The puppies have been recruited under DOC’s $3 million, three-year renewable partnership with Kiwibank – a collaboration which is aiming to unleash the potential of incredible dogs such as these to sniff out the unwanted predators which are destroying our native bird population. DOC Threats Technical Advisor Fin Buchanan says Conservation Dogs have an important... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
High up on the hills behind Westport is the last unmodified coal field habitat in New Zealand. This harsh environment is home to a wide range of rare species including the great spotted kiwi. Currently the area is threatened by a proposed open cast mine. Click here to see what Forest & Bird have been... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
