The Kea Conservation Trust (KCT) welcomes the entry of a conviction against a Nelson man, Robert Derek Aberson, charged with shooting at and killing a kea in his local Tasman community. The KCT also commends the Department of Conservation for pressing for the imposition of a minimum fine of $15,000 on the defendant, however we... Continue Reading →
Ridiculously Light Sentence Handed Out For Convicted Kea Killer
Robert Derek Aberson of Canaan Road, Takaka Hill, was sentenced to 200 hours’ community service today in the Nelson District Court on a charge of unlawfully hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife, namely kea, in breach of the Wildlife Act 1953. He pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Ruth said he recognised this was a... Continue Reading →
Sea lion shot on Catlins beach
DOC is urging the public to come forward with information after a critically endangered sea lion/rāpoka was shot on a Catlins beach. Biodiversity ranger Ros Cole says the male sea lion was reported dead on Tautuku Beach on Sunday 10 September. “A local vet performed a necropsy confirming what we suspected – the sea... Continue Reading →
Offenders sentenced for stealing firewood from public reserves
Multiple offenders appeared in Rotorua District Court following prosecution for stealing wood from public reserves. The prosecutions are the result of community involvement and increased surveillance to address the theft of trees and wood from public conservation land. Scenic reserves administered by DOC under the Reserves Act 1977 are to protect and preserve areas of... Continue Reading →
Hearing on opencast coal mine beginning in Westport
A proposed new opencast coal mine on West Coast reserve and conservation land would push threatened species, including the great spotted kiwi, closer to extinction. A resource consent hearing begins in Westport on Monday 18 September to consider Stevenson Mining Limited’s proposed Te Kuha mine, which would remove a mountaintop visible from Westport. On Monday... Continue Reading →
Global Adventure Racing Partnership with Primal Quest
Two leaders in expedition adventure racing create a new partnership to further strengthen the AR industry. The joint venture is mutually focused on building the profile of the sport and delivering the best quality experience in endurance adventure sport. Today, US adventure racing company Primal Quest and New Zealand’s 100% Pure Racing have announced a... Continue Reading →
Canterbury predator-free efforts acknowledged
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry and Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner have presented traps to two community groups at a Predator Free 2050 event in Christchurch today. The Little River Trap Library and Lyttelton Primary School were given more than 50 traps and bait worth about $8000 for their work to control rats, possums and stoats... Continue Reading →
Predator Free 2050 Ltd on the hunt to fund bold conservation projects
Starting today (12 September), New Zealand conservation groups committed to broad scale predator eradication are encouraged to lodge an expression of interest for funding and support from Predator Free 2050 Ltd. The organisation – tasked with eradicating possums, rats and stoats from New Zealand by 2050 is seeking Expressions of Interest from regional and local... Continue Reading →
A1 Adventure Racing Series Launches for New Zealand Summer Season
New Zealand’s adventure racing scene is about to step up to a new level with the launch of the Adventure 1 Series next month. A1 NZ unifies five existing AR events with a mandate to grow the sports national profile and increase participation, particularly from youth. “ The trans-Tasman A1 Series founded by Todd Vickery... Continue Reading →
