Department of Conservation News
Latest articles and news about Department of Conservation on AXL Media.
Latest Articles
- Controversial Mining Application Withdrawn at UNESCO World Heritage Site
Published: May 1, 2026
Section: Politics
A contentious bid to conduct mineral prospecting within one of New Zealand’s most protected natural landscapes has been scrapped. Resources Minister Shane Jones confirmed that the...
- Otago Sea Lion Population Hits Historic Milestone with Record Breaking Breeding Season
Published: Apr 30, 2026
Section: Environment
An Otago colony of Pakake, also known as the New Zealand sea lion, has reached a significant conservation milestone following a highly successful breeding season. For the first tim...
- New Zealand Government Approves Mineral Prospecting Within Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site
Published: Apr 28, 2026
Section: Politics
The New Zealand government has granted a 157 square kilometer prospecting permit for minerals including hydrogen within the protected Te Wāhipounamu heritage area. The Green Party...
- Multi-Agency Investigation Targets Ecological Collapse at Manawatū Dune Lake
Published: Apr 27, 2026
Section: Environment
Authorities in New Zealand have launched an independent investigation into the sudden drying of Pukepuke Lagoon, a critical coastal ecosystem in the Manawatū region. The crisis, wh...
- Approval of Controversial Waitaha Hydro Project Sparks Legal and Safety Concerns
Published: Apr 23, 2026
Section: Environment
The New Zealand government has granted fast-track approval for the $200 million Waitaha hydro scheme, marking the 18th project to bypass traditional consenting hurdles since Februa...
- Conservation Groups Threaten Legal Action After Controversial $200M Waitaha Hydro Scheme Gains Fast-Track Approval
Published: Apr 22, 2026
Section: Australia & Oceania
Environmental and recreation organizations are considering a legal challenge to the recently approved Waitaha River hydroelectric project, citing permanent damage to a pristine wil...
- Conservation and Heritage Groups Signal Unprecedented Risks at Proposed Cromwell Gold Mine
Published: Apr 17, 2026
Section: Global Economy
An environmental assessment of the proposed Bendigo Ophir gold project near Cromwell has ignited fierce debate after official reports highlighted catastrophic risks to local wildli...
- Toxic Exposure Crisis Threatens Endangered Kea Populations in Southern Westland
Published: Apr 17, 2026
Section: Environment
The Department of Conservation (DoC) has issued an urgent warning after lead poisoning claimed the lives of two endangered kea in Southern Westland. The toxin, found in legacy buil...
- Escalating Tensions on Rakiura as Conservation Staff Face Weekly Abuse
Published: Apr 11, 2026
Section: Environment
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has revealed a significant spike in security incidents on Rakiura Stewart Island, with staff members now logging approximately one incident eve...
- West Coast Councillors Accuse DOC of Abdicating Pest Control Responsibilities
Published: Apr 9, 2026
Section: Politics
West Coast regional councillors are pushing back against proposed changes to the regional pest management plan, claiming the Department of Conservation (DOC) is shifting its financ...
- DOC's closure of Nelson visitor centre 'short-sighted'
Published: Apr 6, 2026
Section: Politics
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has officially closed its prominent central Nelson visitor centre at Millers Acre, shifting operations to an existing administrative office in...