Freshwater quality remains one of New Zealand’s most important environmental challenges. Nitrogen entering rivers, lakes and groundwater has been linked to declining water quality, algal growth and increasing concern over drinking water in several communities. Collecting reliable information on where … Continue reading
Over recent months CORANZ has expressed concerns about several pieces of legislation affecting outdoor recreation, including aspects of the Fisheries Amendment Bill and the Conservation Amendment Bill. Those concerns were based on careful examination of the legislation and the potential … Continue reading
A recent Facebook post here has been widely shared alleging that the Department of Conservation deliberately misrepresented the causes of death of a collection of kiwi photographed in Northland more than a decade ago. The author claims the photograph’s history … Continue reading
Special report Greenpeace warns that the controversial Conservation Amendment Bill is still on the table. In an e mail the organisation is calling for donations to fund the fight to safeguard public lands such as conservation parks. “The Government has … Continue reading
Editor’s note: Below are extracts relative to outdoor recreation, from Nicole McKee’s speech on recently being made deputy leader of the ACT party. “I couldn’t be prouder to be standing up here, thanks to the trust and confidence of my … Continue reading
Every so often, science reminds us just how much we still have to learn about the natural world. A recent study into New Zealand’s whitebait has done exactly that. Researchers discovered that when some whitebait populations become isolated from the … Continue reading
Opinion by Gerry McSweeney Conservation Minister Tama Potaka promised yesterday that he will withdraw the liberalised DOC land sale and exchange provisions of the Conservation Amendment Bill. The change in the functions of DOC that maximise commercialisation of DOC land … Continue reading
special report There’s a furore brewing over the Department of Conservation prosecution of the Whangarei Bird Rescue Centre for allowing a visitor to hold a kiwi when the visitor had not first attended a ‘kiwi handling course’. The Centre is … Continue reading
The proposed Waitaha hydro scheme poses a question that extends far beyond one river on the West Coast. It asks how New Zealand values the last of its truly wild places. Is their worth measured primarily by what they can … Continue reading
The announcement that provisions allowing the sale or exchange of conservation land are to be removed from the Conservation Amendment Bill has understandably dominated headlines. Those who lodged submissions should feel encouraged. Public participation appears to have made a genuine … Continue reading
Press release Act Party ACT Conservation spokesperson and keen hunter Cameron Luxton has welcomed the passing of the Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill, saying it marks a long-overdue shift in how New Zealand approaches hunting and … Continue reading
Press Release Conservatives.NZ Backdowns by ministers Shane Jones and Tama Potaka over the Fisheries Amendment Bill and Conservation Amendment bills respectively should be watched closely particularly after the election, depending on election results warns the Conservative Party. Conservative Party leader … Continue reading
Special report Despite government’s Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka withdrawing the controversial Conservation Amendment Bill involving commercialising public lands, NZ First’s Shane Jones who is also Minister of Resources in the current coalition government has vowed to keep pushing for the public estate … Continue reading
From the “Centrist” The government is dropping proposed powers that would have made it easier for the Department of Conservation to dispose of parts of the conservation estate, after weeks of public backlash. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka confirmed the backdown … Continue reading
The Government’s decision to remove the proposed provisions allowing the sale or exchange of public conservation land deserves recognition. Public submissions clearly had an impact, and Ministers should be prepared to listen when widespread concerns are expressed. That is how … Continue reading
A recent study suggests that taking a five-minute walk every hour may be enough to offset many of the effects of prolonged sitting. Researchers found improvements in mood, reduced fatigue and no measurable reduction in work productivity. The findings are … Continue reading
by Kathy White I’ve done a lot of interviews with New Zealand scientists who have had their research permits revoked, specimens and scientific research confiscated, who have been trespassed from their area of research, and fired from their research positions … Continue reading
The Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) has released survey results (here) showing extremely low levels of confidence in Police administration of the Arms Act. While the findings will not surprise many within the firearms community, they should prompt a … Continue reading
A recent international report (here) attracted attention by arguing that wealthy countries should stop pursuing economic growth and focus instead on wellbeing, equality and environmental sustainability. Unsurprisingly, the proposal has generated considerable debate. Critics describe it as unrealistic and disconnected … Continue reading
By Andi Cockroft, Chair, CORANZ It seems I am writing quiet a few opinion pieces of late, but as we head toward an important General Election, the time seems filled with wonderful material deserving scrutiny. No less so than The … Continue reading
