Category: MIL-OSI

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  24 March 2025

Whio are a threatened duck species unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. If they disappear from here, they’ll be gone forever.

Work to protect whio in the Central Southern Alps began in 2004 with trapping in the Styx Valley. The trapping network quickly grew to include the valleys of Arahura, Taipo and Kawhaka behind Hokitika. The latest expansion into the Rocky and Griffin Creeks is the culmination of years of effort to protect whio in the area.

Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Antje Wahlberg says the site has been the slow and steady “tortoise” of the South Island security sites where active protection of whio is underway.

“Although the other sites increased quickly to 50 or more protected pairs, Central Southern Alps has seen a slow but steady increase in its whio population thanks to predator control and our breed-for-release programme,” Antje says.

“Rocky and Griffin creeks are a small but productive area for whio, and they fill a geographic gap we had in the centre of the Security Site. It feels like we’ve finally connected the dots.”

“Thanks to the consistent support from Genesis we’ve been able to make this progress – we expect to count 50 protected pairs at our next full census.”

DOC and Genesis have been protecting whio together since 2011, and staff involved in the partnership are excited to be celebrating Whio Awareness Week from 24-30 March.

Kate van Praagh, GM Sustainability at Genesis, says the company’s staff are proud to support conservation efforts for whio.

“It’s great seeing the outcomes of many years of trapping. Whio Awareness Week is a special time to shine a spotlight on whio and the amazing mahi being done to help whio thrive by communities in places such as the Central Southern Alps.”

Antje says the steady success of whio in the Central Southern Alps has only been possible with a network of contributors including Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Wildlife Park, Kiwi Park Queenstown, and volunteers, as well as the support of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.

“We can all be part of whio recovery, so look out for whio this Whio Awareness Week!”

Background information

• Whio Awareness Week is being celebrated 24-30 March 2025, with the theme ‘look out for whio’.
• Whio/blue duck are a unique species found nowhere else in the world.
• Whio are river specialists living on fast-flowing rivers.
• Healthy whio populations indicate healthy rivers and streams. The more breeding pairs of whio, the healthier the river.
• The survival of whio largely depends on the protection of secure source populations throughout mainland New Zealand.
• Genesis partners with DOC to support the Whio Recovery Programme nationally.
• Learn more about the Whio Forever programme and the Genesis – DOC partnership at Whio Forever partnership

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  26 March 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) today released findings on Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary (MMS) and the local bottlenose dolphin population.

The research highlights meaningful opportunities to strengthen conservation efforts.

DOC has dedicated significant time and resources to safeguarding bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands.

“Bottlenose dolphins are long-lived animals, and population trends take time to shift,” says DOC Northern North Island Regional Operations Director, Sue Reed-Thomas.

“Our focus is on consistent, proactive management, underpinned by science and supported by strong partnerships with hapū and the wider community.

“While the findings recognise areas where progress has been made, they also reveal important gaps in current management approaches that DOC is determined to address.”

DOC is publishing two significant documents that together provide a clearer picture of the pressures on bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands and outline a practical path forward for their protection.

The first, a science report commissioned by DOC and undertaken by NIWA and the Far Out Ocean Research Collective, describes multiple periods of significant decline in the number of bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi over the past 30 years.

Drawing on decades of data, the report highlights the pressures these dolphins face and underscores the need for long-term, evidence-based conservation efforts.

The second document is an internal review evaluating the Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary’s effectiveness since its establishment in 2021. Informed by the findings of the science report, as well as compliance, education, and operational data, the review highlights practical steps DOC can take to better protect dolphins and other marine mammals in the sanctuary.

“Both reports give us a clear understanding of the long-term population trends, and how we can adapt and improve our management of the marine mammal sanctuary. It’s about using what we’ve learned to move forward in a meaningful way,” says Sue Reed-Thomas.

DOC’s Bay of Islands operations team has already started work to enhance compliance and enforcement within the marine mammal sanctuary, continue building on the partnerships with local hapū, and expand community engagement and education efforts.

“Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure these taonga species are protected for generations to come,” says Sue Reed-Thomas.

Background information

Te Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary Review Report (PDF, 538K)

Update on the population and spatial ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, March 2025 by NIWA (PDF, 3,606K)

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  27 March 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) aims to keep the heritage horse herd at around 300 horses, the agreed limit to keep the horses healthy and protect the fragile ecosystems of the unique Moawhango Ecological Zone.

Rehoming is coordinated by the dedicated, not-for-profit group Kaimanawa Heritage Horses (KHH). However, they have not received nearly enough applications for re-homing this year.

DOC Senior Biodiversity Ranger Sarah Tunnicliffe says the rehoming benefits both the horses and the environment.

“Our latest aerial survey shows the herd is more than double the recommended 300 horses, which risks environmental damage and food shortages for the horses.”

In recent years, with Animal Ethics Committee support, DOC has introduced a contraceptive treatment for some mares to support population control. This supporting method takes a few years to take effect, and rehoming continues to be the primary tool for herd management.

“The muster is our opportunity to balance the continued health of the heritage herd with the protection of rare plants and ecosystems which make New Zealand special,” says Sarah.

“It’s a win-win, but is reliant on Kaimanawa Heritage Horses getting enough applications for rehoming.”

KHH chair Carolyn Haigh stresses the urgency of finding homes.

“With applications closing soon, time is running out. We encourage people to contact us for information on the rehoming process.”

The annual muster is in late April, with applications for horses open until April 14.

If you can provide a home for a Kaimanawa horse, please contact KHH at muster@kaimanawaheritagehorses.org or visit www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org/muster-information.

Your help is crucial to protect these horses and their environment.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  21 March 2025

Scientists have had favourable weather conditions and good success in locating dolphins, allowing them to gather valuable data that will help improve conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori), also known as tutumairekurai, pahu, or upokohue, are endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand and are considered a taonga species. With an estimated population of 15,700, they are managed under the Hector’s and Māui Dolphin Threat Management Plan, which recognises four distinct sub-populations around the South Island.

“Until now, conservation management for Hector’s dolphins in Otago has been based on their assumed connection to other populations along the East Coast of the South Island. The local population is estimated at around 40 individuals,” says Anton van Helden, DOC Senior Science Advisor. 

“By collecting high quality genetic samples, we can use these data to determine how closely related – or not – the dolphins in this area are to neighbouring populations, and ensure they are managed appropriately.”

“This research will provide a clearer picture of how Otago’s Hector’s dolphins are connected to other populations and will help guide conservation efforts. It builds on the valuable eDNA research already undertaken by the University of Otago,” says Anton. 

Recent research by the University of Otago using environmental DNA (eDNA) provided an initial look at the genetics of these dolphins. The findings suggest they may be more genetically linked to dolphins on the south coast of the South Island rather than other east coast groups, raising important questions about population connectivity and exposure to regional threats such as fishing. However, while eDNA is useful for species detection, it does not provide the level of genetic detail needed to reliably assess population structure.

The survey team is using a well-established biopsy sampling technique, where a small, lightweight dart collects tiny skin and blubber samples from free-swimming dolphins. This method, which has been safely used on Māui dolphins for more than 15 years, provides high-quality DNA for genetic analysis with minimal disturbance to the animals.

“The tiny samples we collect are archived in the New Zealand Cetacean Tissue Archive (NZCeTA) and will give us opportunities to understand genetic relationships, age structure, aspects of their diet, and even reproductive status” says Anton.

The survey, which began on Sunday, 16 March, will continue until Saturday, 22 March, covering the coastline from just south of Oamaru to just north of Taieri. The collected samples will be analysed in collaboration with the New Zealand Cetacean Tissue Archive at the University of Auckland – Waipapa Taumata Rau and mana whenua.

With the survey progressing well, the data collected will contribute to the long-term protection of Hector’s dolphins, ensuring their survival for future generations.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  22 March 2025

He rāhui

He aitua! He aitua!

Ka papaki te tai o te atarau, ka huri aku kamo ki te tihi o Tongariro ki nga hihi o te ra e piata mai ana. Aue taukuri e!

It is with great sadness that Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro acknowledge a recent death in Tongariro National Park.

With the support of the Department of Conservation and New Zealand Police a rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for three days from today Saturday 22 March 2025. It will be lifted at 6 am on Wednesday 26 March.

To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui.

A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) sets a temporary prohibition around the rāhui area and limits access for that period in order to acknowledge the death and to express sympathy to the whānau of the deceased.

It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whānau.  

Transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rāhui.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  28 March 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

The High Court recently decided it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai to authorise the New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi under section 53 of the Wildlife Act to harm protected wildlife species while building the Mt Messenger highway.

“As permission was also granted under another section of the Act, the court’s decision doesn’t affect this highway’s ongoing construction. It will not affect Fast Track projects either,” Mr Potaka says.

“However, the decision could delay other projects DOC has given permission for or are still coming through the pipeline under section 53 of the Act – such as building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests, and powerline maintenance that are essential for supporting our growing economy. It also affects other important conservation work, like pest control.

“The Government intends to promptly change the law to enable these important activities to go ahead lawfully, including the building of houses and roads for example, as they have in the past with safeguards for wildlife. These amendments will provide certainty for existing projects,” Mr Potaka says.

“While developers are absolutely expected to make the best possible effort to protect our precious wildlife when getting on with their mahi, they should have confidence they won’t be prosecuted if their projects incidentally kill protected wildlife despite having previous authorisation and complying with the conditions set.

“It’s important Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife continues to be protected and that species can thrive as we support a strong and growing economy. The Government still expects responsible developers to seek permission for the activities they undertake – for example, seeking to relocate animals before doing any construction work – to protect populations and support the ongoing viability of species.”

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