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Susan O’Regan appointed QEII National Trust Chair

16 September

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has today announced the appointment of Susan O’Regan as Chair of the QEII National Trust Board.

Clear traplines after successful predator control operation

15 September

Rodent and stoat numbers have dropped to almost undetectable levels across a remarkable biodiversity hotspot in Kahurangi National Park following a recent successful predator control operation.

Wetland action plan 2026-2035

14 September

The action plan sets out DOC’s strategic direction for conserving and restoring New Zealand’s wetlands over the next decade

Grazing opportunities at Dunstan Downs Conservation Area

14 September

We are developing a clear process for how grazing opportunities will be allocated at Dunstan Downs Conservation Area in the future.

Callers with conundrums – DOC’s unusual queries

14 September

A caller with a black cat on their doorstep, a request to deal with possum poop and a UFO falling from the sky all feature among the unusual recent calls to DOC's call centre.

Tahr sighting and control maps 2026/27

11 September

View maps of tahr sightings and control from DOC operations undertaken between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

H5 bird flu wildlife resource kete

11 September

Find information about H5 bird flu and keeping safe while working with wildlife or in the field.

Wider collaboration to preserve backcountry heritage

11 September

The Government is strengthening support for New Zealand’s treasured backcountry hut and track network through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DOC and the Backcountry Trust, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced.

Chatham Island shag tracking and testing of Bluetooth GPS devices

11 September

This report outlines the first tracking study of Chatham Island shags, carried out as part of DOC-funded work to evaluate the effectiveness of remote-downloadable GPS tracking devices.

Moratorium on new marine mammal permits

11 September

DOC has announced a 10-year moratorium on new marine mammal permits in the Banks Peninsula/Te Pātāka-o-Rākaihautū area.

New Zealand Protected Natural Areas Programme

10 September

The Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP) was a nationwide ecological survey established in the 1980s to identify representative examples of New Zealand's indigenous ecosystems and biodiversity.

International visitor access charges

10 September

The Government is progressing work to implement access charges for international visitors following national and local consultation.

'Nature loves a team effort' – Conservation Week 2027 dates announced

10 September

Conservation Week 2027 has been confirmed for 19–25 April, so it’s time to start assembling your team and thinking about what you can do for nature.

Southern right whale mum and calf prompt call for care on the water

10 September

A southern right whale and her calf spotted off the Northland coast have made their way south, prompting the DOC to ask boaties to take extra care around marine wildlife when naturing on the water.

Decapitated dolphin found on Coromandel beach

10 September

A decapitated dolphin has been found on a Coromandel beach, prompting Department of Conservation staff to call for information from the public.

First fledgling toroa fly from Pukekura/Taiaroa Head

08 September

The first toroa/royal albatross chicks have left their nests and launched into 5-year adventures across the world’s oceans.

An unexpected visitor: leopard seal at Petone Beach

07 September

A lone leopard seal drew attention in Lower Hutt this past weekend, resting on Petone Beach before returning to the sea early Monday morning.

Managing introduced bird impacts at Lake Rotopiko

07 September

Large flocks of introduced birds roosting at Lake Rotopiko are affecting water quality, neighbouring properties and local amenity. Partner agencies are working together to manage these impacts while protecting the ecological values of the reserve.

Community contribution strengthens marine reserve compliance

07 September

A recently formed community group is helping to supercharge DOC's compliance work at Tasman Bay’s two marine reserves.

New funding for Whangamarino wetland, insect heavyweight

04 September

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced two new International Visitor Levy (IVL) investments while in the Waikato, today — funding to protect the Whangamarino wetland, and further work to maximise breeding opportunities for the Māhoenui giant wētā at Otorohanga Kiwi House.