Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New figures released today showing a decline in New Zealand’s gas reserves is a stark reminder why the Government is taking decisive action to bolster the industry and seek more investment in exploration and production, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

“New Zealand needs a secure supply of affordable and reliable gas – for industry to continue and for Kiwis to keep the lights on. A 27 percent year on year decline in our natural gas reserves is further proof that the Coalition Government has made the right decisions in overturning the oil and gas ban, and is willing to become a cornerstone investor in gas production,” Mr Jones says.

“We simply cannot allow the de-industrialisation of New Zealand to continue. Our manufacturing sector, particularly in the regions, which rely on gas are at the mercy of the market. Rising gas prices are putting increasing pressure on manufacturers and are harming the competitiveness of our businesses, risking their viability.

“As an island nation we should be taking full advantage of our indigenous gas reserves to power our homes and businesses. The idea that we could transition to 100 percent renewable energy without the back-up of any kind of thermal energy is as naïve as it is unattainable. 

“That’s why the Government has made some bold decisions about how we can arrest the impending degradation of our energy system. It is not too late to turn around our fortunes in this area.

“The Government has committed, through Budget 2025, $200 million over four years for Crown co-investment in new domestic gas field developments. This funding will allow the Government to take a commercial stake of up to 15 percent in new gas projects that feed the domestic market, helping to reduce sovereign risk and attract offshore investment.

“As well as removing the exploration ban, the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill which comes back before the House soon, better balances the regulatory burden and risk of decommissioning and gives the regulator more flexibility in how exploration permits are issued, giving the sector confidence to get to work.”

Other action the Government has taken includes the Investment Boost policy announced in the Budget.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Date
Reference Number
Title

19 December 2019
AM/19/01484
Aide-Memoir: Discussion paper: establishing a CoVE specialising in Secondary Tertiary Programmes, Multiple Pathways and Transitions (PDF 1.4 MB) 

5 December 2019
B/19/01460
Funding Agreement between the Crown and Lincoln University (PDF 1.3 MB) 

3 December 2019
1210568
Education Report: High-level decisions on the unified funding system for discussion at the strategy session on 12 December (PDF 7.8 MB)

22 November 2019
B/19/01385
Tertiary Education Commission 2019/20 Quarter One Performance Report

20 November 2019
B/19/01340
Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 658 KB) 

20 November 2019
B/19/01339
Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 590 KB) 

15 November 2019
AM/19/01341
Expenditure accrual adjustment to Vote Tertiary Education

13 November 2019
AM/19/01357
Overview of standard operating procedures and/or code of practices for TEI accommodation services

11 November 2019
Cabinet paper
Confirmation of Crown capital investment to support the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities (PDF 1.2 MB)

7 November 2019
AM/19/01351
Tertiary Education Institution Accommodation Overview

1 November 2019
AM/19/01338
No recoveries for exceeding prior achievement limit in 2019 for YG and SAC 1-2

29 October 2019
B/19/01328
Tertiary Education Commission Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019

25 October 2019
AM/19/01337
Reform of Vocational Education Programme Governance – Update

24 October 2019
E/19/01252
Ako Aotearoa 2019 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards Evening – 30 October 2019

23 October 2019
B/19/01284
Crown support for Whitireia Community Polytechnic

15 October 2019
E/19/01277
Launch of Drawing the Future event on 18 October at Porirua East School

14 October 2019
B/19/01260
Report to Ministers from the University of Canterbury Futures Governance Oversight Group

14 October 2019
B/19/01275
ITP constitutions for two councils

9 October 2019
AM/19/01258
AgResearch business case for a new building at Lincoln University

4 October 2019
E/19/01256
Opening the 15th New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum on Tuesday 15 October 2019

25 September 2019
B/19/01192
Update on Careers System Strategy Engagement Process (PDF 500 KB) 

20 September 2019
B/19/01175
Tertiary Education Commission draft Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019 (PDF 276 KB) 

19 September 2019
B/19/01211
Tertiary Education Report: Draft Cabinet paper on supporting the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities and reallocation of funding to Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 159 KB) 

17 September 2019
B/19/01023
Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 250 KB) 

13 September 2019
B/19/01210
Establishing a Stakeholder Advisory Group for Reform of Vocational Education

13 September 2019
B/19/01209
Workforce Development Council and ITO Workstream: Progress update (PDF 861 KB) 

13 September 2019
1204429
Briefing Note: Unified Funding Work Programme: Progress update (PDF 3.6 MB)

10 September 2019
E/19/01176
Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019

9 September 2019
E/19/01176
Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019 (PDF 871 KB) 

9 September 2019
E/19/01169
Meeting with Greg Wallace, Chief Executive of Master Plumbers on Thursday 12 September 2019

6 September 2019
B/19/01141
ITP constitutions for seven councils (PDF 297 KB) 

2 September 2019
E/19/01158
Ministerial visit to Unitec Institute of Technology on Tuesday, 3 September 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB) 

27 August 2019
B/19/01065
Tertiary Education Report: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 487 KB) 

27 August 2019
B/19/01086
Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 640 KB) 

21 August 2019
B/19/01085
Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 826 KB)

19 August 2019
E/19/01093
Minister of Education Opening the Primary ITO Symposium on Tuesday 20 August 2019

8 August 2019
AM/19/00929
Fees-free monitoring and addressing non-complying TEOs

26 July 2019
E/19/00868
Ōritetanga Learner Success Conference (PDF 240 KB) 

26 July 2019
AM/19/00971
Talking Points for Cabinet on 29 July 2019 – NZIST Establishment Board Appointment

25 July 2019
B/19/00928
Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal (PDF 1.5 MB) 

24 July 2019
B/19/00882
Crown support for Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 670 KB)

20 July 2019
AM/19/00790
WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report (PDF 459 KB) 

19 July 2019
AM/19/00959
Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for Telfrod – Talking point for Cabinet

19 July 2019
AM/19/00954
Annotated Agenda – NZ Institute of Skills and Technology Establishment

17 July 2019
B/19/00773
Update on Careers System Strategy and Career Action Plan (PDF 275 KB) 

17 July 2019
B/19/00867
Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2020 and 2021 (PDF 486 KB) 

15 July 2019
AM/19/00800
Assurance findings for the Reform of Vocational Education Programme

15 July 2019
B/19/00763
2020 Investment Round Update: Indicative Allocations

11 July 2019
E/19/00879
Minister to visit Otago University on 12 July 2019 (PDF 465 KB) 

10 July 2019
B/19/00819
Manukau Institute of Technology– council constitution (PDF 402 KB) 

10 July 2019
AM/19/00880
Compliance monitoring of fees-free tertiary education and prosecution for false statutory declarations

4 July 2019
B/19/00785
TEC 2018/19 Quarter Three Performance Report (PDF 355 KB) 

3 July 2019
B/19/00861
Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Unitec (PDF 289 KB) 

1 July 2019
B/19/00840
2018 Educational Performance Indicators (PDF 1.1 MB) 

1 July 2019
AM/19/00820
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 2018 Annual Report (PDF 506 KB) 

1 July 2019
B/19/00708
Publication of the Tertiary Education Commission’s Statement of Intent 2019/20–2022/23 and Statement of Performance Expectations 2019/20 (PDF 274 KB) 

1 July 2019
AM/19/00827
Aide-Memoire: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 303 KB) 

1 July 2019
B/19/00840
2018 Educational Performance Indicators

28 June 2019
E/19/00835
Meeting with Service Skills Institute Incorporated on Monday 1 July 2019

25 June 2019
AM/19/00821
Talking Points for APH on 26 June 2019 – Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (PDF 219 KB)

20 June 2019
AM/19/00790
WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report

19 June 2019
AM/19/00797
Growing the Food and Fibres Sector – Recommendations for the TEC

17 June 2019
E/19/00776
University of Canterbury – Opening of the Rehua Building on 25 June 2019 (PDF 326 KB) 

12 June 2019
E/19/00690
Meeting with the Commissioner of WelTec and Whitireia (PDF 346 KB) 

12 June 2019
AM/19/00749
Update on Whitireia Community Polytechnic and the Wellington Institute of Technology

10 June 2019
AM/19/00739
Update on the current situation of funding training and education of carers

7 June 2019
B/19/00702
Recognition of Skills Active Aotearoa Limited as an industry training organisation (PDF 1.1 MB) 

31 May 2019
B/19/00709
Waikato Institute of Technology Council Constitution (PDF 441 KB) 

31 May 2019
AM/19/00704
Unitec Institute of Technology 2018 Annual Report (PDF 408 KB)

31 May 2019
B/19/00706
2018 final full-year enrolments at tertiary education organisations

31 May 2019
AM/19/00707
Update on the financial position of ITPs

30 May 2019
B/19/00703
Recognition of the Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand as an industry training organisation (PDF 479 KB) 

30 May 2019
B/19/00701
Recognition of Primary Industry Training Organisation as an industry training organisation (PDF 897 KB) 

30 May 2019
E/19/00705
Meeting with UCOL on 5 June 2019  (PDF 2.6 MB)

27 May 2019
AM/19/00648
Advice on options to support the University of Canterbury following the Christchurch mosque attacks

24 May 2019
B/19/00650
Ministerial appointment to Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

17 May 2019
B/19/00706
2018 Final Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations (PDF 1.1 MB) 

17 May 2019
B/19/00640
Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection – Final Milestone (PDF 386 KB) Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection Appendix A (PDF 1.6 MB) 

16 May 2019
AM/19/00651
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki 2018 Annual Report (PDF 516 KB) 

10 May 2019
E/19/00555
Meeting with Professor Jan Thomas from Massey University on 22 May 2019 (PDF 682 KB) 

10 May 2019
E/19/00644
Meeting with Southland Federated Farmers

9 May 2019
B/19/00613
Letters for Ministerial appointments to two tertiary education councils (PDF 286 KB) 

8 May 2019
E/19/00509
Minister to speak at the Open Polytechnic Graduation on Thursday, 23 May 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB).

3 May 2019 
AM/19/00611
Lincoln University 2018 financial results (PDF 247 KB) 

3 May 2019
AM/19/00615
Ministerial Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

23 April 2019
B/19/00527
Release of the 2018 PBRF Quality Evaluation Results 

10 April 2019
E/19/00512
Meeting with Primary Industry Training Organisation on Thursday 11 April 2019 

9 April 2019
E/19/00473
Meeting with WITT to discuss RoVE on 11 April 2019 

8 April 2019
E/19/00482
Meeting with Andrew Robb from Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 11 April 2019 

3 April 2019
B/19/00451
Salvation Army foundation education delivery consultation outcomes 

3 April 2019
B/19/00469
Inspiring Futures – Response 

2 April 2019
E/19/00465
Ministerial visit to open new Tech Park Campus development at Manukau Institute of Technology on 5 April 2019 

28 March 2019
E/19/00446
BusinessNZ Major Companies Group – Chief Executive Forum on Friday 5 April 2019 

27 March 2019
B/19/00448
Letters for Ministerial appointments to eight tertiary education institution councils 

27 March 2019
B/19/00442
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – council constitution 

25 March 2019
B/19/00360
2018 Interim Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations 

18 March 2019
AM/19/00414
Talking Points for APH on appointments to eight ITP councils 

14 March 2019
B/19/00161
TEC 2018/2019 Quarter Two Performance Report 

12 March 2019
E/19/00396
Meeting with The Skills Organisation 14 March 2019 

12 March 2019
E/19/00398
Meeting with Careerforce Thursday 14 March 2019 

12 March 2019
B/19/00381
Letters for Ministerial appointments to two university councils 

7 March 2019
B/19/00158
Careers System Strategy Workstream Implementation Update 

5 March 2019
AM/19/00330
Talking Points for APH on appointments to two TEI Councils 

1 March 2019
E/19/00166
Meeting with Competenz Chair and Chief Executive Thursday 7 March 

1 March 2019
E/19/00234
Local Government New Zealand Rural and Provincial Meeting 

27 February 2019
E/19/00165
Visit to Telford (PDF 326 KB) 

26 February 2019
E/19/00150
Meeting with primary industry leaders to discuss your vision on Reform of Vocational Education (PDF 269 KB) 

25 February 2019
E/19/00246
Meeting with the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) (PDF 2 MB) 

15 February 2019
B/19/00082
Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal: next steps (PDF 2.3 MB) 

11 February 2019
AM/19/0060
World Economic Forum OECD Release of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs: Trends, Data and Drawings report (PDF 159 KB) 

7 February 2019
AM/19/00083
2018 full-year enrolment reporting timeline (PDF 397 KB) 

1 February 2019
B/19/00081
Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2019 (PDF 393 KB) 

February 2019
Cabinet paper
Council Appointments for Ara Institute of Canterbury, Eastern Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, NorthTec, Otago Polytechnic, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, UCOL and the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (PDF 320 KB) 

30 January 2019
B/19/00055
Appointment of an advisory committee to support the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 202 KB) 

29 January 2019
AM/19/00064
Computer in Homes Tender (PDF 824 KB) 

28 January 2019
AM/19/00063
Meeting with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (PDF 1.2 MB) 

21 January 2019
E/19/00010
Ara Institute of Canterbury – Manawa and Outpatients facility opening on Thursday 31 January 2019 (PDF 1.2 MB) 

11 January 2019
B/19/00028
Update World Economic Forum: Launch of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs (PDF 554 KB) 

8 January 2019
B/19/00007
University of Auckland – amendment to council constitution (PDF 303 KB) 

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 5 June 2025
Last updated 5 June 2025

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From time to time, we review policies, strategies and work programmes to ensure tertiary education remains relevant and of high quality.
From time to time, we review policies, strategies and work programmes to ensure tertiary education remains relevant and of high quality.

As part of this process, we often need to consult with relevant parts of the tertiary sector and individuals.
Current consultations – use the filter on the News and consultations page to find our current consultations, including those we are running on behalf of the responsible Minister.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 5 June 2025
Last updated 5 June 2025

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We provide information and advice to the Government and the responsible Minister(s). We also provide information and advice to tertiary education organisations (TEOs), other government agencies and external stakeholders.
We provide information and advice to the Government and the responsible Minister(s). We also provide information and advice to tertiary education organisations (TEOs), other government agencies and external stakeholders.

Minister of Education 
Learner outcomes and TEO performance
We provide information and advice about learner outcomes and TEO performance, to support people to make better choices about what and where to study, and to encourage improvements in the performance of TEOs.
The areas we provide information and advice on include:

The information and advice we provide in these areas includes:

providing advice on the activities and performance of TEOs and the tertiary education sector
developing details of how to implement funding mechanisms
providing information and advisory services to the Minister on the tertiary sector, tertiary education and training issues
working closely with, and providing advice to, agencies across government, to strengthen connections between tertiary education, the social sector and the labour market
publishing information on TEOs’ performance, funds, educational performance and research.

Our performance
Each year, we report on the performance of our information and advice as part of our Annual Report.
These reports can be found on the Corporate publications page.

Related Content

Key Information Set for Tertiary Education Organisations

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Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 5 June 2025
Last updated 5 June 2025

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We invest government funding in tertiary education organisations (TEOs), monitor their performance, and provide information and advice. We invest over $3.8 billion into tertiary education and the careers system each year. 
We invest government funding in tertiary education organisations (TEOs), monitor their performance, and provide information and advice. We invest over $3.8 billion into tertiary education and the careers system each year. 

Our investment supports more than 700 tertiary education organisations across New Zealand to provide all forms of post-secondary-school education, including foundation education, vocational education and higher education (including research). 
Our investment helps to ensure a network of provision which meets the needs of different learners and communities.
The scope and breadth of our careers work has expanded to better support the changing nature of work and the future career needs of all New Zealanders between the ages of 7 and 70+. The focus is to help prepare New Zealanders for the future of work and the post-COVID challenges that lie ahead.
Over the coming years we will focus on equipping New Zealanders with the skills and capabilities to make them career confident and resilient. For our customers this means providing information, tools and support to inform and enable good educational and employment decisions.
Recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The TEC recognises and affirms our responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi:

We will give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work across the tertiary education and careers system.
We will ensure that our work is consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi-related goals of the Education Work Programme, the Tertiary Education Strategy and Ka Hikitia.
We acknowledge our responsibility to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its entirety including taking into account the interests of whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori.
In particular, through our Ōritetanga Learner Success work programme, we will give effect to the Crown’s Third Article Treaty obligations to ensure equitable outcomes for Māori as learners. We will work to ensure that all Māori learners receive what they need to be successful, through the intentional design and stewardship of the tertiary education system.
We will support the Crown to meet its duties to actively protect the taonga of te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and a strong wānanga system of tertiary educational delivery.

We are required to give effect to the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES). The TES sets out the Government’s current and medium-term priorities and long-term strategic direction for tertiary education. It is intended to address economic, social and environmental goals, and the development aspirations of Māori and other population groups.
Performance monitoring
In addition to our performance monitoring of the tertiary education sector as a whole, our Chief Executive is required to report to the responsible Minister(s) on performance of universities, wānanga and Te Pūkenga – formally the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), the tertiary education institutes (TEIs) reflecting your ownership interest (on behalf of the Crown) in all 12 TEIs.
Through our work we support learners to understand and take hold of the lifelong opportunities they have to upskill, reskill and adapt to new challenges.
Delivering for learners also means delivering for communities and employers. We do this by working with these groups to make sure learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to contribute to thriving and resilient communities and an innovative and sustainable economy.
For more information, please refer to our corporate publications: Annual Report, Statement of Performance Expectations, and the Briefing to the Incoming Minister 2020.

Related Content

Source: New Zealand Police

Police in Christchurch are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vulnerable missing person.

79-year old Elisabeth went missing last night with a confirmed sighting on Bartlett Street, Riccarton.

There are also unconfirmed reports of Elisabeth being seen in Moana Vale at around 10am on 5 June.

Elisabeth is wearing blue pants, a dark coloured long-sleeve top, black shoes and has distinctive long blond/white hair.

If you see her please call 111 and ref P062766924.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

For the fifth consecutive year, women’s representation on public sector boards and committees has reached 50 percent or above, with women now holding 52.1 percent of public sector board roles, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.

Ms Grigg announced the results of the 2024 stocktake of gender and ethnic diversity on public sector boards and committees at an Institute of Directors event on Wednesday.

“I am delighted to see that women’s representation in public sector governance remains strong, and that women also continue to be well-represented in Board chair positions – at 44.5 percent.

“We know that having more women in leadership not only brings about greater diversity but is better for business with a positive impact on financial performance and better decision making.”

Ms Grigg says that Māori and ethnic diversity on public sector boards has also increased since collection of ethnicity data began in 2019.

“There are many great women leaders in New Zealand who have achieved amazing things. A big part of what we need to do now is inspire the next generation of leaders, and this includes identifying, supporting, and growing future generations of women in governance.

“This is a great achievement, but the work is not done. It’s taken a deliberate and coordinated effort to achieve this result, and we continue to focus on ensuring we have gender-balanced boards appointed on merit that result in better governance practices, decision-making and financial performance and, ultimately, better outcomes for New Zealanders.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today announced that the Government has released the refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.
“The updated strategy includes a targeted investment of over $81 million to improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand,” Mr Doocey says.
“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference. We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.
“The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives, and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm.
“We know one of the biggest barriers to people accessing support is workforce, that is why the plan includes ways we will grow the gambling harm workforce. We will be creating up to 18 additional clinical internship places.
“It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work and will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm.
“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians.
“One in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime—either directly or through someone they know. This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities.”
Services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ, and Lotto NZ. Work is also underway on how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.
The strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities,” Mr Doocey says. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Yep, they’re back and turning up in the weirdest places.
From footpaths to paddocks, suburban driveways to the occasional KFC carpark, young kekeno (New Zealand fur seals) are once again on the move. And as winter settles in, we’re entering peak Seal Silly Season—when juvenile fur seals begin exploring the world beyond their rocky seaside homes. 

This seasonal flurry of furry adventurers might seem funny (we see you, seal at Bunnings Whangārei), but it also highlights the need for smarter planning as our native marine mammals return to historic habitats—including ones that now have busy roads running through them. 

Why we need your sightings 

We have teamed up with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to better understand where fur seals and sea lions are turning up near roads—and why. We’re building a national model of road-related risks for marine mammals, and your sightings can help. 

“We’re asking people to report sightings of seals, fur seals or sea lions on or near roads,” says DOC Technical Advisor – Marine, Jody Weir. “Even a photo (if it’s safe!) can help us map hotspots and better understand the risks. This is citizen science in action.” 

Using your reports, alongside existing road and habitat data, together with Waka Kotahi, we will identify areas where future road upgrades—like the seal-saving guardrails installed in Kaikōura—could help reduce risks for both wildlife and people. 

What is road ecology—and why does it matter? 

This work is part of a growing science field called road ecology. It’s all about how roads affect the movement and behaviour of wildlife. As kekeno and other marine mammals bounce back from the brink and return to our coasts and towns, this research is more important than ever. 

Kaikōura has already shown what’s possible. Targeted upgrades to key hot spots—where young fur seals had been clambering onto State Highway 1—have significantly reduced road risks. But we know this isn’t just a Kaikōura issue. 

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The comeback of a taonga species 

Once rare on the mainland, fur seals and sea lions are now slowly reclaiming their old haunts. It’s one of Aotearoa’s great conservation success stories. But with that success comes new responsibility. 

“We’re thrilled to see these taonga species recovering,” says Weir. “But we need to adapt alongside them. That means planning for coexistence, especially during Seal Silly Season.” 

From May to September, young fur seals head off on solo adventures while their mums are out feeding and supporting next year’s pup. It’s a vital stage of development, but it can lead to some strange (and risky) detours. 

How to help: report a sighting 

If you spot a fur seal or sea lion on or near a road—or in an unusual inland spot—let us know! Your sightings will help shape the initial national road risk model and guide future conservation planning. 

📧 Email: seeaseal@doc.govt.nz and report your sighting there.

OR

📞 Call: 0800 DOC HOT (362 468), if you see a sea lion or fur seal in distress, harm’s way or entangled, stranded, or deceased.

📍 Include: 

• Date of sighting 

• Description of location and number of animals 

• GPS coordinates or map pin (if possible) 

• A photo (if safe to take) 

Please also report the same details for any dead marine mammals you find on or near roads, and if you’ve seen them in the same place before, let us know when. 

🗓️ Reports submitted by mid-June 2025 will help inform the first round of analysis—but we welcome sightings anytime. 

• Never touch or feed a seal—they can bite and it’s against the law. 

• Stay at least 20 metres away. 

• Keep dogs on a leash and children close. 

• Don’t block a seal’s path to the sea. 

• If a seal is injured, being harassed or in danger, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). 

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Seal sightings that made headlines 

These might sound like the setup to a joke—but they tell a real story about how our marine mammals are adapting to a modern, human-dominated landscape. And we need to do the same, with smarter planning and a bit of help from the public.