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Archives For 30/11/1999

There’s something fishy in the air….

Department of Conservation —  24/09/2013

As a result of a successful first year of partnership, DOC and Air New Zealand last night announced an extension to the relationship with an exciting new venture into New Zealand’s rich and complex marine environment.

Snorkeller at Cape Rodney, Okakari Point Marine Reserve. Photo: Brian Mackie © DOC use only.

Snorkeller at Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Photo: Brian Mackie ©

New Zealand is an island nation and the marine environment is a quintessential part of our way of life—think of camping by the sea, swimming and diving in clean water with rich sea life, recreational fishing and spending quality time with the whanau.

Kayakers exploring Te Whanganui-a-hei (Cathedral Cove). Photo: Rob Suisted © | naturespic.com | DOC USE ONLY.

Kayakers exploring Te Whanganui-a-hei (Cathedral Cove)
Photo: Rob Suisted ©

Air New Zealand’s support will allow us to expand our marine monitoring programme in marine reserves, providing vital research into species population numbers. They will also promote these reserves, highlighting the important role marine environments play in our kiwi lifestyle.

Jewel anemones in the Kapiti Marine Reserve. Photo: Danica Stent.

Jewel anemones in the Kapiti Marine Reserve
Photo: Danica Stent

Marine reserves attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and include a network of iconic destinations from the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve off the coast of Northland to Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve located around Stewart Island/Rakiura in the south.

Our partnership with Air New Zealand has already delivered fabulous results for conservation, with over 500 endangered animals relocated, four new biodiversity projects established, and a significant increase in people experiencing New Zealand’s Great Walks. We’re now looking forward to getting our new marine venture sailing!

“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century is beginning to realise that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau

In Marine , , ,
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We’d like you to get out and walk!

Department of Conservation —  10/09/2013

Today we’re sharing Air New Zealand’s blog post from The Flying Social Network. 

Like most New Zealanders, we’re proud of our natural environment. We’re even in awe of it.

We should probably spend less time talking about nature and more time actually wandering through it and breathing it all in. In that spirit, Air New Zealand has joined forces with the Department of Conservation to preserve and protect some of our country’s most inspiring natural locations.

fairy-conservation-week

So with all of that said to celebrate Conservation Week between 8 – 15 September we are supporting the Department of Conservation and encouraging New Zealanders to get outdoors and get amongst nature.

Over 130 Air New Zealand employees between Auckland and Wellington are pledging their support for Conservation Week and will ‘Get out and walk’ at some of their favourite spots.

Our partnership with DOC focuses on supporting conservation biodiversity projects in the vicinity of the Great Walks, and also promotes the Great Walks – We’re helping to preserve and enhance these unique places that every Kiwi should try to experience in their lifetime. Why not make a Great Walks pledge for Conservation Week?

You can visit the Conservation Week website for more information and all the action and keep a close eye on Air New Zealand’s social media channels. Word has it that the Air New Zealand Fairy has some conservation themed goodies to give away!

In Conservation Week 2013 , , , , ,
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‘Great Walking’ the Routeburn Track

Department of Conservation —  18/03/2013

Ranger Chris Hankin writes about his adventure along the Routeburn Track with the Air New Zealand Great Walkers.

In early March I had the privilege of joining the Air New Zealand Great Walkers for their tramp over the Routeburn Track. This was to be their fourth Great Walk, hot on the heels of completing the Milford Track just two days before.

Standing beside the Routeburn Track sign on a wet day.

A bit of a wet one

I was impressed by the group’s enthusiasm and energy. The second day of our walk was especially memorable. We camped the night before at Lake McKenzie and awoke to a perfect blue sky day. As we hiked across the spectacular ‘Hollyford Face’ we had uninterrupted views of the snow-capped Darran Mountains right out to Martins Bay on the west coast. Ahead of us was ‘Conical Hill’, which at 1,515 metres offered us even more exercise before rewarding us with incredible views of the surrounding landscape. After this highlight we slowly made our way down past Lake Harris to Routeburn Falls where we were treated to a night with Ultimate Hikes at Routeburn Falls Lodge.

The Great Walkers on the Routeburn Track.

Richard, Steph and Toshi

We enjoyed meeting the guided trampers and hearing about their own journey over the Routeburn. Everyone reflected on the day, of the plants, birds, streams, lakes, mountains and glaciers we had all been treated to.

The experience reminded me of the first time I enjoyed the Routeburn Track (and other Great Walks such as the Kepler).

Toshi standing near Erland Falls.

Toshi at Erland Falls

Now I am working for DOC I appreciate the huge efforts that keeps everything running smoothly. However when I first walked these tracks I didn’t quite realise what went on ‘behind the scenes’. I simply found myself walking in an amazing environment. When I was with the Air NZ Great Walkers I was reminded that they were seeing the walk for the very first time.

Conical Hill on the Routeburn Track.

Conical Hill

I found that as our tramp progressed the less I needed to say to them, as they were enjoying taking it all in. After the walk one of the walkers said to me ‘to experience these places first hand redefines the meaning of special’. I am sure most people completing a Great Walk for the first time, wherever it is, come away feeling much the same.

Chris and the Great Walker team on the Routeburn Track.

Chris and the Great Walker team.

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‘Great Walking’ the Kepler Track

Department of Conservation —  11/03/2013

Ranger Cate Helm (star of this Air New Zealand safety video) writes about her adventure along the Kepler Track with the Air New Zealand Great Walkers.

Our first day got off to a great start with a welcome and haka performed by the local school as we entered Fiordland National Park for the first time. It was a moving and exciting beginning for the four Great Walkers who were about to undertake New Zealand’s nine Great Walks in nine weeks.

Ranger Cate Helm with the Great Walkers and students.

Great Walker team with students from ‘Kids Restore the Kepler’

We were joined by three local school students, who walked with us through to Broad Bay telling us about the work they are undertaking to help restore native bird life as part of the ‘Kids Restore the Kepler‘ programme. They were truly inspiring and just what our Great Walkers needed for the next part of their journey – an 800 metre climb to Luxmore Hut (just a small ask for their very first tramp).

It was worth every gruelling step. As you emerge from the bushline, the view from Luxmore Hut (1085 metres), overlooking Lake Te Anau and the mighty Murchison Mountains (where the last of the wild takahe population roam) will leave you truly speechless.

A Great Walker walking along the Kepler Track.

The Kepler is truly a unique track

Just when the team thought things couldn’t get any better the Luxmore Hut Ranger, Fay, took us on a personalised ‘Caving Expedition’ to the local limestone caves, a great remnant of geological activity. The group was awestruck by the raw untouched beauty.

The Great Walker team jumping up in the air after reaching Iris Burn Hut.

Jumping for joy at the Iris Burn Hut

The following day we left Luxmore and headed for Iris Burn. This leg, over steep rugged alpine terrain, offers one of the best day’s tramping in New Zealand. The eye is kept entertained at every turn with flowering alpine plant life, ever changing rock formations (including evidence of the last ice age and glacial activity), and all day views across mountain ranges.

At Motorau Hut in the Iris Burn Valley we were joined by Ranger Leigh and Ranger Kay who gave a presentation on New Zealand’s only two native mammals, the elusive and unique endangered long-tailed and short-tailed bats. We took an excursion in the dark hours with bat monitors to see if we could pick them up as they flew by. We also kept an eye out for the equally unique and endangered Fiordland tokoeka kiwi.

Great Walker Stephanie Hathaway with DOC rangers on the Kepler Track.

Chilling out with Steph the Great Walker, look at that view!

All in all, the Kepler Track offered a little of everything for our four Great Walkers, and it is safe to say they were truly blown away by the views, wildlife encounters, conservation management and hut systems!

The Great Walkers having a rest and taking in the view on the Kepler Track.

Time for a rest and to take it all in

Head to the Great Walker website for more information and to follow the Great Walkers on their blog and see more stunning photos and video from their journey.

Head to the DOC website to book your own Great Walks adventure.

In Great Walks , , , , , ,
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Halfmoon Bay school kids help robins into a new home

Department of Conservation —  24/01/2013

The first Air New Zealand-funded transfer of fledgling Stewart Island robins from Ulva Island to a new home in the Dancing Star Foundation sanctuary has taken place successfully, with the assistance of students from Halfmoon Bay School.

Kari Beaven prepares a catch net on Ulva Island.

Kari Beaven prepares a catch net on Ulva Island

The transfer is the first step in a plan to re-establish a population of robins on Stewart Island around parts of the Rakiura Great Walk. Located near the start of the Great Walk, the Dancing Star site offers an ideal opportunity for this. Its predator-free status will allow the young birds to establish a breeding population within this fenced ‘mainland island’.

Otago University researcher Sol Heber records data for each robin.

Otago University researcher Sol Heber records data for each robin

Establishing a new breeding population of Stewart Island robins forms part of a much wider biodiversity project resulting from an exciting new conservation partnership between DOC and Air New Zealand.

The project aims to enrich biodiversity and enhance visitor experiences around New Zealand’s Great Walks, with plans also in place for the Routeburn, Milford and Lake Waikaremoana tracks.

Robins are transported securely in cat carrying boxes.

Robins are transported securely in cat carrying boxes

The recent capture of robins on Ulva Island was undertaken by DOC staff and members of a University of Otago research team. After being measured and weighed the fledglings were placed in boxes in preparation for their journey, initially by boat, to their new location.The Halfmoon Bay School children’s role in the transfer was to assist with the release of the robins. After meeting the boat, the children accompanied the birds, in their boxes, into an area of dense bush inside the Dancing Star sanctuary.

Fledgling robin a little reluctant to leave the safety of the carry box.

Fledgling robin a little reluctant to leave the safety of the carry box

A mihi was performed to welcome the robins to their new home, after which, one by one, boxes were opened by the children and the birds were offered their freedom.

It was such a buzz, they’re still talking about it. One child said, “I didn’t think it was going to let go of the perch”. Another: “I got a fright when it took off”, and another said it was “really cool”. Several thought it was pretty funny taking the birds in cat carrying boxes!
Robins in boxes are accompanied by children from Halfmoon Bay school.

Robins in boxes are accompanied by children from Halfmoon Bay school

As their population establishes and increases, future generations of robins are expected to ‘spill over’ and establish in territories outside the predator-fenced sanctuary. Over time, walkers on the Rakiura Track will be able to see and hear robins.

A trapping programme to manage predators around the Rakiura track is part of the Air New Zealand Great Walk biodiversity project. The project also includes plans to increase the kiwi population and work on the restoration of significant dunes adjacent to the Great Walk.

Helping release the robins into their new home.

Helping release the robins into their new home

In Great Walks, Native animals, Southland, Ulva Island , , , , ,
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