A planned aerial 1080 drop to rid Stewart Island of Norway rats and other pest species has some locals concerned, following a public meeting this week. Predator Free Rakiura is planning to use a 10,000ha trial block at the southern end of Rakiura in Autumn 2025, to learn what

* Ministers praise the interest in the agricultural and horticultural regulatory products review process. * Over 80 submissions were received, highlighting the need to streamline approval processes. * Recommendations will be tested with industry groups before presenting findings to the Cabinet. Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister

New Zealand’s inaugural national tyre recycling scheme, ‘Tyrewise,’ is now fully operational, with free collections beginning today. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds hailed the initiative as a critical step in tackling a persistent environmental issue. “The first priority product stewardship sche

Three Southland flood protection projects will benefit from today’s announcement of Government funding for climate resilience projects across the country. Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell said the Council welcomed the Government’s decision to invest in flood protection and to recognise i

A whale so rare that only six specimens have ever been documented has washed ashore on an Otago beach. On Thursday, 4 July, the Department of Conservation (DOC) staff received reports of a beaked whale, approximately 5 metres long, near Taiari Mouth. After inspection and consultation with marine mam

Federated Farmers have expressed strong support for the recent decision to review methane emission targets, viewing it as an essential step towards fairness for the farming community and beneficial for the New Zealand economy as a whole. “Federated Farmers see this review as an immensely positive de

In a bid to address the kakapo habitat shortage, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ngai Tahu, and the Coal Island Trust have moved four male kakapo to Coal Island in Fiordland. This initiative seeks to determine if the 1163-hectare island can eventually support a larger breeding population. DOC

A Southland pest control group fears nearly two decades of work could be in jeopardy due to difficult funding conditions. Since 2006, the Mid Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust has been working to eradicate rogue pines from over 40,000 hectares east of the Mataura River. However, the group’s fundin