Four government departments spend more on consultants in a financial year after order to cut back
The Government has directed agencies to reduce reliance on contractors and consultants.
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Latest fromDepartment of Conservation
Campgrounds getting ready for busy summer, some nearly booked out
DoC campgrounds in Northland are open for bookings, but some have no space left.
Tourists causing headaches for Cathedral Cove track repair workers
International tourists have been turning up to the must-see destination to find it closed.
DoC catches elusive pest with help of AI-powered cameras
The Department of Conservation is using the latest technology to fight predators.
Gulls sighted around Whangārei Harbour covered in oily substance
Four have died. The Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre is bracing for more arrivals.
'Genuinely shocked': Second sea lion shot and left to die in Catlins
A $6000 reward is being offered for information leading to a successful prosecution.
Keeping up with the kākāpō: In the bushes with a New Zealand taonga
Since the kākāpō returned to the Waikato last year, they have been keeping rangers busy.
'They don't give a toot': Should councils help more with rabbits?
Pest controller says councils are "fixated" on possums, stoats, weasels, and rats instead.
Whakapapa Holdings close to deal for ski area assets
'We have confidence as a business that the Whakapapa ski area is viable commercially.'
Lone Motutapu Island rat declared dead after $50k hunt
It's been loose on the otherwise pest-free island for months, but it's come at a price.
Rare mudfish found on farm near Timaru
The DoC team netted 72 mudfish ranging from 77-149mm in length.
'Absolutely gutting': Baby sea lion shot and left to die
The young female sea lion was shot in an estuary in the Catlins on Monday.
Critically endangered kākāpō population hit by three deaths this month
One of the birds that died was the 'treasured' poster boy for his former sanctuary.
Clam warning: 'If it gets here, it's too late'
Whanganui River iwi are working with other organisations against an invasive clam.
Ruapehu mayor: Chateau Tongariro issues not insurmountable
Ruapehu's mayor says there are 'credible developers' interested in restoring it.
Stranded Mt Cook climbers rescued after four nights
The two men are said to be in good spirits after spending four nights in a hut.
'Decommissioning' on the table for the Chateau Tongariro
Gov't abandons search for new operator of Chateau Tongariro, decommissioning considered.
'It won’t happen again': Fishermen caught breaking dolphin-friendly rules
The judge noted their money struggles but stressed the seriousness of fishing offences.
Officials worried about feral dog attacks before tramping season
DoC and the Te Araroa Trail trust tell trampers wild dogs are a potential hazard.
Injured climbers trapped overnight on Mt Cook, weather hampers rescue efforts
The injured pair spent the night high up the mountain, hemmed in by bad weather.
Abandoned reptiles causing concern in BoP waterways
“They displace wetland birds from nesting sites."
'We're getting overrun': DoC manager pleads for poison to stop wild dogs
Feral dogs are living in remote NZ bush, putting trampers at risk of attacks.
Hundreds of anglers busted fishing inside marine reserves
Official information reveals which areas around the country have become poaching hotspots.
'Good start': Post-cyclone whitebait ban over as catchers make up for lost time
The season didn't go ahead for most of last year after rāhui put in place.
'Very concerning': Large bird population drop in Hawke's Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle
'These endangered birds are an essential part of our coastal and freshwater ecosystems.'
Restoring rivers with community support
Tairāwhiti Wai Connections offers tailored support for catchment issues.
Feral animals are costing farmers a fortune - survey
Feral goats, pigs, deer and other wild animals are costing farmers at least $13m a year.
Public walking access to Cathedral Cove to be restored in time for summer
Work to restore Cathedral Cove access will be followed by a more permanent solution.
'The smell is horrendous': Walking track used as dumping site
Fly-tippers are dumping all sorts of waste on conservation land.
'Wish come true': Fishing couple capture magic of southern right whale
The southern right whale is rare in Northland, more common in subantarctic waters.
'Chilling': Crisis calls, $2m at stake after TV star kills weka; Will TV3, Paddy Gower have issues?
Mike Hosking and latest radio ratings; How is Stuff funding all these big new roles?
‘Exceedingly rare’: Baby whale identified after stranding near East Cape
The species of whale has only ever been spotted five times in NZ.
71 pilot whales die after stranding on Chatham Islands beach
All of them either died or were euthanised after it was clear refloating wasn't an option.