Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  10 July 2025

The young male kea was found with a shattered leg bone in Golden Bay’s Ligar Bay in February. It was caught by Kea Conservation Trust staff and flown to Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital in Manawatū, where it received complex treatment and underwent a long recovery.

The kea was released into the Cobb Valley area on Tuesday after being driven to Wellington and flown across to Takaka on Golden Bay Air. Manawhenua ki Mohua supported the release.

Kea Conservation Trust’s Tracey Dearlove says it’s fantastic this kea has recovered well enough to be released back into the wild, but the incident is a reminder we need to live alongside the inquisitive and protected parrots.

“While many people think of kea as an alpine parrot, they naturally range all the way from the mountains to the sea so it’s not unexpected to see kea in lowland and coastal areas.

“Kea are smart and curious and will interact with people and objects, which gets them into trouble and poses unique challenges to their conservation.

“Typically, the younger birds are more visible as they’re especially inquisitive. This means they can stick their beaks into things you’d rather they didn’t.

“As an endangered and protected native species, it’s unacceptable and illegal to shoot or otherwise injure kea.”

Tracey says one of the main ways people can make their property less attractive to kea is by ensuring there’s no food available to them, including pet food or unsecured compost or rubbish bins.

“If they get a taste of food even once, they can hang around for weeks hoping to get more.

“Try to make your property as boring as possible. Don’t leave out unsecured items like shoes, bikes, toys and power tools that they can play with, especially at dawn and dusk when kea are most active.

“It’s a privilege to see these charismatic parrots appearing in coastal Golden Bay, but as their local population increases and we see them in backyards more often, we’ll need to learn to live alongside them.”

DOC Senior Science Advisor Kerry Weston says the nationally endangered kea are only found in the South Island of New Zealand and their population is in decline.

“There’s thought to only be 1000-5000 of these iconic and intelligent parrots left. They’re in serious trouble, mostly due to the ongoing impacts of introduced predators like stoats and feral cats.

“Interacting with people can also be a threat – such as when people feed them, which changes their natural behaviour.

“Kea like the taste of lead but its poisonous to them, so you can help by making sure there are no lead-based building materials on your house or other buildings.”

The kea database is building an understanding of where these iconic birds are found. People can record sightings at Kea Database. Anyone who sees a sick or injured kea in the wild should call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Background information

For more information about the shot kea’s recovery, read Massey University’s media release.

Endangered kea on the road to recovery after shooting in Golden Bay – Massey University

The Kea Conservation Trust provides support in resolving kea conflicts.

For more information visit the Trust’s website

People can take steps to make their property less attractive to kea:

• Don’t leave food (including pet food) outside, and make sure compost, rubbish and recycling bins are kea-proof. A latch or weight attached to the lid is a good way to do this. If kea get a taste of food even once, they can hang around for weeks in the hope of getting more.
• Kea love the taste of lead, but its poisonous to them. Lead is most commonly found in nails and flashings of building roofs made before 1991. If you think your building may have lead fixtures, please contact the Kea Conservation Trust or DOC. They can help you find a solution.
• Try not to leave your moveable things outside. Pack away items like shoes, bikes, clothes, toys and power tools, especially around dawn and dusk when kea are most active.
• Protect your rubber wiring and other rubber items such as rubber seals on chimney flues with a barrier, as kea particularly like to chew on rubber.

Contact

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  22 July 2025

A member of the public walking on the Rakiura Great Walk Track on 12 July reported the dead stoat to DOC, who retrieved it the next day.

The stoat’s skull was crushed indicating it had died instantaneously from either a trap or similar blunt force prior to being found on the track.

“Rakiura is known to be stoat free,” says Aaron. “The nearest stoat population is 30 km across the Foveaux Strait, their swimming range is 2 km and they are not known to stowaway on vessels. This stoat has died from a head injury then mysteriously turned up on a busy walking track.”

“We need to know if we are dealing with a new significant threat to Rakiura’s native species, or if this stoat has been transported from elsewhere and planted deliberately. Both scenarios are disturbing. We are taking this seriously.”

The dead stoat has been sent to an expert to see what further information can be obtained. Samples are being sent for genetic testing to try to determine where it has come from.

DOC is appealing to the public to come forward if they have any information about the dead stoat’s origins.

“It would have devastating implications for native wildlife if stoats were to take hold on Rakiura,” says Aaron.

“In other places in New Zealand where there are stoats, kiwi chick survival can be as low as zero without sustained pest control. Imagine the damage stoats could do on Rakiura, which is known for its tokoeka or southern brown kiwi population.”

“If stoats were to establish on Rakiura they would threaten efforts to create a predator-free space for kākāpō to be returned, and they would quickly decimate other native species on the island.”

The Predator Free Rakiura project is currently working on the removal of Rakiura’s existing pest species – rats, possums, feral cats and hedgehogs – in one of the largest and most complex predator eradication projects ever attempted on an inhabited island.

Introducing pests such as stoats constitutes an offence in New Zealand, with serious consequences and penalties including imprisonment of up to five years and significant fines.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DOC 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)

Contact

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 August 2025

The goal of the fund is to create areas of habitat alive with flora and fauna across Hawke’s Bay, and contribute to nature-based solutions to some of the region’s environmental challenges.

The fund arose from a generous bequeathment to conservation, which DOC entrusted into the management of Eastern and Central Community Trust Incorporated (ECCT). This first funding round will see approximately $500,000 of grant funding available for distribution.

Alice Heather, Lower North Island Operations Director for DOC, says supporting local community conservation is a win for everyone.

“New Zealand’s native species are unique and special, and everyone has a role in protecting and restoring nature,” says Alice. “Taking action for nature can be anything from picking up beach litter or backyard trapping, all the way up to DOC’s nationwide work to protect native species.

“We’re all in this together, so supporting projects that protect and enhance our ecosystems, and reduce the negative effects of predators our unique environment, is something everyone can get on board with.”

David Clapperton, Chief Executive Officer of the ECCT, says he is looking forward to seeing what kind of projects will apply.

“We’ve heard some ideas from community members already,” says David, “and we’re really keen to see what else the Hawke’s Bay community come up with for our local nature.”

Community groups, private landowners, iwi, and agencies throughout Hawke’s Bay can apply for the funding. Applications will be assessed by an expert panel including representatives from DOC, iwi, and the community.

The Hawke’s Bay Nature Fund 2025 opens on Monday 4 August and closes on Friday 26 September at 5 pm. Applicants will be notified of final decisions in November.

For more information and to apply, visit Eastern & Central Community Trust – Hawke’s Bay Nature Fund

Contact

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  28 July 2025

MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel in response to the weather system moving in off the Tasman Sea, and is expected to dump up to 120 mm of rain on the peninsula from Tuesday 29 July. The MetService’s rain warning is paired with a strong wind watch due to possible gales in exposed places.

DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Matt Flynn says it’s prudent to close tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove given the weather system’s expected impact.

“DOC’s priority for this site continues to be the safety of visitors and managing visitor risk. Poor weather exacerbates the landslide and rockfall risks at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

“We strongly discourage people from visiting the cove while this weather system moves – the conditions make it unsafe.

“We do not want people getting hurt.”

Matt says the Mautohe Cathedral Cove closure will come into effect from 6 am on Tuesday 29 July and be in place until further notice. Decisions about whether it is safe to reopen tracks to the beach will be made once staff undertake site inspections and weather forecasts are assessed.

Sea swells are expected to increase with the weather system and anyone planning to visit Mautohe Cathedral Cove by boat should check sea conditions first and consider the risks.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, land around the cove is known to be potentially unstable with a noted geological and landslide risk after heavy rain events.

DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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Friday 18 July 3:25pm

Emergency works on the bluff above State Highway 6 Rocks Road are almost complete and the route will soon be safe to reopen to traffic.

Contractors have worked hard to reopen the route this week, removing approximately 650 tonnes of material from the cliff face.

State Highway 6 Rocks Road will reopen to all road users at 6 o’clock tonight. Roadside barriers will be in place at the slip site.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi is focusing on the plan and designs for further resilience works on the cliff. Further updates will be provided when details are confirmed.

We appreciate this is a critical transport link for Nelson and its closure has created significant disruption and delays for the community.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks everyone, drivers, residents, affected landowners and businesses for their patience and cooperation as contractors carried out this important work.

Given the impact of the recent weather events and flood damage across the top of the South Island, there remains an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further state highway closures – particularly if there is more heavy rain.

Road users can expect to encounter multiple road work and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys. Road users are encouraged to check road conditions before they travel.

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Monday 14 July 11:58am

State Highway 6 Rocks Road is expected to remain closed to traffic for at least the next two days.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says further inspections of the site were completed this morning.

“Geotechnical investigations confirm that heavy rain has created another unstable wedge of soil, with vegetation and rocks hanging above the highway. Pieces of debris are continuing to fall intermittently.”

“Our contractors have begun sluicing to remove the debris, which is being collected and removed at the base of the slip,” Mr. Service says.

Because of the ongoing risk to the public, Mr. Service says State Highway 6 must remain closed between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.

“We ask that everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—obey the road closure while work to fix the slip continues. At this stage, we do not expect to have SH6 Rocks Road open before Thursday.”

Drivers and residents can expect ongoing travel delays and congestion while the closure remains in place – particularly during peak commuting times. People are encouraged to factor this into their travel plans.

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Sunday 13 July 5:56pm

Work continues in Nelson and Tasman to restore the region’s critical state highway links.

Nelson’s link to Murchison and the West Coast was restored this afternoon with the reopening of State Highway 6 between Belgrove and Kohatu.

Work to reopen State Highway 6 at Rocks Road continues.

SH6 Rocks Road

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the situation with Rocks Road is serious.

“We have had crews up assessing the site, removing the material, and monitoring earth movement over the weekend.”

“This has shown that, for safety reasons, State Highway 6 Rocks Road must remain closed,” Mr Owen says.

Mr Owen says NZTA/Waka Kotahi will continue to work with Civil Defence and the Nelson City Council on the matter

“We will work together to develop a solution, and we will do this as quickly as possible.”

“However, it does mean the road closure must remain in place until further notice. There is a clear and present risk to public safety, which must be carefully managed,” Mr Owen says.

The closure will have a significant impact on traffic flows in and out of the city and Mr Owen warns drivers must be ready for it.

“Thousands of vehicles use this route daily, shifting them on to the detour route on Waimea Road will create congestion and delays – especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. We also ask that drivers use Waimea Road as the detour and avoid using smaller residential streets.”

“People need to be ready for this and plan their travel accordingly. If you can use public transport to get to work or delay your trip in and out of the city, please do so. This will help reduce pressure on the network,” Mr Owen says.

He also asks that the public respect the closure points in place.

“They are there to keep the public safe. Falling material has a very real potential to badly hurt or even kill you. Please stay clear while we work to reopen the road.”

Mr Owen says steps are in place ensure access to local businesses is available.

“They need to keep operating, which is why we have soft closure is in place at the intersection of Russell Street. People can get to these businesses and shops – we just ask no-one travel between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.”

SH6 Belgrove to Kohatu

Mr Owen says contractors made fantastic progress to reopen this section of State Highway 6, earlier today.

“It wasn’t just heavy rain that hammered the region over Friday and into Saturday, wind was a major problem too.”

“Hundreds of trees were brought down along this section of State Highway 6, and it has been an immense job to get them cleared, as well as tackle slips, rockfalls, and washouts. It also means the transport link between Nelson and the West Coast is restored,” Mr Owen says.

He says the other good news is that the stop bank built at Kohatu after the Motueka River breached its banks two weeks ago has held up well.

“This area was particularly hard hit just two weeks ago and it’s great to see the protection put in place worked.”

General advice

All other state highways are open, but it is not business as usual on the roads or for driving.

In Marlborough, State Highway 63, Korere-Tophouse Road to Waihopai Valley Road remains restricted to residents and essential travel only.

State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill, while open to light and heavy vehicles, has suffered slip and washout damage and extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. It is vulnerable to further disruptions and possible closure.

Across the network, because of weather damage, drivers must drive to the conditions and take extreme care when travelling. There remains an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further road closures. These may happen at short notice.

Road users can expect to encounter multiple road work and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys.

Please follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place. They are there to keep the public and work crews safe.

More information

Source: PHARMAC

Last month, Pharmac announced that from 1 December 2025, two brands of oestradiol patches would be funded for New Zealanders – Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot.

This decision follows months of listening to, and working with, people who use oestradiol patches after initial criticism of Pharmac’s approach.

“In late 2024, we announced a move to a single funded brand of oestradiol patch through the annual tender,” says Adrienne Martin, Manager of Pharmaceuticals.

“While we made this decision to try and manage the impact of global supply issues on New Zealanders, the community response quickly told us that we hadn’t considered everything we needed to,” Martin says.

“People shared that while different brands of patches should work the same, this is not everyone’s experience.

“Many felt anxious, frustrated, and in some cases, let down by the decision. They were also concerned that they hadn’t been consulted – and that their voices hadn’t been heard,” Martin says.

Pharmac engaged with the community, meeting with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, GPs, and pharmacists. The team also spoke directly with the founders of online petitions calling for the decision to be reviewed.

“It became clear to us that people needed options,” Martin says. “We took that feedback seriously and worked hard to reflect it in an updated proposal.”

In March 2025, Pharmac consulted on a proposal to fund two brands of patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. More than 1,100 people responded. Most supported the proposal, including the continued funding of the Estradot brand.

Pharmac has now confirmed that both brands will be funded from December 2025. This means people will have the option to use either Estradot or Estradiol TDP Mylan, depending on what works best for them and what’s available.

“Although there are no issues with the availability of Estradiol TDP Mylan, there may be times when Estradot isn’t available for everyone who needs it” says Martin. “That’s why having another funded brand available is so important.

“This decision is a direct result of the feedback we received. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. Your voices helped shape this outcome.”

About the oestradiol patch brand change and supply monitoring

Source: PHARMAC

We’re improving our processes, so that people can understand the outcome of expert advice to Pharmac earlier.

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac has declined 48 inactive funding applications so that it is clearer what medicines are currently being considered for funding.

Director of Pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon, says closing these applications is an important part of making sure Pharmac’s work is transparent and easy to understand.

“We want people to know which treatments we are actively considering for funding,” she says.

“We decline applications if other medicines for the same condition have already been funded, making the application irrelevant.

“We also decline them if we have received clinical advice that recommends against funding this medicine, or we’ve found out that the medicine is unable to be supplied in New Zealand.”

MacGibbon says that of the 56 applications assessed, 48 were declined, 1 was withdrawn by the supplier, and 7 remain active as a result of the consultation feedback.

“We’re grateful for the feedback we received. Listening to people’s personal experiences and perspectives helps us to understand the diverse health needs of our communities.

“I know that it can be disappointing to hear that a medicine is no longer being considered for funding. Declining an application now doesn’t prevent us from considering the medicine for funding in the future if new information is provided.

“Our team works hard to make sure the medicines that would benefit New Zealanders move through our processes as quickly as possible.”

Source: Massey University

Massey University Engineering PhD students and entrepreneurs, Tyrel Glass and Baden Parr, are creating game-changing technology for the agricultural industry.

Their agri-tech start-up Protag has now raised $1m from investors to fast-track the development of their smart ear tag sensors, which transmit crucial health and location data to dairy farmers within seconds.

Protag’s small internet-enabled device clips onto a cow’s ear, allowing farmers to continuously monitor the animal’s health, grazing and breeding habits. Machine learning is used to process data from the device’s temperature, movement, and location sensors, helping farmers map animal behavioural patterns and detect the early onset of illnesses in real time.

Protag co-founder Tyrel Glass says the company’s small, lightweight device is 100 times more power-efficient than other GPS-based devices using bulkier battery packs.

“We see a future where every farmer has detailed information on the health and wellbeing of every animal. The power of remote sensing in animal health is huge and Protag is the gateway into this data, providing advanced analytics for each animal that can map the whole story of the cow, and at an accessible price point for all farmers.”

Fellow co-founder Baden Parr adds, “Mastitis, lameness (leg and foot pain), and reproduction issues are the main ailments dairy cattle face. By detecting these early, Protag paves the way for more sustainable farming and improved animal welfare.”

The newly raised funds will be used to accelerate the company’s product development and validation in preparation for large scale trials planned for later this year, with several expressions of interest generated from farmers in Waikato and the South Island.

While the company has its immediate sights on the New Zealand market, where a farmer’s average dairy herd is 440 cows, Ireland and Brazil have been identified as future markets.

Associate Professor in Computer Engineering and PhD supervisor of Tyrel and Baden, Fakhrul Alam, says, “The students have created potentially game-changing technology for the agri-tech industry. Their engineering smarts, combining cutting-edge remote sensing technology and artificial intelligence, will bring crucial insights to dairy farmers.”

Source: Massey University

New ground-breaking research could drive fundamental changes to the way New Zealand agencies communicate and respond to volcanic risk.

Funded by the Earthquake Commission (EQC), the Massey-led research project will investigate how agencies have communicated risk during times of inactivity, unrest, eruption, and post-eruption in previous volcanic events in this country and globally, to create an effective approach for future events.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Julia Becker from the Joint Centre for Disaster Research says communication of volcanic risk varies over time, depending on the status of the volcano and the population at risk, and is challenging due to the unpredictability of an eruption.

“We want to learn from our previous responses and use our results to help improve New Zealand’s volcanic preparedness, resilience, emergency management and warnings. Communication about such aspects is essential to inform decision-making and keep New Zealanders safe.”

While Dr Becker’s research primarily focuses on volcanic risk communication, the research scope will also include aftershock communication approaches that were useful to agencies and the public during the Canterbury earthquake sequence.

“We want to see whether communication for earthquakes could be transferable to a volcano context. It’s clear that an integrated approach would help to understand the range of ways to effectively communicate volcanic risk and provide advice for decision-making.”

Dr Becker is one of 13 recipients of EQC’s 2022 Biennial Grants. She will be leading a research team from Massey and GNS Science, working alongside the Department of Conservation, local iwi and  agencies responsible for volcanic risk management in New Zealand, including Determining Volcanic Risk in Auckland (DEVORA).

EQC Research Manager Dr Natalie Balfour says communications about any natural hazard are crucial to keep the public safe and informed.

“This research will ensure that important lessons from the past are not lost and will help us communicate volcanic risks more effectively in the future. New Zealand experiences a range of volcanic activity and eruption styles.

“The eruptions of Mt Ruapehu [1995/96], Te Maari Crater [2012], and events overseas such as in Tonga, all provide us opportunities to learn. Successful communication of volcanic risk will help the public and other decisionmakers to better plan and prepare. 

“We’re funding this project as it fits perfectly with EQC’s vision to create better understanding of the natural hazards we face and how we can better prepare for them.”