whenua.news
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.
Pūtaiao
science
Environmental research, ecological monitoring, and scientific findings from universities, Crown research institutes, and field stations.
RSS ↗Become a bird brain this school holiday
At a loss trying to find entertaining, but wholesome and outdoorsy activities for the kids this school holiday? Amateur birding could be the way to go.
Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules change to improve dolphin protection in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands)
A change has been made to the rules which regulate our interactions with marine mammals in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
Paid car parking to continue at DOC sites
DOC will continue with paid parking at three sites in the South Island raising much needed revenue to better protect nature.
DOC to vaccinate ‘at risk’ birds against bird flu
DOC is set to begin vaccinating some of New Zealand’s most threatened bird species to protect them against the highly virulent strain of H5N1 bird flu, in case it arrives here.
Nature therapy – what the DOC recommends
With winter upon us, DOC is launching a new campaign encouraging people to get outside and boost their mental well-being.
Hefty penalty for cutting down protected native trees
A businessman ordered to pay $7200 in reparation for cutting down protected native trees near Kaiteriteri without permission can now be named.
Celebrate Matariki in Puketī ngahere
Lights, laughter, learning and kai will fill Puketī ngahere on 9 July as a community Matariki celebration brings together culture, conservation and whānau.
Public urged to help locate rare dolphin in Bay of Islands/Te Pēwhairangi
DOC is asking locals and visitors naturing in the Bay of Islands/Te Pēwhairangi to be on the lookout for a rare Hector’s or Māui dolphin currently navigating local waters, and to report it if observed.
In Search of Giants: Surveying Powelliphanta
Crawling around in the dirt on the forest floor isn’t something I’ve done a lot of, but that’s because I’ve never snailed before!
"Massive" Canterbury mudfish delights DOC
Heading out to survey kōwaro/mudfish sites on the Canterbury Plains, DOC ranger Allanah Purdie never knows what to expect.
Collaborative wild deer management plan to protect Ruahine Forest Park
A new collaborative approach to managing wild deer in Ruahine Forest Park aims to reduce pressure on native forests while recognising the important role hunters and local communities play in caring for this special place.
Kaimai Mamaku free of kauri dieback
New Zealand’s southernmost kauri forest has been confirmed as free of Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), the pathogen causing kauri dieback disease.
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…
New stoat bait a 30-year journey for predator-free scientist
DOC scientist, Elaine Murphy, talks about a new bait she's developed to target stoats, and why she's a big believer in Predator Free 2050.
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…
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.
New concession granted for Stony Batter on Waiheke
DOC has granted Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Man O' War a concession to operate tours of the historic tunnels at Stony Batter.
New hut, updated route for Tongariro Northern Circuit walkers
Construction of Oturere Hut on the Tongariro Northern Circuit is on schedule for the start of the Great Walk Season in October, but Mangatepopo Track remains closed following fires in late 2025.
New stoat sausage bait trial results impressive
A new sausage bait targeting stoats is shaping up to be a valuable tool to protect kiwi and other native wildlife after impressive results in field trials.
“Higher learning” inspires students at Aoraki/Mount Cook
In what’s described as the highest classroom in New Zealand, Department of Conservation ranger Lisa Winterfeldt sits 1200 metres up a mountain to teach a group of 40 Year 12 students.
In harm’s way – mine visitors asked to come forward
A group of people seen inside an off-limits Buller heritage site are being urged to contact DOC to explain how they came to be in an area closed off to the public.
Ex brickie ranger on a mission for heritage
West Coast based Heritage Project Lead Ranger Matt Ainge is preserving New Zealand heritage, one brick at a time.
Boost for cycling infrastructure across NZ
The Government is investing up to $7.1 million to upgrade six Great Rides cycle trails, strengthening regional tourism and safety, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say.
Marine scientists build snapshot view of Gulf’s ecosystems
Marine monitoring is underway on reefs and seafloor areas across the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana in the first year of new marine protections.
Repairs to key Kahurangi access road underway
A popular gateway to Kahurangi National Park should be reopened by Spring with repairs to a damaged road now underway, and tramping tracks have been upgraded for when people can get back out naturing.
Two Tongariro huts join booking system for winter naturing
Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts in Tongariro National Park can now be booked for winter adventures, with each operating as a serviced hut until the next Great Walk season begins.
Musters a win for nature and Kaimanawa horses
An intense week of musters in the Waiouru Military Training area has seen 58 wild Kaimanawa horses rehomed and nearly 100 mares given contraceptive treatment – but there's still more to do this year.
DOC ranger saves horse with angle grinder
Department of Conservation ranger Gary Hayes didn’t have time to think as he went to aid of a horse stuck in a float, close to death.
Duck season: Not all ducks are fair game
Taranaki duck hunters are reminded to carefully identify targets this season to ensure they are not shooting an endangered species.
Charity helps DOC control wild deer in Te Pātaka-o-Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula reserves and feed whānau
Canterbury based charity Hunters4Hope is helping manage wild deer in DOC reserves on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula - with the venison going to those in need.
Weekly digest
The week's top Aotearoa environmental news, straight to your inbox.