Blog Archives

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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 →

See nature through new eyes
Conservation Week 2020 encouraged everyone to enjoy a fresh perspective on nature – to see nature through new eyes.
“This is an opportunity for people to take time to immerse themselves in nature and reconnect with it. Papatūānuku’s wellbeing is our wellbeing. Take a little time in nature for your wellbeing, and if you can, give a little back to nature for its wellbeing.” – Lou Sanson.
You can engage with Conservation Week activities online or by exploring your own backyard.
Continue reading →

One more month to apply for a 2020 FMC Expedition Scholarship or a Training Grant

FMC is proud to offer Youth Expedition Scholarships for the 10th year running, and the Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship for the 5th consecutive year.

For information on how to apply, and to check your eligibility criteria, see www.fmc.org.nz/scholarship/ Continue reading →