Environment Press Releases

A West Coast research project that radio tracked 30 fernbirds through a recent 1080 operation in the Ianthe Forest, has confirmed that 1080 poses only a minimal risk to fernbird populations.

Dr Colin Burrows, a christchurch botanist with a long involvement and contribution to Canterbury’s natural history, has been awarded the prestigious Loder Cup.

Landcare Research and Federated Farmers are providing information to farmers and the public to support honey bee health through the Trees for Bees campaign.

The Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival will open for its 23rd year this October 2010. As well as a floral showcase of thousands of rhododendrons, this event is also about promoting the message that gardeners can save humanity.

Nelson’s air quality has shown big improvements this winter compared to the same time last winter. Mayor Kerry Marshall links this to home owners switching to cleaner heating under the Nelson Air Quality Plan.

NZ experts working with the oil spill response team in the Gulf of Mexico have gained valuable experience which assists NZ for its own preparedness.

Business leader and environmental champion Rob Fenwick has signed up with the Department of Conservation.

A whaling petition calling on the Government to protect the future of whales has been signed by 53,000 New Zealanders.

New Zealand will make a decision in the next few weeks on whether to file a case in the International Court of Justice against Japanese whaling.

Deepwater Fisheries research spending is to be boosted by almost 50 per cent over the next 10 years.

Department of Conservation will develope cycleways and campgrounds, with the funding coming from within Vote Conservation’s $424 million in Budget 2010.

Kinzett Terrace carpark, in the Nelson region, has been closed to freedom campers.

Sony is launching new Mini Alkaline batteries without mercury.

Didymo has been found in three more Nelson-Tasman rivers this year.

Palmerston North Mayor helped deliver new recycling bins to city residents.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced that the United States will work towards adhering to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.

The New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum has addressed issues by agreeing to instruct people hiring non-self-contained vehicles to not freedom camp.

The Department of Conservation is reminding duck shooters to familiarise themselves with Pateke to avoid the endangered species being shot.

The Green Party is opposed to the Whaling Commission Support Group proposal.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says the whaling proposal has not delivered what New Zealand wants.