No Images? Click here The West Coast needs you!We’re seeking volunteers to help clean up the Fox riverbed on the West Coast following severe flooding in March which partially washed away an old landfill. Thousands of tons of rubbish, soft plastics and metal are now strewn along the Fox riverbed and nearby coast which includes sections of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a World Heritage Area and the Waiau Glacier Coast Marine Reserve. DOC has been managing the cleanup since late June and is running Operation Tidy Fox. This is a massive push to clear as much rubbish as possible over several months, with the support of volunteers and the New Zealand Defence Force. We’re looking for more volunteers to help with the cleanup. We’ll supply you with accommodation, lunch and dinner as well as transport to and from the work area. Read Q&As with some of our current volunteers. It’s a great opportunity for you to contribute to an environmental project, have fun with other volunteers and explore the beautiful West Coast. History on the Paparoa TrackOur newest Great Walk, opening on 1 December, has stunning landscape, limestone formations and thriving forest. It's also rich in history. Learn about the human story behind the spectacular landscape. Image: R Rossiter | DOC Update from Lou SansonLou talks about Waana Davis and Jim Maniapoto, Queen’s Birthday honours, Te Awa Tupua – Whanganui River, Jane Goodall’s visit, Christchurch Helicopters, the Zero Invasive Predators research centre, Fieldays, DOC coming second in the Randstad awards and more. Image: Christina Harris Pakeho | DOC RecreationLand gifted to New ZealandersThe Wairoa Gorge, home to an internationally renowned mountain bike park and impressive native forest, has been gifted to the people of New Zealand by RHL NZ Ltd. Taupo Fishery photo competition winnersWe received 150 entries and the winning image by Dennis Smith will be on the front of the 2019/2020 full-season licence. "... the winners reflected the diverse nature of the fishery and those who come to fish it." Drones on conservation land raising concernsWe've had recent reports about unpermitted drone use over Mangatutu Hot Springs in the Kaweka Forest Park. Unpermitted drones have the potential to cause a serious incident. Learn about using drones on conservation land. Image: Don McCullough | Creative Commons Get involvedReport any sightings of our southern right whales/tohorāThese whales are an increasingly regular visitor to our shores. A new study is investigating their genetic makeup and tracking population growth. We're asking anyone who sees tohorā to call our hotline 0800 DOC HOT and send us photos. How to volunteer without leaving the couchDitch those gumboots, find a comfy couch, PJs and a digital device. You can join the 1.6 million volunteers worldwide participating in conservation projects from across the globe. Read about volunteering through Zooniverse. Do you want to go on a treasure hunt?Toyota Kiwi Guardians is a fun way to help children and their whānau explore our great outdoors and enjoy nature. There are over 120 medals to collect all around New Zealand. A treasure map will lead you to a unique code to claim your free medal. Our workBirdlife flourishing on The Old Ghost RoadThanks to the work of the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust, there are now many more birds along the The Old Ghost Road cycle trail. Mountain bikers and trampers are rating their bird interactions as the best part of their trip. Watch our Royal's (albatross) moment of fameThe Royal family – the albatross one that is, were the stars of Seven Sharp as Jeremy Wells paid a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre on Taiaroa Head. The school holidays are a great time to learn more about these big bundles of fluff. NatureMaukahuka – Pest Free Auckland IslandDeep in the heart of the Southern Ocean lies Auckland Island where pigs, cats and mice were released by sailors, sealers and settlers 200 years ago. Maukahuka is a ten year project aiming to rescue this subantarctic jewel for the native species that should call it home. New kauri mural unveiledAmidst a chilled winter day, DOC and the Bay of Plenty community gathered to commemorate the mighty kauri tree. Painted on the Katikati i-SITE, a new two-story mural displays the diverse history of the Kaimai kauri. Protecting a great pair of legs – our unique native frogsA network of 700 automated traps is standing guard over a unique population of native frogs near Te Puke. This is part of a joint effort with the Te Whakakaha Trust to make ‘leaps’ in their population growth. Image: Rainbow Springs Photo of the monthWe're excited to announce the discovery of a new, genetically distinct subpopulation of the critically endangered Haast tokoeka kiwi. Our most endangered kiwi subspecies, with an estimated wild population of fewer than 500, has been found in an isolated part of South Westland. See more from DOC
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