For the love of charismatic megafauna
In celebration of #Seaweek this March, our Threatened Species Ambassador Erica Wilkinson wrote a post on our Conservation Blog about sea lions/ rāpoka / whakahao.
These fearless, confident, and curious animals were once hunted in Aotearoa, until one brave sea lion turned up on the Otago coast in 1993 and gave birth to a pup on a local farm. Continue reading →

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Nominations for the 2021 FMC Executive

It’s that time of the year again when we ask all our member clubs to think about nominating someone for the Executive. It is a stimulating body to work with, bringing together people from right around NZ and dealing with a wide range of outdoor recreation related issues. Continue reading →

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Nominations for the FMC Executive

In early March all Member Clubs will receive information related to membership renewal for 2021 and nominations for the Executive.

Start thinking now about whether there is someone in your club who would like to join our Executive to advocate on behalf of all our member clubs. Continue reading →

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Percentage of Revenue Framework Review

The Department of Conservation is reviewing its fee structure for activity fees that are determined by a percentage of revenue earned through a concession. The first of three opportunities to submit feedback closes on 19 March 2021. Continue reading →

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Native bats thrive after predator control
Pekapeka were once common in Aotearoa but have disappeared from many areas due to habitat loss and being eaten by rats, possums, stoats, and feral cats.

Close monitoring of long and short-tailed bats over many years has shown a significant increase in populations. Continue reading →

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Wairarapa Volunteer News and ViewsSummer EditionVol. 7 2020 Salutations Looking through reports and queries sent in and talking with the Bio Team can see how much time and work has been accomplished by you all – Many Thanks. Recently we … Continue reading →

FMC Photo competition 2020: Slideshow of entries

The winners of the 2020 FMC photo competition were announced in November’s Backcountry. If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet, you can find them on our website.

Each year, FMC provides slideshows of all the entries to our competition; many clubs enjoy an evening playing “guess the location” or simply having them playing in the background at the end of a meeting.

You can download the slideshows from the FMC Archives. Continue reading →

A hoiho reflects on their year in the spotlight
In 2019, hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin was crowned Bird of the Year – the first seabird to win in 14 years.

With kākāpō now elected as 2020 Bird of the Year, we travelled down to the Otago Peninsula and sat down with a hoiho. We asked them how their year in the spotlight went, and what they’re looking forward to once they hand over their title. Continue reading →

Dunstan Downs pastoral lease tenure review

Dunstan Downs pastoral lease in Central Otago is currently undergoing tenure review. Straddling the transition between Canterbury and Otago in terms of local governance and natural values, this 12,351.4 hectare Crown pastoral lease stretches from the Ahuriri River in the north, to near Lindis Pass in the west, and to the 2,088-metre Mt St Bathans in the south. On the Wether, Dunstan, and St Bathans ranges, much of the property covers full ridge-to-valley altitudinal sequences. The pastoral lease includes part of the iconic Lindis Pass area as well as Ahuriri riverside land. Continue reading →

A new live cam brings you into the nest with kororā
The 24/7 live stream lets viewers peek inside the lives of a nesting pair of little penguins/kororā. On the stream, you’ll see the pair prepare for the breeding season, incubate their eggs and care for their chicks.

These birds are easily disturbed by humans, so the live stream is a perfect way to experience them up close while giving them the space they need. Continue reading →