New Milford Track hut cost blows out to more than $3m
The new 40-bed Mintaro Hut was originally estimated to cost $1.8 million.
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Latest fromDepartment of Conservation
Seal moved off Christchurch beach; 'a little thin and tired' but healthy
The seal is healthy with no visible injuries.
Towns on tenterhooks: Tourism's fight to survive on West Coast
Skydivers are among those now doing work for DoC to make ends meet.
'Gutted': Vulnerable shorebirds wiped out by cats
Domestic cats in Kaikōura are laying waste to the eggs of a rare shore bird.
Locals outraged at dumping of shark on Dargaville street
The illegal dumping of a shark causes waves in local reaction.
Council spent $611k to relocate lizards from work site
Christchurch City Council explains the costly process of relocating endangered lizards.
'Idiotic behaviour': Penguin-grabbing selfie attempts may earn $100k fine
DoC is asking the public to report any such incidents so it can follow them up.
Rare stranding of Tawaki penguin in Taranaki
Fiordland crested penguin found hundreds of kilometres from its natural foraging grounds.
Rowi Kiwi hatchery welcomes New Zealand's rarest bird
The flightless bird is even more odd –looking, but endearing when first born.
Ratepayers fork out $611k to protect rare lizards
Blow out of budget for Christchurch City Council project.
Lake Ōhau fire: Long road to recovery for devastated village
Fires continue to rage in Mackenzie Basin after consuming 5500 hectares.
Mayor slams DoC over Lake Ōhau fire
The vegetation on conservation land is a 'huge risk' to neighbours, mayor says.
'True kaitiaki': Guardian of rare native plants takes out top award
'[He] has ignited a passion in so many people to cherish our country's flora.'
Dropping hunters in remote zone nets $32,000 fine
Helicopter company and pilot both fined for landings in Rangitikei Remote Experience Zone.
Encounters with strangers: Why we need them
We need each other, even when we don't know each other.
Fiordland great walk's future to be decided after 7 months of neglect
Milford might be booked out for the season, but this Fiordland trail is in doubt.
Penguins calling the shots at Wgtn construction site
Construction workers in Wellington are starting their days with penguin checks.
A dozen people charged for allegedly taking from marine reserve
Marine reserve off Waiheke Island a strictly no-take zone.
NRC and DoC looking into illegal concreting in Whangārei stream
Illegal concreting of waterfall's edge in Poroti is affecting the safe passage of eels.
Insufficient planning: Tongariro Crossing death findings released
Sateesh Halehally-Chikkanna died in Tongariro National Park in 2018.
Missing tramper airlifted to safety at Tongariro Crossing
The rescue helicopter hurried out in response to an emergency beacon being set off.
Horizons' biodiversity spend to become contestable
Councillors decide criteria and desired outcomes from biodiversity funding.
National promises two more National Parks, great walks and to be predator-free by 2050
National wants to build two new Great Walks and allow grazing on Crown land.
Vanishing nature: Can NZ turn its biodiversity tragedy around by 2050?
Govt moves to turn around NZ's rampant biodiversity loss with ambitious 30-year strategy.
Frustrated DoC worker: Where's my partner?
Immigration NZ says visa applicants must meet strict border exception criteria.
Lack of consultation on 1080 aerial drop denied
DoC and OSPRI knew nothing of meeting but organisers say they tried to invite them.
'Nightmare': How a walk on a beach ended in horror and heartbreak
'This was a tragic outcome for all of us'.
New Zealand's plummeting shark population amid global decline
It's time we put more resources into understanding our oldest and most vulnerable fish.
Conservation Comment: Getting to know nature's needs
Conservation issues include the protection of trees, animals and wetlands.
Tahr Foundation video renamed after slogan faux pas
The Tahr Foundation slogan has drawn criticisms for its latest slogan 'they are us'.
Wildlife institutions get nearly $15 million Govt boost
Eugenie Sage says the funding will mitigate the closure of vital protection facilities.
First shore plover chick hatches at Cape Sanctuary
Eight shore plover have successfully settled, and two breeding pairs established.
Govt unveils latest tech for NZ's great pest wipe-out
Predator-tracking camera and new poison among pest-busting tech just awarded nearly $2m.
Timaru whale beached for nine hours now swimming 'under its own power'
DoC and Project Jonah are working to help the whale in trouble.