No Images? Click here Kākāpō aspergillosis outbreakAspergillosis is a fungal infection having a devastating impact on kākāpō. Detecting and treating birds with this potentially fatal disease is extremely difficult. There's a lot of work involved in caring for the affected kākāpō and managing the kākāpō population to minimise the outbreak. While DOC funding continues for Kākāpō Recovery, additional funds through donations are gratefully accepted. You can learn more about this disease and donate to the kākāpō aspergillosis fund below. Great Walks bookings opened successfully this weekGreat Walks are premium multi-day tramps (and one canoe journey) that showcase the best of New Zealand’s landscapes and natural and cultural values. New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk, the stunning Paparoa Track, opens on 1 December 2019. Watch our new Paparoa Track video. Update from Lou SansonLou talks about the DOC commemoration service held for Paul Hondelink, Scott Theobald and Nick Wallis, diversity and inclusion at DOC, China-New Zealand shorebird conservation, predator free Rakitu, Windy Hill sanctuary, PSA-DOC High Performance Engagement, Canterbury trampers helping out, The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Māori rock art and recent conservation stories. Image: DOC RecreationFive things to consider before tackling a winter trampAre you thinking about tackling a winter tramp? ❄️⛄ American expat and keen tramper Ashlyn Oswalt has shared her top five things to consider before heading out. Image: DOC Taking your dog trampingLace up your tramping boots and grab the dog lead, because we’re exploring how to safely take your pup on public conservation land. Six ways you can be the best hut guestYou can explore the beauty of New Zealand's backcountry by staying in a DOC hut. Not sure how to be a polite hut guest? Follow these tips for ultimate hut etiquette on any tramp. Get involvedThe life of a long term volunteer: weed hunting in the sand dunesJess spent three months volunteering with our Stewart Island/Rakiura biodiversity team. Hear about her experience working on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dune restoration project. Catlins conservation tripJoin DOC and Forest & Bird for a mid-winter weekend of conservation in the Catlins. This volunteer trip will allow you to explore reserves that are not open to the public and get a great local insight into some special places and species. Fieldays 2019This week we're at Fieldays, the largest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere. If you're coming along this week, pop down to the DOC tent and pick up a handbook, loaded with actions and tips to protect our wildlife. Our workBudget 2019 funding increaseWe've been provided with an additional $10.7 million over four years to improve DOC’s security, and health and safety systems. Homecoming for rare rowiSeven of our rarest kiwi returned to their traditional West Coast home after growing up on Mana Island in the lower North Island. These rowi, or Ōkārito brown kiwi, are part of a kiwi kōhanga initiative. Catch up on the latest Fiordland Kiwi Diaries guest blog postOur ranger Tim and his team have been studying the kiwi population at Shy Lake to find out how to best protect them from predators like stoats. Enjoy this guest post by PhD candidate Emma Feenstra about her trip visiting Shy Lake. NatureThe Tararua's most eligible bachelor is looking for love!A solo male whio duck has been captured on camera in the Tararua Ranges. Yes, he's looking for a mate but sadly he's unlikely to find his match and settle down, as there are no females in the area. Stepping up to save New Zealand’s most endangered birdA recovery group for fairy tern/tara iti has formed to provide the direction on preventing the extinction of these birds. "With only six pairs attempting to nest last season, and a population of approximately 40 birds, the plight of the fairy tern/tara iti is critical..." Image: DOC The Hauraki Gulf – one of Auckland’s great backyardsOur treasured Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is New Zealand’s only national park of the sea and covers 1.2 million hectares. Read about Kelly Tarlton Ocean Youth group's day out exploring the park and their wildlife encounters. Photo of the monthThe sight of a southern right whale/tohorā in Wellington harbour wasn’t just a fluke or a one-off – their population status is continuing to improve. See more from DOC |