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Department of Conservation - Latest News [Page 1]
DOC's Plan To Bring Ancient And Very Rare Weevils Back From The Brink Of Extinction
Friday, 23 October 2026, 12:36 pm | Department of Conservation
One of the reasons for the species’ decline is the removal of spear grasses from landscapes, which means the weevils lose their habitat. More >>
Images Reveal Rare Bittern Nesting Activity In Canterbury
Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 2:08 pm | Department of Conservation
DOC Biodiversity ranger Allanah Purdie says it’s a gamechanger as there’s no way they would be able to efficiently find bittern nests and chicks on foot without causing undue disturbance. More >>
4WD Group Plants Native Trees To Fix Damage
Wednesday, 23 September 2026, 1:28 pm | Department of Conservation
The Mid Canterbury club helped plant natives at Buicks Bridge, near the Ōtūwharekai/Ashburton Lakes, where there was significant damage on a hillside by other 4WD users of the area. More >>
New Zealand’s Rarest Parakeet Numbers Soar
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 2:56 pm | Department of Conservation
A large team of rangers and volunteers take part in counting and recording the critically endangered parakeet each year and this years’ results were very encouraging. More >>
Callers With Conundrums – DOC’s Unusual Queries
Monday, 14 September 2026, 3:34 pm | Department of Conservation
A concerned child also emailed DOC recently about a ginger cat seen walking across a public reserve. Rats, mice and possums on private property are regularly the subject of calls to DOC. More >>
Moratorium On New Marine Mammal Permits
Friday, 11 September 2026, 7:19 am | Department of Conservation
The moratorium boundary has been extended from Akaroa Harbour to all waters around the peninsula from the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai mouth to Birdlings Flat. More >>
First Fledgling Toroa Fly From Pukekura/Tairaoa Head
Tuesday, 8 September 2026, 2:27 pm | Department of Conservation
DOC co-manages the albatross colony near Ōtepoti/Dunedin as part of Te Poari a Pukekura (TPP) alongside Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Korako Karetai Trust and Dunedin City Council, with the support of the Otago Peninsula Trust. More >>
An Unexpected Visitor: Leopard Seal At Petone Beach
Monday, 7 September 2026, 4:27 pm | Department of Conservation
The animal, a roughly 3-metre-long female, was first reported on Friday night, basking in an area popular with local dog walkers. DOC set up a cordon, advising people to enjoy from afar. More >>
Plants With Superpowers – And How They Can Save Us
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:12 pm | Department of Conservation
Nursery Manager Jess Ward says there’s only half a per cent of native vegetation left on the plains, and on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula it’s around 22 per cent. The dream is to grow forests and protect property through resilient ... More >>
Iconic Klondyke Corner Damaged By Vehicles
Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 3:23 pm | Department of Conservation
The iconic and picturesque campsite is used by Coast to Coast racegoers and support staff in February every year and is incredibly popular, drawing thousands annually. More >>
Ngāi Tūāhuriri Places Rāhui Over Customary Whitebait Season Until Further Notice
Monday, 17 August 2026, 5:16 pm | Department of Conservation
Department of Conservation Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says the placing of the rāhui is a result of a robust process within the hapū and with DOC and other responsible agencies. More >>
Coroner's Report Into Death On Mount Aicken Prompts Safety Messages For Trampers
Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 12:47 pm | Department of Conservation
The coroner found that 37-year-old Rebecca Woolley died from hypothermia and a spinal fracture after becoming lost, while tramping on Mount Aicken. More >>
DOC Staff Delight At Rare Spotted Skink Sighting
Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 9:52 am | Department of Conservation
In the most recent threat ranking, an expert panel classified the Canterbury spotted skink as Nationally Endangered. There are thought to be fewer than 1000 left and a previous stronghold population has collapsed in Kaitorete Spit, near Christchurch. More >>
Aoraki/Mount Cook Suspension Bridge Open Date Revealed
Wednesday, 22 July 2026, 11:12 am | Department of Conservation
This week, the finishing touches and final checks are being made on the new bridge which spans 189 metres across the Hooker River. More >>
Kōkako Contingent To Converge On Rotorua
Tuesday, 21 July 2026, 3:33 pm | Department of Conservation
Alan had several different roles with DOC, in various places, but he retained his connection to kōkako protection throughout. More >>
Retired Vet Discovers ‘Lost’ Mohua Population
Wednesday, 8 July 2026, 4:58 pm | Department of Conservation
Mohua are native forest birds with a distinctive bright yellow head and breast. More >>
DOC Rangers Reveal Their Top 5 Winter Walks
Friday, 3 July 2026, 1:02 pm | Department of Conservation
“The views are incredible, even while driving in. You feel like you’re on top of the world, and, of course, it’s a great walk to do on a Sunday,” he says. More >>
Paid Car Parking To Continue At DOC Sites
Thursday, 2 July 2026, 3:18 pm | Department of Conservation
Revenue from the scheme will be re-invested in New Zealand’s most urgent biodiversity, cultural heritage and visitor network projects. More >>
Feeling The Winter Blues? - What The DOC Recommends For Your Mental Well-Being
Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 2:31 pm | Department of Conservation
From July 1 DOC is asking people to take small actions that don’t require a massive effort but will help nature in their backyards and communities. More >>
Corals And Clams Pile Up – A CITES Reminder This School Break
Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 2:17 pm | Department of Conservation
The volume of tropical species keepsakes seized over the last three and a half years would fill a standard 6-metre long shipping container. More >>
