Category: Environment

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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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 April 2025

The fish are named after Gollum from J.R.R. Tolkein’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, due to their large eyes and preference for swampy habitat.

DOC River Ranger Pat Hoffmann says finding Gollums in the stream is exciting, and reinforces the need to protect their habitat.

“Gollum’s conservation status is Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable, the same as South Island takahē,” says Pat. “They’re unique to our region and only found in Southland, so if we lose them here, they’re gone from everywhere. You might even say they’re ‘precious’.

“In December, we were doing an eDNA (environmental DNA) survey of the Waimatuku catchment when we spotted the juvenile Gollums in many of the waterways. The eDNA backed this up with positive results at nearly every test site.”

Gollums stay in freshwater all their lives, and never enter the ocean. However, intriguingly, they are also found in streams on Rakiura/Stewart Island. It’s thought they got there during an ice age when a land bridge was present.

Waimatuku Stream recently became part of DOC’s nationwide Ngā Awa river restoration programme. Through Ngā Awa, DOC and Te Rūnaka o Ōraka-Aparima are working together with local councils and landowners to enhance freshwater species and ecosystems in the catchment.

“We’re now looking at ways to find out more about their populations and ensure they can thrive here,” says Pat. “If you live in the Waimatuku catchment and are interested in doing some restoration on your property, we’d love to hear from you to see how we can support your ideas.”

Visit DOC’s website to find out more about Gollum galaxias and how to protect them and other non-migratory galaxiids.

Background information

Finding Gollums isn’t the only recent highlight at the Waimatuku. DOC and Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka hosted a public information evening in March as an introduction to the Waimatuku Ngā Awa work programme.

The following day, 100 school students took part in a BioBlitz near the stream mouth, learning about the native plants, water quality, birdlife, and history, and recording their findings on the iNaturalist app.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 April 2025

The nationally endangered birds which nest on an island in the Upper Ōhau River battled an unseasonal and very heavy snowfall which buried them and their nests.

The birds have a unique colony in the Upper Ōhau river system where around 700 of them nest each season. This colony is the largest in the country.

This breeding season got off to an amazing start with 360 nests, and the rangers could not believe it. “We were so stoked to have so many nests on the island, and no signs of depredation,” said Sam Turner, Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger for Project River Recovery.

Before the snow came, the rangers’ big concern was the ever-present risk of predators wiping them out. “Norway rats are incredibly good swimmers and if we get even one on the island while the birds are incubating their eggs, it can cause the entire colony to abandon their nests. For four years in a row, we had zero fledglings due to rats and other predators, so it is a stressful time.”

The unseasonal snow fall came in late October. Sam Turner feared the worst.

“There was at least 20cm of snow blanketing the whole of the Mackenzie Basin. We didn’t know what was happening to the birds on the island and we didn’t know how they would handle so much deep snow.”

“We checked our trail cameras and saw the parents had stayed on their nests until the very last moment. They were up to their necks but had to abandon the nests to save themselves. It was impressive how hardy and dedicated the terns were, but heart breaking to see the snow bury everything.”

But just over a week later, the resilient birds came back to give it another go and began laying eggs on the island and on an adjacent terrace.

“It was incredible, really, and such a relief for our team. But we now had a big job on our hands to protect the birds from predators – especially the birds that renested on the terrace because without protection from the natural moat they had on the island, they were super vulnerable to hedgehogs, which demolish their eggs.”

“We erected a temporary hedgehog barrier and set up traps on the terrace where some of the terns nested. We upped our feral cat control, and when we detected a stoat and her kits in the area, we also brought through a conservation dog and handler trained in detecting stoats. It was a massive collaborative effort from the DOC team.”

It all paid off. Sam Turner estimates at least 100 chicks fledged from the breeding colony and have now flown to the coastline for the winter.

“It’s been such an intense season, lots of emotions so it’s hard to put into words. It’s been such a roller coast given everything that has happened. The snow dump was so out of left field and such terrible timing, but to our relief these little birds had a successful breeding season with a bit of help from us. It’s super rewarding seeing them fly away.”

“What we want the public to know is how special these birds are and what they’re up against. They’re only found in New Zealand and that’s the reason we work so hard as if we lose them, they’re gone for good. What’s amazing is how these little terns have beaten the odds this season and that’s something we are so proud of.”

“One alarming statistic is that 25 million native birds are killed by invasive predators in New Zealand. Nature is under pressure, and we’re finding increasingly difficult challenges every year, especially with the extreme weather events like the big snow dumps during the breeding season.”

“Our job is to make sure these endangered birds have successful breeding years so that they are still around for many years to come.”

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  10 April 2025

The beach has been off limits to public since 2018 when contaminants including asbestos were found on the beach.

An asbestos removal company has since cleared about 1.2 tonnes of contaminated material from the beach.

DOC Operations Manager Murihiku John McCarroll says the risk of public exposure is considered extremely low, but ongoing public and environmental risk is not acceptable, and further erosion will deteriorate the landfill – so there is a need to act.

This next phase is to prevent any future contamination of the site and allow public access to be restored.

“DOC and Invercargill City Council (ICC) are collaborating to install a rock seawall between the landfill and the beach,” says John.

“First, waste will be excavated and sorted, reclaimable clean material will be used within the site and the rest will be removed for disposal at an authorised class A landfill. Up to 6,500 tonne of rocks will then be used to build a 90 m long wall to prevent future erosion and secure this significant heritage site for the Bluff area.”

The coastal protection wall and landfill removal cost is around $3.5m and is being funded by DOC, ICC and Ministry for the Environment (MfE). The work is being carried out under guidance of the Ocean Beach Landfill Working Party which includes representatives from Environment Southland and Te Ao Mārama inc who represent Murihiku tangata whenua for resource management purposes.

ICC Chief Engineer Russell Pearson said public safety will be paramount during the work being undertaken.

“With work happening between April and June this year, there will be, at times, no access to the car park and beach areas. Restrictions will be publicly notified as early as possible.”

Bluff Community Board Chair Ray Fife said he was glad to see progress: “I am pleased this work is now being undertaken after the extensive investigation.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  08 April 2025

Tara iti/NZ fairy tern is New Zealand’s rarest endemic breeding bird. With fewer than 45 individuals, the tara iti is nationally critical and despite intensive management has teetered on the brink of extinction since the 1980s.

Senior Biodiversity Ranger Alex Wilson says the tiny Tara iti weighs a mere 70 grams, but the youngster from a “plucky and feisty” species clocked up more than 1700 km during four epic flights in February and March. The bird, part of the DOC-Auckland Zoo Tara iti captive rearing programme is fitted with a small “backpack” transmitter to track its movements.

Over two days in late February, the little Tara iti covered 508 km on a trip around Northland, leaving from and returning to Kaipara Harbour. Two weeks later, in mid-March, it set off on the first of two visits to Thames in Coromandel, covering more than 600 km in total.

“Its final effort was the most impressive, leaving Kaipara on 21 March, arriving in New Plymouth late the next day – clocking up 324 km,” Alex says.

“Over the course of the next three days it returned to Kaipara – with a stop at Kawhia on the way – adding a further 320 km to its journey.”

Alex says it’s not clear why or whether all juvenile Tara iti travel so far, or whether adults also accompany them.

“Up until now we have had to rely on incidental reports of juvenile Tara iti outside their known habitats – so the tracking data from this bird gives valuable insight into the capabilities of young birds.

“A better understanding of their movements and habitat use is a vital development for the programme and the species survival,” she says.

“We’re encouraging people around the North Island to keep an eye out for Tara iti, and report sightings to taraiti@doc.govt.nz, because they could be popping up in all these places,” Alex says.

The public can now donate directly to Tara iti recovery project.

Over the next five years, the NZ Nature Fund in partnership with DOC is seeking to raise $1.57 million for tara iti conservation from public donors and philanthropists. The funds will be used to accelerate DOC’s tara iti recovery programme and ensure the species survives beyond the next 50 years through a number of initiatives such as;

• Developing between three and five new safe breeding sites within the birds existing habitat range, but outside the four main current nesting sites.
• Creating new habitats with shell patches at the existing and new breeding sites.
• Expanding the buffer predator control range so all tara iti breeding have sufficient control to ensure protection.

To donate visit NZ Nature Fund

Background information

DOC works closely with partners, including iwi groups Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, Nga Maungawhakahii O Kaipara Development Trust, Ngāti Wai Trust Board, and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Zoo, The Shorebirds Trust, NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Auckland Council, Tara Iti Golf Club, NZ Nature Fund and local trapping groups.

Generous support for the breeding season has been provided by organisations such as the Shorebirds Trust, Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Auckland Council, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.

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