2006 Wellington media releases

Protect our rare native wildlife this summer

Date:  20 December 2006
People visiting southern Wairarapa’s Onoke spit are being encouraged to leave their vehicles at the end of the formed road to avoid harming nesting Caspian terns and other wildlife and plants.

New marine reserve approved for Wellington

Date:  06 December 2006
Source:  From the Offices of the Ministers of Fisheries and Conservation
The Kupe/Kevin Smith Marine Reserve is to be created off Wellington's scenic South Coast providing a showcase for the unique marine ecosystems found there, Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton and Conservation Minister Chris Carter announced today.

Kapiti bats return to captivity

Date:  30 November 2006
An attempt to establish rare short-tailed bats on Kapiti Island has had a set-back following an outbreak of a mysterious ear infection.

Two dead baby dolphins in one week

Date:  17 November 2006
Two baby dolphins have been found washed up dead in the space of a week, including one critically endangered Maui's dolphin.

Slip restricts access to the top of Colonial Knob

Date:  06 November 2006
One of the access tracks to the top of Colonial Knob in Porirua has become blocked by a slip following recent heavy rain.

Wildlife among ‘guests’ at planting anniversary bash

Date:  05 November 2006
Native wildlife was among the “guests” at a party this weekend to celebrate the 25-year effort that has gone into cloaking Wellington’s Matiu/Somes Island with native forest.

Wellington Conservation Board appointments

Date:  16 October 2006
Source:  From the Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Chris Carter today announced the appointments for the Wellington Conservation Board.

Predator unwitting wildlife saviour

Date:  05 October 2006
A predatory urban cat has unwittingly contributed the latest species of native wildlife to be transferred to Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour.

Robin breeding on Matiu/Somes Island

Date:  04 October 2006
North Island robin have wasted no time starting a new population on Matiu/Somes Island.

Kapiti Island north end open to public

Date:  14 September 2006
The public can now visit the north end of Kapiti Island under a permitting system designed to safeguard conservation values while enhancing the visitor experience on this internationally-renowned conservation icon.

Rare weed revealed, 1300 native plants given out at weed swaps

Date:  28 August 2006
A new site of a rare agressive weed was uncovered and more than 1300 native plants distributed at weed swaps in Wellington and the Hutt Valley to highlight Conservation Week.

Awards honour efforts to protect our cultural and natural heritage

Date:  10 August 2006
A spruced up electric suburban train joins the outstanding examples of cultural and natural heritage restoration honoured in the 11th Wellington Conservation Awards.

Community planting day at Whitireia Park

Date:  08 August 2006
The community is being invited to help revegetate Whitireia Park in Titahi Bay.

Swap a weed for a native in celebration of Conservation Week

Date:  03 August 2006
Wellington and Hutt Valley residents are being encouraged to swap a garden weed for a native plant at Conservation Week events highlighting the role we all have in protecting our great ‘kiwi’ lifestyle.

Celebrate Conservation Week at Pukaha Mount Bruce

Date:  28 July 2006
New Zealand’s native pigeons (kereru) swoop and soar above the Pukaha Mount Bruce forest and also have an essential role to play in sustaining forests.

Makara Walkway reopens

Date:  14 July 2006
The Makara Walkway near Wellington is open again but people should take care walking around fenced off sections of track damaged during last week’s storms.

Take care on conservation tracks in Wellington

Date:  10 July 2006
People venturing into forest parks and reserves in the Wellington region are warned to be wary of possible flood damage to tracks and structures and to allow themselves plenty of time.

Makara Walkway closed

Date:  07 July 2006
The Makara Walkway has been closed by the Department of Conservation after sections of the track were damaged by heavy rain this week.

Catchpool Valley Road washed out

Date:  06 July 2006
Heavy rain has washed out the Catchpool Valley Road at the entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park near Wainuiomata, preventing vehicle access to the top car park or camp ground.

Sponsors celebrate kiwi return to mainland NZ

Date:  28 June 2006
As part of Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi work, key sponsors committed to restoring the Pukaha Mount Bruce forest in the Wairarapa shared in the celebration of the release of three more kiwi into the wild there yesterday.

Wellington Conservation Awards nominations sought

Date:  18 May 2006
Nominations are being sought for the 11th Wellington Conservation Awards, honouring community involvement in conservation.

New huts highlight Tararua’s assets…and challenges

Date:  10 May 2006
Three new huts in the western Tararua Forest Park are testimony to the park’s stunning views, its challenging weather conditions and a community commitment to recreation facilities.

Pukaha’s first ‘native’ kiwi chicks go wild

Date:  09 May 2006
Source:  A media statement from the Department of Conservation and the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust
The first two kiwi chicks conceived in the wild at Pukaha Mount Bruce for more than a century were released into the forest today.

Wildlife welcome robin onto Matiu/Somes Island

Date:  06 April 2006
Kakariki were among the welcoming party when 21 North Island robin from Kapiti Island were released onto Matiu/Somes Island yesterday.

Pukaha Mount Bruce wins Australasian award

Date:  05 April 2006
Strong community support and dedication from Department of Conservation staff are behind the conservation achievements that have won Australasian recognition for Pukaha Mount Bruce.

Nominees sought for Wellington Conservation Board

Date:  03 April 2006
Wanted – Energetic people with an interest in conservation to fill four vacancies on the Wellington Conservation Board.

Bats doing a midnight flit on the dark phase of the moon

Date:  31 March 2006
It’s the dark side of the moon tonight, the perfect time for the newest intake of bats to Kapiti Island to venture out into the wild.

Weevil rescue underway

Date:  31 March 2006
A rescue mission has been mounted for a population of weevils living on a knife edge on Wellington’s south coast.

Seal harasser fined $650

Date:  17 March 2006
A significant fine handed out to a man convicted of throwing stones at fur seals on Wellington’s south coast is a warning that harassment of protected marine wildlife will not be tolerated by the courts, says the Department of Conservation.

Kapiti Island and Kapiti Marine Reserve being brought to the classroom

Date:  17 March 2006
Twenty Kapiti Coast teachers explored Kapiti Island and scoured its coastal shores today, in preparation to bringing scientific information and conservation messages to their classrooms.

Pukaha Mount Bruce connects with the sea

Date:  14 March 2006
Source:  A joint media statement from the Department of Conservation and Greater Wellington Regional Council
The connection between the land and sea was highlighted at an event at Pukaha Mount Bruce today, where close to 30 students and five parents and teachers arrived from Mauriceville School to celebrate Seaweek.

 
 
Publication

Footnotes - Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy newsletter (includes information from the Chatham Islands)

Information

About DOC - all regions

Contact

For information on recreation and conservation contact:

Wellington Visitor Centre
Phone:      +64 4 384 7770
Address:   18 Manners Street
Wellington
Email:   wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy Office
Phone:      +64 4 472 5821
Email:   wellingtonco@doc.govt.nz
Full office details