No Images? Click here Short Walks and Day HikesCheck out our Short Walks and Day Hikes - they showcase some of New Zealand's best walking experiences. No matter where you are, or how long you've got, there's a walk for everyone. Take a break in the outdoors and get in touch with nature. Update from LouIn his latest update Director-General Lou Sanson talks about Conservation Week, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Hollyford Conservation Trust, sustainable wealth creation and the opening of the Tāmaki Makaurau Visitor Centre. Get involvedSummer volunteeringGet outdoors and volunteer with DOC this summer. There are campsite hosts and hut warden positions still available, and a variety of other summer activities all over the country. RecreationThere is very limited parking near the access points to the track. Parking restrictions will be in place over summer. See 'Getting there' on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing page. Stay at a DOC campsite this summerWe manage more than 200 campsites throughout New Zealand. They're places to relax, enjoy and explore the outdoors. Choose from forest settings, lakeshores or sandy beaches. If you're taking the kids, check out the Kiwi Guardians camping activity. Our workGrowing conservationThis year we celebrate 30 years of change in our work with communities. We put the spotlight on some of the milestones and challenges over that time and glimpse at the future of this work. Introducing Miriam and WoodyWatch a video about Miriam and Woody and learn about what it takes to be a DOC Conservation Dog team. Thanks to our Conservation Dogs Programme supporting partner, Kiwibank, for the video. Northern Paparoa pest control completedBattle for our Birds predator control in Paparoa National Park will help protect its vulnerable populations of great spotted kiwi, whio, kea, kākā, powelliphanta snails and long-tailed bats. Our natureGreat news for takahē recoveryThe official yearly takahē population count is in, with the highest annual growth rate recorded in almost 70 years. Melodic mohua on the moveOne hundred mohua have been translocated from Anchor Island in Dusky Sound to the Eglinton Valley. They will join a population that’s been slowly increasing in the valley since intensive predator control was introduced in 2009. Illegal release of deer into North Taranaki conservation forestsWild deer are a serious pest on public conservation lands, causing damage to native forests by feeding on forest plants, trees and seedlings. We are working to track down the deer and we urge anyone with knowledge of the illegal release to contact DOC or New Zealand Police. Photo of the monthCelebrating Bird of the YearThe endangered kea is the world's only alpine parrot, and one of the most intelligent birds. Congratulations to this cheeky parrot for taking out the title of Bird of the Year for 2017! Photo: Janice McKenna © Vodafone email accountsFrom 30 November Vodafone email accounts will be closed down. This includes addresses ending in ihug.co.nz, paradise.net.nz, vodafone.co.nz, clear.net.nz and others. To make sure you keep receiving this newsletter, update your preferences with your new email address. |