Latest news with #WildlifeAct1953
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Matarangi Coastal Restoration And Rewilding Begins This June
Together, we're restoring the Coromandel's coast – starting in Matarangi – to improve dune health, increase native habitat, and build resilience to erosion and climate impacts. $9.3 million is budgeted in our 2024–2034 Long Term Plan to restore approximately 35km of coastline from Whangapoua to Whangamatā. Activities include native planting, weed and pest control and reshaping dunes (earthworks). Beginning in June 2025, sections of the Matarangi dune front will undergo transformation over the coming years through foredune planting and rewilding efforts - this includes halting mowing, planting native species, controlling weeds and pests, and reshaping the dunes. The coastal restoration programme supports priorities identified in the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Project and meets obligations under the Wildlife Act 1953, the Reserves Act 1977, and the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010. Our restoration programme will: Rewild back dunes by reducing mowing to let nature take the lead and by planting native flora Increase and improve habitat for native lizards, birds and insects Support climate adaptation and community resilience What you may see: Areas where mowing has stopped to allow native growth Volunteers and contractors planting and maintaining dunes Signage explaining the work While some areas may temporarily look a little wild, rest assured – it's part of creating a healthier, more resilient coast. It will take approximately two-three years for the new habitat to establish and mature. Our Council, along with Waikato Regional Council, have just applied for a five-year Wildlife Act permit to undertake this work. We're working closely with local community groups, iwi partners and Waikato Regional Council to deliver this work. We know this is a change, and it may raise some questions. That's why we're committed to on-going communication every step of the way.
1News
07-05-2025
- General
- 1News
Yellow-bellied sea snake washes up near Great Barrier Island
A "highly venomous" yellow-bellied sea snake was found dead by a member of the public over the weekend on Rangiahua/Flat Island, near Aotea/Great Barrier Island. Department of Conservation project manager Sarah Dwyer said the snake was found on Saturday. "Thankfully, the snake was reported immediately to DOC and is now at the DOC office on Aotea. The snake will be sent to Te Papa for their collection." This latest sighting is not the first of its kind in recent times. On April 27, 1News reported a yellow-bellied sea snake was discovered alive on a beach north of Auckland. When DOC arrived at the location, however, it said the snake was dead after it appeared to have been bitten by a dog and "hit with something". A live snake had also been found near Hokitika on the West Coast in recent weeks. It was expected more sightings would occur, due to storm events in the warmer waters to the north of New Zealand where the snakes generally live. Dwyer said sea snakes and kraits were occasional visitors to New Zealand's waters but they were considered a native species under the Wildlife Act 1953. "This is because they arrive here naturally from time to time on ocean currents — rather than by human transportation. "It is therefore illegal to kill or harass a sea snake, or possess one or any part of one without a permit." Dwyer said sea snakes and kraits were highly venomous but they were "docile creatures". "There is no record of anyone in New Zealand being bitten." DOC marine science adviser Karen Middlemiss said snakes generally didn't last long after arriving in New Zealand. "The waters are far too cold, so when they do wash up on the beaches, they don't survive very much longer than a couple of days." If someone found a sea snake or krait, Dwyer recommended to "keep well away" and call 0800 DOC HOT.
1News
27-04-2025
- 1News
Sea snake found alive on beach now dead, likely 'hit with something'
A venomous sea snake found alive on a beach north of Auckland this morning appeared to have been fatally bitten by a dog and "hit with something" by the time Department of Conservation staff arrived. A member of the public found the yellow-bellied sea snake alive near the sand dunes on the southern end of Omaha Beach on Sunday. DOC senior ranger Karl Fisher said they were alerted at around 10am by an email from the member of the public. "We have sent one of our rangers to check it out, but in the meantime, we want people and their dogs to stay away from the dunes at the southern end of Omaha beach." However in an update at 2pm, DOC said attending staff had found the yellow-bellied sea snake dead. ADVERTISEMENT Fisher said it was clear the snake had been bitten by a dog and hit with something. "It's very rare for these sea snakes to come onto land and it was probably blown in with the strong winds and needed a rest." He said he wanted to remind the public it was illegal to kill native species and that DOC should have been notified. "I can understand how someone might react if their dog was attacking the snake, but these snakes are venomous and should not be touched or interacted with." The snake's body had been taken to the DOC office in Warkworth and would be examined by staff. Yellow-bellied sea snakes were venomous and can be aggressive if threatened. They were found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand. ADVERTISEMENT Under the Wildlife Act 1953, it is illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a sea snake or krait.
1News
27-04-2025
- Climate
- 1News
Live sea snake washes up on beach north of Auckland
A live sea snake found on a beach north of Auckland this morning may have been blown ashore by recent wild weather, the Department of Conservation says. A member of the public found the yellow-bellied sea snake near the sand dunes on the southern end of Omaha Beach on Sunday. DOC senior ranger Karl Fisher said they were alerted at around 10am by an email from the member of the public. "We have sent one of our rangers to check it out, but in the meantime, we want people and their dogs to stay away from the dunes at the southern end of Omaha beach." The snakes were not usually seen on land, Fisher said. 'It's very uncommon to see them on land, but with the extreme weather we've had recently, we are seeing all kinds of birds and sea life being blown ashore." He said once the ranger had visited the site, the area would be cordoned off and a decision on what to do with the snake would be made. "In the meantime, we want to make sure the public are aware and especially dog walkers or any children playing in the area." Yellow-bellied sea snakes were venomous and can be aggressive. They were found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand. Under the Wildlife Act 1953, it is illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a sea snake or krait.
