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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller’s favourite family beaches

Packing the car full of kids, stuff and maybe the dog can be an ordeal, but the hardest part is finding somewhere everyone actually wants to go.

Thankfully New Zealand is full of family-friendly beaches that offer more than just the surf and sand, but also capture the wider interests of people of all ages.

AA Traveller narrowed down a list from throughout the country to help families pick a new spot to explore this summer.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James says a lot of what makes a beach popular with parents is about what else is available in and around where they’re spending their day.

“They’re looking for a beach that offers safe swimming, but beyond that they also want good facilities including barbeques and playgrounds, walking and cycling tracks and places to eat nearby so they can really make a day of it,” he says.

“A beach like Caroline Bay in Timaru is not only considered one of the country’s safest swimming beaches, but it also has plenty of other attractions like the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, a maze, mini golf, a paddling pool and a playground which makes it a popular spot and keeps families coming back.

“It’s places like these that appeal and the good thing is you can find them throughout the country,” he says.

Family favourites include:

• Te Tii Bay, Paihia
• Matapouri Bay, Northland
• Cheltenham Beach, Auckland
• Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland
• Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington
• Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson/Tasman
• Rabbit Island, Nelson
• Caroline Bay, Canterbury
• Sumner, Christchurch
• St Clair Beach, Otago

Rhys says having something for everyone is one of the many reasons why heading to the beach is a summer staple and why so many families have that particular beach they always go back to.

“They’ve found a place that works for everyone, but we wanted to show Kiwis that there are plenty out there to choose from, so don’t be afraid to head to a new place this summer.”

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information including 101 Must-Do’s to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1500 properties on aatraveller.co.nz or at any AA Centre.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Kiwis identify the best spots for when you’ve just got to go

Convenience and character – turns out that’s what we look for in a public loo.

Fresh cut flowers, the existence of toilet paper (as opposed to none), art, architecture, music and even attendants also make for a memorable pitstop.

Public toilets often get a bad rap, a few deservedly so. However, rather than name and shame the less than salubrious throne homes, the team at AA Traveller decided to find out which were the best and why.

While myriad reasons for the thumbs up were stated, unsurprisingly, cleanliness topped the chart of why any specific public loo was good throughout the country in rural locations, small towns and in cities.

However, the AA Member survey revealed a handful of top locations, from the Bay of Islands in the north right through to the deep south, that stood out – with one of them particularly unique, the award-winning, Friedensreich Hundertwasser-designed toilet in Kawakawa.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James says he’s not surprised the Hundertwasser facility in Kawakawa continues to make a mark – 17 years after it was opened.

“When we travel, we don’t really think about loos until we actually need them and then they become really important. When we’re in unfamiliar territory the challenge is to find one in time, especially when the kids are in the back seat getting vocal about their needs.

“The Hundertwasser toilets, while essentially just being a practical facility to take care of urgent needs, are probably the only loos in the country that truly become part of the journey. No one really expects art in a public toilet, but Kawakawa has that and then takes it to the next level with the entire building fitted out like a giant installation in a gallery.”

The Hundertwasser facility also has a page on Wikipedia – likely a global rarity for a specific toilet – and is on many global lists as one of the best.

Another award winner that features strongly in the AA Member survey is the Taupo Superloo.

While it’s only open from 8am till 5pm and requires a small fee to access, its central location and the fact it’s serviced has created many happy travelling fans from throughout the country. And, if you really need it, there’s a free wifi signal beaming in from nearby.

The Taupo Superloo was one of the first user-pays facilities created for travellers. The 50 cent entry fee provides access to standard and squat toilets along with a bidet. For a little extra, there are showers, lockers and even towels for hire.
“Kiwis aren’t that easily impressed, so when people mention a public toilet as decent, it’s fair to assume they mean it,” Rhys says.

While facilities in many places were noted in the survey, other standouts are in:
· Ashburton
· Cambridge
· Cheviot
· Geraldine
· Gordonton
· Kaikoura
· Matamata
· Picton
· Piopio
· Taihape
· Tirau
· Waiouru

The added touch of fresh flowers, good mobility access, lighting, well-stocked with paper and soap, music and good parking were noted in many locations as why a toilet was good.

“A good public toilet that travellers can find easily is likely to help form opinions about a place and also drive custom for those businesses located nearby. While we weren’t asking about poor-quality toilets, the more than 2000 responses we had on the best demonstrates that travellers are well catered for pretty much wherever they go in New Zealand.”

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1800 properties at AA Traveller or at any AA Centre.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: A summer of Must Do’s for Kiwi travellers

Just in time for summer, AA Traveller has presented a freshly collated, vibrant collection of absolute Must-Do’s for Kiwi holidaymakers.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the original 101 Must Do’s – a list compiled after a large public vote and published in what became a popular book.

This year, AA Traveller is presenting a new list of Must Do’s designed to excite Kiwis about exploring their country and becoming more engaged with is expansive natural heritage, history and adventures.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James says the list this year was compiled by three editors who applied the original selection criteria requiring inspiring places, activities or events along with an additional filter.

“This year the emphasis on the new Must Do’s list is on encouraging people to get out there and start exploring right now,” Rhys says.

“We want people to be inspired to visit these places now, not some time in the future.”

Rhys says that in a country as diverse as New Zealand, keeping the list to just 101 places and activities is challenging.

“Being selective is extremely difficult and there are loads of extremely worthy places and activities not on this year’s list. We wanted a good balance between what people would expect to see on the list and some off the beaten track, right across the country.”

The Must Do’s list includes easy walks and days-long tramps, scenic drives with places to stop and specific destinations that cover a mix of family-oriented activities and some for the more adventurous.

“There’s a little of something from every region in the Must Do’s from the Te Paki sand dunes and Cape Reinga in the north through to Stewart Island and the Catlins in the south. Whether you prefer being active or just finding some place to chill out, we’ve got it covered with plenty of options.”

Summer activities also make the latest list. Held at Lake Taupo, Wanderlust is a four-day celebration of mindful living with music, meditation, yoga, hiking and workshops. It will be held from February 2-5 at the Wairakei Tourist Park.

The Marlborough Food and Wine Festival will take place on February 11 – New Zealand’s longest running festival and features wine tasting, great food and a range of entertainment.

For the complete list, visit the AA Traveller website.  

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1800 properties on the AA Traveller website or at any AA Centre.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  16 April 2025

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel in response to Cyclone Tam. The cyclone is expected to dump up to 250 mm of rain on the peninsula and pack winds of up to 140 kmh – resulting in a Wind Warning from the forecaster. MetService’s warnings are in effect from 12 am Thursday 18 April to 12 pm Friday 19 April. 

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

“As well as the wind and rain forecast, swells up to 4 m are predicted, meaning the waves are likely to reach the cliffs behind the cove’s beach.

“We strongly discourage people from visiting the cove over the next few days – the conditions make it unsafe.

“We do not want people getting hurt.”

Matt says the Mautohe Cathedral Cove closure will come into effect from 5 pm on Wednesday 16 April, and be in place until at least midday Saturday 19 April – when staff will carry out a site inspection and make further decisions about whether it is safe to reopen tracks to the beach.

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.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  15 April 2025

One of Bluff’s signature tracks, Foveaux Walkway is an easy, well paved track following the Motupōhue/Bluff coastline to a lookout point.

The track is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is a huge drawcard for both locals and tourists. Hundreds of people visit daily to take in views over Foveaux Strait, Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island.

DOC acting Operations Manager Murihiku Jono Airey says it’s a special track.

“It’s visually stunning with native flora and fauna and is rich with Māori and European history. We’re talking about nature and heritage unique to New Zealand, these are things you can’t find anywhere else.

“Dogs are allowed on the track as long as they are on lead. Dogs are doing what dogs do, but unfortunately their owners are leaving their dogs’ faeces behind in this precious place. It’s a long-term issue, and it’s getting worse.

“It’s not good enough, track maintenance is now a dangerous, disgusting job for our rangers. They return covered from head to toe in dog excrement thrown about by scrub-cutters. They even wear face shields to protect themselves. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Dog faeces contain germs which can harm humans and wildlife and should always be picked up and disposed of responsibly.

Along with marine mammals kekeno/fur seals and pakake/sea lions, the area is frequented by marine sea birds including tītī, shag, tawaki/Fiordland crested penguin, mottled petrel, kororā/little penguin and numerous forest bird species. In winter tohorā/southern right whales can be spotted in the strait.

“Unless things improve, we will have to exclude dogs from our track network in Bluff to ensure the health and safety of our rangers, visitors, and wildlife,” says Jono.

“Dog poo bins aren’t an option for us, they encourage fly tipping and illegal dumping and require a level of maintenance we can’t resource.

“People tramping in our backcountry carry out human rubbish and waste to protect our natural environments, so we’re sure visitors to the urban Foveaux Walkway can manage the much easier job of cleaning up after their dogs.”

New signs will soon remind dog walkers of their obligation to remove dog poo from the Foveaux Walkway, and DOC will monitor the situation to inform decisions on future dog access to the track.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  15 April 2025

The number of marine mammal species in New Zealand classified as Threatened or At Risk has increased from 10 in 2019 to 14 today, with the sperm whale, pygmy blue whale, southern right whale dolphin, goose-beaked whale, and pygmy sperm whale added to the list. Leopard seals were moved from at-risk to migrant.

A ‘Threatened’ species status is given to animals in serious trouble. New Zealand has the highest proportion of threatened indigenous species in the world – more than 4000 native species are currently threatened or at risk of extinction.

Panel lead and DOC Senior Science Advisor, Dr Dave Lundquist, says several species have been shifted to a more threatened conservation status. This includes sperm whales, which were moved from Data Deficient to At Risk – Declining.

“Research published by the University of Otago in 2022 shows a long-term decline in the number of sperm whales seen off Kaikōura during summer,” says Dave Lundquist.

“We don’t yet know if this reflects a broader drop in sperm whale numbers across New Zealand, but the panel has taken a precautionary approach and assumed it could be.”

Thanks to improved population data, eight other marine mammal species previously considered Data Deficient now have updated conservation statuses. This includes pygmy blue whales, now listed as Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable.

The New Zealand sea lion has also been moved to a higher risk category – from Nationally Vulnerable to Threatened – Nationally Endangered. This is due to a smaller estimated number of breeding adults and a faster rate of population decline than previously thought.

“Estimates suggest sea lion numbers could decline by 30–70% over the next 30 years, which is about three generations. Multiple human-caused threats are likely to be contributing to this decline,” says Dave Lundquist.

Bottlenose dolphins are the only species whose status has improved – from Threatened – Nationally Endangered to Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable. However, Dave Lundquist says this change is due to better information, not an actual increase in numbers.

“We previously estimated fewer than 1000 coastal bottlenose dolphins in New Zealand, plus an unknown number of oceanic ones. We now know there are over 1000 oceanic dolphins, which improved the overall status. But coastal populations are still at risk and depend on local conservation efforts to survive.”

Dave Lundquist says the positive takeaway is that when people act to reduce threats and protect nature, it makes a real difference.

“This information is valuable for everyone involved in marine mammal conservation – including iwi, community groups, businesses, fishers, councils and government.

“When we understand the conservation status of marine mammals, we’re all better equipped to make informed decisions to help protect them and their habitats.”

The conservation status of 57 marine mammal types found in New Zealand waters was reviewed by an independent panel of national and international experts. They used the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) – a tool that assesses the extinction risk of native species.

NZTCS assessments are reviewed roughly every five years and are based on factors such as population size, trends, and distribution. DOC uses these results to prioritise conservation work, guide resource allocation, and shape policy decisions. The assessments also support collaboration with iwi, researchers, community groups, and others working to protect native species.

Visit the New Zealand Threat Classification System’s website for the latest marine mammal conservation status data and background notes.

Background information

Explanation of Conservation Status.

The NZTCS is a rule-based system for experts to assess the risk of extinction faced by organisms in Aotearoa New Zealand. The NZTCS is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and complements the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Independent panels of experts assess groups of taxa (for examples, birds, reptiles or marine mammals. Species, subspecies, varieties and forms are collectively known as taxa, singular = taxon), approximately every five years, using criteria of population state, size and trend.

Knowing a species’ risk of extinction provides a basis for setting priorities and making decisions, planning recovery programmes and research, monitoring the effectiveness of management and gaining support for habitat protection. Taxa assessed as ‘Threatened’ face greater risk of extinction because they have small population with greatest rate of decline. Taxa assessed as ‘At Risk’ are not considered Threatened, but they could quickly become so if conservation management reduces, if a new threat arises, or if the declines continue.

Published assessments and manuals can be found on the New Zealand Threat Classification System Lists. Data supporting these publications can be accessed from the NZTCS database.

The expert panel assessed the conservation status of 57 taxa of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, fur seals and sea lions.

Thirteen species have changed status since last assessed in 2019. One has a more threatened status, one has a less threatened status, and the remainder are neutral status changes (into and out of the category Data Deficient).

The published research on sperm whale decline in Kaikōura can be found here: Long‐term decline in abundance of male sperm whales visiting Kaikōura, New Zealand.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  14 April 2025

The fish are named after Gollum from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, due to their large eyes and preference for swampy habitat.

DOC River Ranger Pat Hoffmann says finding Gollums in the stream is exciting, and reinforces the need to protect their habitat.

“Gollum’s conservation status is Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable, the same as South Island takahē,” says Pat. “They’re unique to our region and only found in Southland, so if we lose them here, they’re gone from everywhere. You might even say they’re ‘precious’.

“In December, we were doing an eDNA (environmental DNA) survey of the Waimatuku catchment when we spotted the juvenile Gollums in many of the waterways. The eDNA backed this up with positive results at nearly every test site.”

Gollums stay in freshwater all their lives, and never enter the ocean. However, intriguingly, they are also found in streams on Rakiura/Stewart Island. It’s thought they got there during an ice age when a land bridge was present.

Waimatuku Stream recently became part of DOC’s nationwide Ngā Awa river restoration programme. Through Ngā Awa, DOC and Te Rūnaka o Ōraka-Aparima are working together with local councils and landowners to enhance freshwater species and ecosystems in the catchment.

“We’re now looking at ways to find out more about their populations and ensure they can thrive here,” says Pat. “If you live in the Waimatuku catchment and are interested in doing some restoration on your property, we’d love to hear from you to see how we can support your ideas.”

Visit DOC’s website to find out more about Gollum galaxias and how to protect them and other non-migratory galaxiids.

Background information

Finding Gollums isn’t the only recent highlight at the Waimatuku. DOC and Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka hosted a public information evening in March as an introduction to the Waimatuku Ngā Awa work programme.

The following day, 100 school students took part in a BioBlitz near the stream mouth, learning about the native plants, water quality, birdlife, and history, and recording their findings on the iNaturalist app.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  14 April 2025 Source:  National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, Department of Conservation and Waikato Regional Council

Wilding conifers are a pest tree species impacting on native bush and coastal environments, taking water, light and air from native plants that are home to endemic birds, lizards and bugs. The wilding conifers at Opera Point are self-seeded, and if left uncontrolled, they will eventually take over – as they have at many locations around New Zealand.

DOC and Waikato Regional Council staff have arranged for an experienced and qualified local arborist to undertake the work at Opera Point, a small and picturesque headland near the settlement of Whangapoua. The project has been made possible through funding from Waikato Regional Council and is supported by the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (NWCCP).

DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Josh Angell says Opera Point is significant to local iwi, and is also a popular recreation location for the local community and visitors.

“We have been in an ongoing conversation with iwi and the community about enhancing the biodiversity at Opera Point and working to restore the small forest area there – and the wilding conifer project contributes to that,” Josh says.

“Wilding pines along the foreshore above and below public access tracks at the point have caused significant damage to the reserve during and after extreme weather events.”

As high winds and rainfall topple the conifers, the root balls expose large holes in the ground, damaging cultural significant landmarks and infrastructure. This results in track closures and high levels of financial investment to reinstate safe visitor access and ongoing archaeological assessments.

The Opera Point conifer removal project will see two methods used – what is colloquially known as “drill and fill”, with small holes to be drilled into trees into which herbicide is then injected. The trees will be left to decay and break down over time. This method is used as it causes the minimum impact on surrounding native plants. The remaining wilding conifers – close to historic features and tracks and access areas – will be completely felled using chainsaws later this year. The two methods are among the accepted good practice for wilding conifer removal.

The reserve will stay open during the arborists’ work, and people visiting are urged to stick to the marked tracks. Public access will be restricted in some areas during and following the operations, to ensure safety.

The arborists’ work at Opera Point is scheduled to start on Wednesday 16 April, and is expected to take between two and three weeks, weather permitting. Once the initial work is completed, the trees’ deterioration and decay will be monitored.

“Waikato Regional Council is responsible for biosecurity and protecting special places within the region,” Waikato Regional Council Senior Biosecurity Officer Clark McMichael says.

“The local residents who enjoy the walking tracks and native bush at Opera Point want to see the native environment protected and restored – and this project will progress that.”

Background information

This project is part of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, which is led by Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force, and delivered locally through Regional Councils, Runanga and Community Trusts.

For more, visit National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.

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