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Zealandia fence set for replacement after 25 years

1 week ago | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

Wellington's most famous fence is nearing the end of its lifespan, with a design for its replacement under way 25 years after it was first installed around Zealandia. It was the first of its kind worldwide when it was built in 2000, and now, the eco-sanctuary is home to some rare and protected flora and fauna, including parasitic plants, kiwi, takahē and tuatara.
Predator Free Wellington faces $1.75m annual shortfall

1 month ago | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

Predator Free Wellington is facing a shortfall of $1.75 million annually, largely due to a decrease in government funding from next year. The group has successfully eradicated rats from the Miramar peninsula and turned its attention toward the central city, hopeful it can persevere. Yesterday, the team showed National Party MP Catherine Wedd, who chairs Parliament's environment committee, and the media around its Wilton-based workshop.
Access fees considered for national parks, conservation areas

Nov 14, 2024 | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

The Government is considering charging visitors more to access national parks and other conservation areas, and making it easier for private businesses to operate within them. The Department of Conservation has released two documents for public consultation on "modernising" conservation, seeking feedback on questions like who should pay visitor fees and where, and what that money should go towards.
How artificial intelligence may help NZ birds

Sep 15, 2024 | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

A study to identify individual kākā using AI has received a funding boost of $1 million, one of a number of research projects using artificial intelligence "for good". The funding comes from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Smart Ideas fund, which this year received 351 applications, and approved 53 of them.
Fast-track approvals: Bishop's letter 'invited' some to apply

Apr 12, 2024 | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

A generic letter from the Infrastructure Minister, interpreted by two mining companies as an invite to apply for fast-track approval, shows some organisations have indeed been invited – but just which ones remains a mystery. Two mining companies, Trans Tasman Resources and Chatham Rock Phosphate, published statements saying they had received an "invite" from the minister to apply – Chatham Rock Phosphate went so far as to call it a "request".
Minister questions mining company's fast-track 'invite' claim

Apr 8, 2024 | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has accused a seabed mining company of "being misleading" by calling a generic letter sent to 200 other organisations a "formal invite" to apply for fast-track approval. Australian mining company Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) released a statement on April 8, saying it had been invited to apply for the fast-track consenting process under the Government's new Fast Track Approvals Bill, which was currently before the Select Committee.
Vito the dog averts potential disaster on Welllington Harbour island

Mar 16, 2024 | 1news.co.nz | Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green |Kate Green

When Vito the ant-detection dog woke up on Tuesday morning, he did not expect to become a hero. But the Welsh springer spaniel has saved Matiu / Somes Island from potential disaster, after finding a large colony of the invasive pest Argentine ant species nesting on building materials destined for the island's new wharf. Vito's handler, Department of Conservation senior ranger Adeline Bosman, said the ants posed a serious risk to native species.
DOC 'spread too thin', director-general tells select committee

Mar 7, 2024 | 1news.co.nz | Kate Green |Environmentrnz.co.nzBy Kate Green

The Department of Conservation says it is spread too thin, and its work is being curtailed by a lack of funding. During its annual review, presented to Parliament's environment committee yesterday morning, director-general Penny Nelson told the committee more than 4000 species were threatened or at risk of extinction, and many more lack data. "The department is not currently financially sustainable for what we're being asked to do," she said.