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KAITIAKITANGA — CARING FOR AOTEAROA'S NATURAL WORLD
Environmental news for Aotearoa New Zealand — for DOC rangers, conservation practitioners, environmental scientists, and anyone who cares about this land.
Awa & Moana
freshwater & marine
Rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal waters — water quality, marine reserves, and the health of Aotearoa's awa and moana.
RSS ↗Forest & Bird challenges Tukituki Water Storage Project in court
Forest & Bird has filed judicial review proceedings challenging a decision to extend consents for the controversial Tukituki Water Storage Project.
Biosecurity on track to eradicate invasive yellow-legged hornet in Auckland
It's been more than six weeks since the last nest or hornet has been found, and there's growing confidence the pest can be wiped out.
Smile for the camera! Using new tech to identify baby native fish
May 23rd is World Fish Migration Day – a worldwide celebration of free-flowing rivers and the life they support. We have some very special fish here in Aotearoa, and this year we’re literally shining a spotlight on five species of galaxiid that move between freshwater and the…
'Bit embarrassing': EV advocates on scrapping of clean car standard
Drive Electric presented its State of the Nation report on Wednesday at Parliament, which says the switch to EVs could reshape the country's energy system.
Gold mine on conservation land in Golden Bay denied permit
An Australian mining company planned to extract billions of dollars of gold at Sams Creek, but NZ Petroleum and Minerals has declined the application.
EVs could 'reshape' the entire energy system - report
Boosting EV rates wouldn't just cut the country's emissions, a major report says - it would save households money and increase the country's energy independence.
A whale’s tale – lucky humpback frees itself from entanglement
A lucky humpback whale that freed itself from entanglement with a crayfish pot line is a reminder for fishers to set up their pots and lines carefully.
Scientists concerned about de-extinction ethics as biotech company heralds 'breakthrough'
Scientists are once-again raising concerns about de-extinction as a US biotech company promotes a "major breakthrough" towards resurrecting the South Island giant moa.
Hundreds submit on Fisheries proposal to manage shellfish in Auckland, Coromandel
The review comes after the government ban on taking several species from the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Kawau Bay, and Ōmaha Bay.
Colossal Biosciences says breakthrough means it's a step closer to resurrecting giant moa
The project has faced some backlash, but has financial backing from filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson and links to Ngāi Tahu Research Centre and Canterbury Museum.
Climate law changes have 'clearly struck a nerve' - experts
An open letter signed by more than 100 lawyers, climate scientists and legal academics attacks the government's moves to amend climate laws to prevent companies from being sued over damage.
NZ exporter says 'bit of a relief' EU might exclude leather from deforestation rules
A major NZ producer says excluding leather from EU anti-deforestation import rules is a 'bit of a relief', but opponents say it's 'nonsense'.
Council loans for rooftop solar still waiting on government green light
Ministers are yet to make a decision about whether to go ahead with a scheme which would let councils provide long-term loans to any homeowners that wanted it.
Fish go to great lengths in the Whanganui River
Native migratory fish have been detected nearly 300 km inland from the Whanganui River mouth in recent research aimed at guiding restoration of the river.
Nature and climate in the spotlight
The praise for a new plan for green credit trading was quickly forgotten as two more announcements landed in the headlines.
Burst pipe sends wastewater into Porirua Harbour for 3 hours
It's not known how much wastewater was discharged after the pipe burst.
Olympian Blair Tuke calls on government to scrap Fisheries legislation
Several environmental groups have called for the bill to be stopped but fishing companies say it helps modernise a system that has worked well for decades.
Hiringa-TR Group partnership close to getting a dozen hydrogen-fuelled trucks on the road
A partnership to get green hydrogen trucks up and running in New Zealand says there is renewed interest in the technology as diesel prices remain high.
Concerns loom around conservation funding under new Reform Bill
There are concerns the Minister will have sole responsibility to decide what land is deemed high value.
Hopes dashed after parasitic worm found to be ineffective at killing invasive millipedes
Wellington residents sounded the alarm about Portuguese millipede infestations last year, after finding hundreds of the scaly black creatures around their homes.
Pakake pup struck by vehicle
DOC is reminding drivers using southern coastal roads to watch out for marine mammals, for everyone’s safety.
Locals win fight against proposed Te Anau floating sauna
Some Te Anau locals hope the idea will not lose steam - just find somewhere else to go.
Ten little spotted kiwi transferred from Zealandia to Hawke's Bay
The 10 kiwi have been placed in large wooden boxes lined with ferns, with known pairs kept in the same box together.
Scientists bring one of New Zealand's rarest plants back from the brink
Researchers managed to collect just three seeds of the woollyhead herb in one season - two of which germinated.
Whakatane’s mission to restore a ‘national treasure’ with little funds
As local councils face rates caps more expenditures Whakatane District Council is asking community initiative to help fund the restoration of the Nga Tapuwae o Toi walkway.
Opposition warns reforms open up conservation estate to sale as government pushes on
The government is pushing on with changes it says cut red tape and let it charge foreign tourists.
Climate legislation changes an attack on the rule of law - Environmental Defence Society
Environmental Defence Society chief executive Gary Taylor says the move is "outrageous", and a "prime example of executive overreach".
Our Changing World: Looking to a wild future for kākāpō
As kākāpō numbers grow, what are the challenges to them becoming truly wild birds?
More than 4000 people queue online to secure spots on the Paparoa Great Walk
The Department of Conservation has upgraded its online booking system and says the platform coped well with booking queues clearing by 10am today.
If you miss out on Great Walks, try these Very Good Walks
Struggling to score a Great Walk spot? Tramping experts recommend some solid alternatives.
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