DOC
Milford Track 'disgusting' with human waste - DoC contractor
Human waste and toilet paper is littering the Milford Track, as another busy summer tourist season approaches, says a Department of Conservation contractor. About 14,000 people hike the South Island… Audio
Critter of the Week: The Back Beach Beetle
Back Beach Beetle, aka Bembidion (Zecillenus) tillyardi is only found in one place in the world - and it also happens to be one of this country's most beautiful beachs, Back Beach, which is part of… Audio
Poison drop case endangers pest eradication
A legal challenge to a planned poison drop at a bird sanctuary in Nelson could affect plans to eradicate pests all around the country.
Research shows concession rules have been softened
New research from Victoria University shows easier rules for tourism operators in national parks has done little to protect the conservation estate. The Victoria University study found there's little… Audio
Flightless parrots wing their way north
Four kākāpō have been flown to a new home to improve the resilience of one of the country's most endangered bird species. Audio
DOC issues ambivalent coal mine submission
The Department of Conservation is being accused of failing in its conservation role after it made a neutral submission on a proposed West Coast coal mine.
Native birds at risk of extinction without tourist tax
In a new report, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Jan Wright, says 80 percent of native bird species are in trouble. Video, Audio
Pohutukawa at risk of dying off
The iconic native tree could be one of the worst affected plants, or even die off completely, as the myrtle rust outbreak spreads. Audio
80% of NZ native birds in trouble
Eighty percent of New Zealand's native bird species are in trouble, with some teetering on the brink of extinction, according to a new report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment… Audio
Should DOC be allowing e-bikes in our national parks?
The Department of Conservation is proposing to allow pedal-assist 300 watt e-bikes on 33km of new shared-use track in Tongariro National Park. But it's caught some off guard, including cycling… Audio
DOC's 'Moa Town' plan doesn't fly with conservationists
A plan to put artificial moas and light shows into an ancient cave system has critics accusing DOC of forgetting about the environment as it focuses on tourism.
DOC money going to tourism not environment - conservationists
Extra Department of Conservation funding is being funnelled into tourism rather than addressing biodiversity and threatened species, environmental groups say. Audio
New $102m tourism fund 'some way' from what councils need
The government's new infrastructure fund falls short of what is needed to help councils pay for more toilets and carparks, a tourism leader says.
Tourism boss calls for full review of Conservation Act for private operators
Tourism operators want to be able to build their own tracks and huts in national parks.
Albatross webcam clicks soaring
After making its debut last year a webcam at an Otago albatross colony is a global hit. Audio, Gallery
DOC increases hut, campsite fees for NZ's Great Walks
New Zealand's nine Great Walks have become increasingly popular, but if you want to stay overnight they've just become more expensive too. DoC's Gavin Walker explains why hut fees are going up. Audio
DoC puts up barriers around uncovered 150-yr old whale bones
The Department of Conservation is putting up barriers to deter thieves from helping themselves to a stash of whale bones that have just been uncovered after 150 years. Video, Audio
Kermadecs remain important NZ scientific outpost
Dozens of staff from New Zealand's Department of Conservation, MetService and GNS Science agencies are conducting work in the Kermadecs. Audio
Bumper year for sea lions after 2 decades of decline
Ian Telfer is on Enderby Island, south of Bluff, where efforts to increase the sea lion population appear to be working. Audio
Rabbits and possums: the good, the bad & the ugly
Lloyd Esler of Invercargill has dug deep in the archives to tell of the story of the role rabbits and possums once played in New Zealand's early economy and how that all changed. Audio, Gallery