No Images? Click here Kiwi chicks need help against stoatsThere’s never been any pest control done at the remote Shy Lake basin in Fiordland. Last year, we started monitoring southern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi there and every kiwi chick we monitored was killed by a stoat. There’s a clear need for pest control. Kiwi populations around the country are declining at an average of 2% a year. The goal for Save Our Iconic Kiwi is to turn this decline around, so that every type of kiwi is increasing in number. New hut perfect for Christchurch familiesBook now to stay in a new 12-bunk hut on Ōtamahua/Quail Island, just 10 minutes' ferry ride from Lyttelton. Ōtamahua Hut has been transformed from an historic caretaker’s cottage. Get involvedChristmas gift ideasTrees That Count connects trees with tree-planting groups around the country. If someone you know loves trees but can't plant many, you could buy trees on their behalf as a meaningful gift. Other conservation gift ideas: Image: Tony Foster | Creative Commons VolunteerThere are opportunities all around New Zealand, from weeding on Stewart Island/Rakiura to helping out in Whangarei. NatureFirst takahē eggs for KahurangiThe pitter patter of little takahē feet is on the cards at Kahurangi National Park – the first eggs of the new wild population have been found at Gouland Downs off the Heaphy Track. The park is the only place in New Zealand where visitors have a chance to see takahē in the wild. Restoring the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki National ParkTe Manahuna Aoraki will restore 310,000 ha of iconic landscapes. Aoraki National Park is home to kea, rock wren/tuke and scree wētā, and the Mackenzie Basin harbours wrybill, robust grasshopper, banded dotterel and the world’s rarest wading bird: black stilt/kakī. Lichens in the limelightDid you know lichens are not a single organism, but their own mini ecosystem? One special group lives only on leaf surfaces. Our Threatened Species Ambassador shines a light on uncharismatic but lovable New Zealand species every week on RNZ. Our workQ&A with ranger AliMeet Senior Biodiversity Ranger Ali. She tells us what it's like to work with some of New Zealand’s most unique species, including blue duck/whio, kiwi and short-tailed bats. #TiakiPromiseNew Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. We're working with six tourism organisations to encourage international and domestic travellers to act as guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand. Water sample results for Northland 1080 operationAerial 1080 was applied to Russell Forest in September to help restore bird life and regenerate forest destroyed by pests. Waterways were tested afterwards and results came back clear. Did you know? 1080 has never contaminated New Zealand’s drinking water supplies. If you’re looking for an easy way to bring your friends and family up to date with the facts about 1080, sharing content from our social media channels could be a great start. Photo of the monthOn 29 October, we welcomed the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Abel Tasman National Park. We shared with them the restoration work being done through our staff and iwi partnerships with Project Janszoon, Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust and an Air New Zealand-supported project in the Tōtaranui area. Image: Mark Tantrum See more from DOC
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