Latest fromDepartment of Conservation
Second weekend whale stranding in South Island
30 pilots whales stranded in Golden Bay, and a beaked whale came ashore in Christchurch.
'Help me': Ranger describes agonising search for missing tramper
With the weather deteriorating, DoC rangers had to pause their search until first light.
Seabird drowning inquiry: Two people helping investigators
The birds were reportedly captured in fishing nets.
'Frustrating and distressing': DoC appeals for information after seabirds killed
'Extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment.'
DoC investigating after whales found dead, injured in Kaikōura
A tour operator spotted an injured sperm whale in Kaikōura on December 29.
'Swimming strongly': Dolphin rescued from net by DoC team
DoC thanks public for helping free entangled dolphin in Auckland waters.
Ten whales stranded at Farewell Spit, rescue underway
Eight of ten stranded pilot whales alive; signs of previous beaching visible.
‘We need your help’: DoC searching for dolphin caught in Auckland net
The dolphin was last seen at the Huapai Golf Course near the edge of Waitemata Harbour.
Watch: Ocean swimmers bust alleged poachers at marine reserve
'You betcha they didn't expect to see us,' swimmer says of boaties caught with '200 fish'.
Revamped Cape Brett DoC hut offers some of Northland’s best views
The $25-a-night Cape Brett Hut is one of a handful of DoC huts run in Northland.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in October 2024?
As the year draws to a close, the Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
New Whanganui Journey shelters merge culture and functionality
Three new shelters have been constructed along the Whanganui Journey Great Walk.
Shark alert: DoC warns swimmers as great whites spotted in Waikato harbour
DoC says you should 'quickly and calmly get out of the water'.
'Unique opportunity': Ngāi Tahu's vision for Queenstown reserve
Ngāi Tahu consults the Queenstown community on restoring Morning Star Reserve whenua.
Canterbury man fined $6000 for driving digger through bird colony
The man drove through a large, black-billed gull colony, destroying their nests.
Waikato kākāpō goes on a surprise off-grid adventure
The endangered flightless parrot took an unplanned break from technology.
High Court rules DoC failed to protect marine species for decades
The High Court has found the Department of Conservation DoC acted unlawfully for decades by failing to implement its own legislation.
'Systemic failings': Court rules DoC failed to protect marine species for decades
A High Court judge has ruled DoC acted unlawfully by failing to follow its own laws.
'Rare dolphin' spotted in Auckland harbour: Will it affect SailGP again?
A dolphin sighting forced the cancellation of the SailGP event in Christchurch in March.
Kiwi deaths in leg-hold traps 'doesn't need to happen' DoC says
Leg-hold traps should be installed off the ground to avoid catching birds like kiwis.
‘You couldn’t sit on that’: Toilet-goers furious as long drops vandalised
'We do not want to close these, but if they continue to be damaged we may be forced to.'
'Huge shift in values': How Govt is squeezing more money from conservation land
Proposals could swell DoC's annual budget by $200m, still well short of what's ideal
Farmers hope for cattle river grazing renewals
Conservation groups have long opposed allowing cattle in the braided river valleys.
Ryan Bridge: Some Covid lockdowns went too long, vaccine mandates went too far
OPINION: As social beings, we struggled to allow for differences of opinion and thought.
Dozens of whales restrand in Golden Bay, despite refloating efforts
Project Jonah said they would welcome volunteer help.
Seven more whales dead after becoming re-stranded in Tasman
Six whales died and one was euthanised after being beached on Tasman's Golden Bay again.
Rescue effort under way at mass whale stranding in Tasman
Local medics working with the community and DoC rangers to refloat dozens of pilot whales.