away quickly. The parent birds will be close by.

“Everyone has a role to play in protecting tara iti. By being mindful of your actions and supporting our efforts, you’re helping to secure the future of this precious species.”

“We love that everyone wants to be hanging out at beaches and estuaries enjoying our beautiful coastline this summer. By remembering that we are sharing these spaces with taonga species like tara iti, and being mindful of your actions, you’re helping to secure the future of this precious manu,” says Nikki.

People can boost efforts to save tara iti by donating through the New Zealand Nature Fund: Tara iti/ New Zealand Fairy Tern | New Zealand Nature Fund.

DOC has partnered with NZ Nature Fund to raise funds and accelerate critical conservation work to protect threatened species like tara iti.

Looking ahead

With continued innovation in conservation techniques and strong community support, DOC remains hopeful for another successful season.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 December 2024

Visitor activity and feedback between 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 shows more local and international visitors are using DOC’s bookable accommodation compared to last year.

DOC’s Heritage & Visitors Director Catherine Wilson says around one and a quarter million bednights were booked for DOC accommodation in the 2023/2024 season.

“This contributed roughly $18.25 million towards the costs of providing these facilities. As DOC also provides many non-bookable huts and campsites, the total number of bednights for DOC accommodation will be far greater.”

A bednight is defined as one person occupying one bunk or campsite for one night.

Bookings for non-Great Walks sites increased 28% on the previous season, to 1,007,069 bednights, while Great Walks were up 10% to 249,277.

The growth in use is down to several factors including facilities being reopened after weather-related closures, and more huts and campsites becoming bookable.

New Zealanders, understandably, continue to choose easily accessible options for getting outdoors, says Catherine Wilson.

“Most of the top 10 places visited by New Zealanders are in the North Island, near coastal areas and population centres.

“Protected natural areas near Auckland such as Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve and Rangitoto Island were most popular, while iconic heritage sites near Auckland are also well visited.

“Short walks of less than three hours duration remain the most popular activity for both New Zealanders and international visitors.”

“International tourism continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic,” says Catherine Wilson, “In June 2024 international visitor arrivals were up to 87% of pre-pandemic levels.”

“An estimated 72% of these undertook a walk or tramp while here, highlighting the importance of nature to our visitors.”

Fiordland and Aoraki Mount Cook national parks in the South Island had the highest levels of international visitor activity. In the North Island, Tongariro National Park attracted the most international visitors.

Compared with the previous year, international visitor bed night bookings on the Great Walks increased by around 27%, bookings by New Zealanders increased by 2%.

Catherine Wilson says as both domestic and international visitor numbers increase, so too does pressure at popular places, making it all the more important for people to visit responsibly.

“It’s disappointing to see around a third of New Zealanders noticed visitor impacts at the natural areas they visited, with damage to natural landscapes observed the most.”

“This summer, we all need to do our bit to protect the natural and cultural heritage we enjoy outdoors.”

DOC’s visitor insights reports are produced biannually covering the peak summer period and full year (July to June). They are designed to inform DOC’s work and support evidence-based visitor management decisions at regional and national levels. These reports also provide New Zealanders with an understanding of visitor activity in conservation areas across Aotearoa.

Read the full report: Understanding 2023/24 visitor activity (PDF, 8,717K)

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