Category: MIL-OSI

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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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  01 April 2025

Recent monitoring of eight rivers on Taranaki Maunga saw 106 whio ducklings counted, up from 89 in the survey completed last year. Further fledglings were sighted on rivers outside the survey area.

For the last nine years surveys have been conducted along eight rivers with specially trained conservation dogs. A dog and its handler seek whio along each river twice each breeding season, with each river taking an average of 6 hours to survey.

DOC biodiversity ranger Joe Carson conducts the annual surveys with her conservation dog, Pip. Joe says she’s thrilled with the great result.

“Ongoing trapping and last year’s application of aerial 1080 have helped protect female whio during their critical nesting period.

“It’s been a huge collective effort from volunteers, Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC staff to reduce stoats and other predators across the maunga. The work of our partners across the wider maunga also supports whio. Together, we’re bringing nature back.”

Settled weather last spring kept rivers stable and low, providing an extra boost to help the young birds survive to fledging.

Whio are a unique duck species found nowhere else in the world and are known as an icon of New Zealand’s backcountry rivers.

The whio population on Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is thriving with regular sightings by trampers on many of the hikes.

“It’s such a privilege to witness this ancient species in the wild,” says Joe.

“So, look out for whio and be sure to give them space so they aren’t stressed, they’re part of what makes New Zealand special.”

Background information

• 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.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  27 March 2025

The two Waitaha geckos were first discovered and marked in 1967 and 1969 by late Herpetologist Tony Whitaker. His detailed record-keeping allowed Department of Conservation staff to accurately date their ages.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Kaitlyn Leeds says the geckos were found during a five-yearly species monitoring visit to Motunau Island.

“We were all blown away to find two of the original marked lizards! We found “Antoinette” (named in honour of Tony Whitaker) first and dated her at 64 years plus and then found the second one called “Brucie-Baby” (Tony’s nickname for his co-worker and conservation legend, Bruce Thomas) and dated her at 60.”

The age record for the Waitaha gecko was previously 53 years with a gecko found on the same island in 2015. Dating geckos on Motunau Island is only possible due to Tony Whitaker individually marking 133 geckos with unique “toe-clip identification” when he started lizard monitoring between 1965 and 1967.

“We no longer toe clip these lizards but it did give us an opportunity to learn how long individual geckos can live for. It’s just amazing they’ve existed on this postage stamp of an island since before the moon landing” says Biodiversity Ranger Allanah Purdie who was also on the island for the visit.

Marieke Lettink, who is a Herpetologist and has been going out to the island for twenty years, says the geckos really buck the trend globally living for such a long time and it was a career highlight to find these two.

“They really are remarkable. I didn’t hold out any expectations that we would find two of Tony’s old mates still living. In global terms, these native geckos are just so unique. We know of no other species of gecko living so long – the average around the world for gecko is only a decade.”

Kaitlyn Leeds says Antoinette and Brucie-Baby look pretty good for their age.

“They do look a bit skinnier with looser skin but to be honest, you wouldn’t know they were 60+ years old! Interestingly, female geckos, like female humans tend to live longer than males. It’s also got a lot to do with being in a cool climate on a predator free island. Maybe it’s also their lifestyle”, she laughs, “lapping up the salty air! But in all seriousness, it does make you think about the impacts of predation and comparative longevity for our reptiles on mainland NZ.”

Waitaha geckos are classified as at risk and in decline. They are mostly found in lowland Canterbury, usually in rocky places that provide warmth and refuge from predators.

Allanah Purdie says she feels privileged to be able to study the geckos.

“These geckos are such an important part of our native landscape. We have such unique species in New Zealand, and these two are now world record holders. I’m hoping that we find Antoinette and Brucie-Baby when we do our next visit to the island in five years. Who knows how long these two will live for.”

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  28 March 2025 Source:  Office of Minister for Hunting and Fishing

“Longer permits, automatic reminders and better navigation are part of a significant upgrade that will make life easier for 34,000 hunters that hunt on open conservation land,” Minister Meager says.

“The underlying technology of the current hunting permit system is outdated and in need of an update, and is being improved based on the direct feedback of hunters. This upgrade will support more hunters, both domestic and international, getting out and doing what they love.

“This substantial upgrade to the permitting system will make it more reliable and easier to navigate on mobile devices, making it easier to obtain permits on the go. Hunting permits will now be valid for 12 months, an increase on the current four-month period. Hunters will also receive reminders 14 days before their permits are due to expire so they can easily obtain a new permit. 

“The upgraded system will also make selecting hunting areas easier. Instead of the 54 hunting areas that hunters currently choose from, the system will be simplified so hunters choose from eight regions, four in the North Island and four in the South Island/Stewart Island. All existing hunting areas within the broader region will automatically be included on the permit, and hunters can also select all hunting areas within New Zealand at the press of a single button.

“These may be simple changes, but they reflect a government which is committed to making it easier for New Zealanders to go hunting and fishing on conservation land, and are willing to listen to the feedback of the hunting community to do so.”

This new system will be launched by the Department in Conservation in May.

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