Latest fromDepartment of Conservation
Remains of 79yo Auckland tramper missing since March found in Waikato forest
The woman went missing while laying bait in the forest with her group.
Seeds of hope: Globally rare habitat shows signs of recovery after 1000ha blaze
The October fire released about $9.6m worth of carbon into the atmosphere.
'Frustrating and distressing': DoC appeals for information after seabirds killed
'Extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment.'
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.
Shark alert: DoC warns swimmers as great whites spotted in Waikato harbour
DoC says you should 'quickly and calmly get out of the water'.
Waikato kākāpō goes on a surprise off-grid adventure
The endangered flightless parrot took an unplanned break from technology.
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.
Iconic track reopens in North Island after almost three years
More importantly, the famous beach will again be accessible by foot.
Cathedral Cove walking track reopens after almost two years
The track to the world-famous beach was badly damaged last year.
‘Devastated’: Geyser the kiwi dies in suspected dog attack
Even just one kiwi death can have a devastating impact on kiwi recovery, Helen Leahy said.
$20 to visit NZ’s most iconic places, including for Kiwis? Govt considers new charges
'I would find it very hard to charge Kiwi kids.'
Carbon released from Waikato wetland fire worth up to $9.6m
The fire, which burnt through 1039ha over five days, has now been fully contained.
Parking goes, visitors must use shuttle to access popular Cathedral Cove track
DoC says there will be no parking at Cathedral Cove when it reopens.
'Globally rare' habitat could take hundreds of years to recover after massive fire
Since Monday, 1039ha of Whangamarino Wetland has gone up in flames.
'Another ridiculous gold rush': Group vows to continue fight against new mine
A controversial Waikato mining site has the Government’s green light of approval.
Tourists causing headaches for Cathedral Cove track repair workers
International tourists have been turning up to the must-see destination to find it closed.
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.
Whakapapa Holdings close to deal for ski area assets
'We have confidence as a business that the Whakapapa ski area is viable commercially.'
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.
Ruapehu mayor: Chateau Tongariro issues not insurmountable
Ruapehu's mayor says there are 'credible developers' interested in restoring it.
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.
Possum control providing 'stark' difference to Coromandel forests
DOC compared areas where 1080 has been used to those where it has not.
Mercury Bay Boating Club moves step closer to new site for clubrooms
Mercury Bay Boating Club’s mission to relocate its clubrooms is a step closer.
Regional tourism organisation calls for $100 tourist levy
Coromandel's regional tourism organisation wants a big hike to the visitor levy.
Sanctuary Mountain closure a 'travesty' for biodiversity
It's home to 2500 kiwi birds but the sanctuary's financial troubles could see it close.
Cathedral Cove to reopen in summer after $5m 'short term' fix
The Conservation Minister announced the Government funding boost on Wednesday.
Rotokura Reserve walk had 'precious' experience in store for local walkers
The reserve is in the Tongariro National Park.