Hawke's Bay Hiking & Tramping

Hi All, I haven't posted much (if anything!) for a long time, and the reason for that is because we've moved out of Hawke's Bay to Waikato. The question I'm asking myself is, do I continue with this page as is and write only about Hawke's Bay tramps (which will now be few and far between), or do I expand to the greater North Island? Even thought of handing it over to another keen HB tramper to continue the legacy. Keen to hear comments and suggestions - please!

Po marie/good morning all - for those of you interested in conservation, and living in Hawke's Bay, here's an event you might be interested in attending:

Daryl Eason Talk on the Kakapo Recovery Programme
Time: 7.30pm Thursday 4 March 2020
Venue: Waipukurau Primary School (main hall), St Mary’s Road, Waipukurau
Daryl Eason is a product of Central Hawkes Bay College and he has spent the last 30 years working with some of New Zealand’s most critically endangered bird species particularly Kakapo and Takahe.
Both of these species are endemic to NZ (found nowhere else in the world) and flightless. The kakapo is nocturnal and the heaviest parrot in the world.
His father Ken Eason still lives at Hatuma and has had strong connections with the Hatuma Enginering business while his sister Delwyn Eason is a science teacher at Central Hawkes Bay College.
Daryl left Waipukurau in search of a career in wildlife conservation over 35 years ago and has since that time worked closely with species like kakapo and takahe primarily in Southland.
He has returned briefly to Waipukurau to be accepted into the Central Hawkes Bay College Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to the conservation of Kakapo. He has had a significant involvement in the hands on management of Kakapo (monitoring nests and chicks, hand rearing chicks, artificial insemination, regular health chicks of adults) on a small number of predator free islands in Southland.
He has kindly agreed to do a public presentation on the Kakapo Recovery Programme to which you are all cordially invited.
A gold coin donation would be appreciated.
This public presentation is supported by Forest and Bird, Central Hawkes Bay Branch. Everyone is invited.

For further details please contact John Cheyne 027 2059506.

Hi All, another notice from DOC re a temporary hut closure for renovations: "Hinerua Hut will be closed for repair works from 15th - 18th of February 2021 (emergency shelter available).
It is receiving a new fire, a new roof and other minor work. Thanks to the BCT for funding of this work and the partnership."

For those of you who haven't visited this hut yet, it's well worthwhile as an overnighter, and the renovations will make it even more so.

Morena koutou, just a few more notices received re temporary hut closures for maintenance and upgrades.

First, from DOC re A-Frame hut, accessed from Tamaki West Road end:

"Mike here from the Heritage & Visitor (REC) team.

A quick post to let you all know that the renovations to A Frame Hut will recommence on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st of January 2021. The renovations will be completed on the following weekend, 6/7/8th of February 2021.
For both weekends A Frame hut will be closed to the public, but still available for emergency shelter.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact the PN office on (06) 350 9700 or by email, [email protected]"

Second, from Heretaunga Tramping Club re Howletts Hut, accessed from Kashmir Road:

"Just to advise that within the period of 4th Feb to 14 Feb that Howletts Hut internal cleaning and painting will be done , weather permitting, between the potential dates of 4th to 14th February.

In this range of dates is the Waitangi long weekend.

The whole hut will be “upside down” for many days, mattresses stacked up, removed signs etc need to be preserved for re attachment so not practical to have visitors.

Tents should be taken so trampers can be independent of accommodation.

Thanks, John Montgomerie, on behalf of the Heretaunga Tramping Club."

Happy tramping all, stay safe out there.

Hi All, been advised by DOC that the track to Sunrise hut, and the hut itself, will be closed between 8 Feb and 5 April for a major track upgrade. Other huts and tracks in the area will remain open, but you won't be able to use the Sunrise track as access.

One walk I've been wanting to do for many years is the one up Tauhara maunga - the imposing mountain one passes on SH5 just before arriving at Taupo. Well, my wife was going on a work trip to Taupo last week for an appointment which would allow me enough time to do the walk, so I jumped at the chance to go along. She dropped me at the car park at the end of Mountain Road (last road on the right before arriving at the SH1 roundabout) at 9.45 am.

Tauhara maunga is an ecological reserve of 1,165 ha, owned by the Tauhara Middle 15 and Tauhara Mountain Trusts. It is also the ancestral maunga of the Tauhara Iwi, part of Ngati Tuwharetoa.

There's a large information sign at the carpark, which is self-explanatory. I climbed over the stile and followed the fluorescent green markers on poles up what looked like quad bike tracks across the paddocks, but is in fact many parallel tracks worn in by trampers over the years. Another stile is reached after about 20 minutes, after which the track continues upwards through an area of regenerating bush and past some water tanks before entering the ngahere/forest proper. From here the track is not marked at all, but is very well defined, so it's almost impossible to get lost, provided you stay on the track. Except for the occasional small clearing, the track stays in bush until you reach the summit.

The forest is quite lush, and comprises many species of shrubs, trees and ferns such as horopito, crown fern, putaputaweta, karamu, lemonwood, etc. The reserve contains significant biodiversity, within the top 20% of the Waikato region. An interesting feature of the track is that at some points it has worn away to the extent that you walk in a trench - a result of the fast erosion of the soft pumice overlay. According to the available facts, Tauhara is an dormant volcano, and was formed about 65,000 years ago from a slow eruption of dacitic lava.

The track climbs relentlessly upward until about 30 minutes before the summit, when the sound of a small stream ahead signals a levelling off at a saddle between the two main peaks of the mountain. Progress now becomes a lot easier, and perhaps more pleasant for those who don't like uphills that much. Up to this point there aren't that many views to be seen, except at a few spots where big pines have been felled. It's well worthwhile to stop at these for a while, as said views are really great, and frame the town of Taupo with its lakefront beautifully. Talking about pines, a programme to eradicate and control wilding pines and conifers on the mountain has been underway since 2016, in an effort to restore the mountain to its former glory. Evidence of this can been seen in the number of dead and dying pines still standing, particularly on the northern side. Plans to eventually re-introduce locally extinct native bird species are in place.

Views of the northern peak occasionally appear through the trees now, and the summit's not far away. You'll know you've reached the summit when the track takes a sharp right turn, and terminates at a trig beacon at 1088 m asl. The views, on a clear day, are just astonishing. I wasn't that lucky, as Tauhara had his woolly hat on, but he took it off now and then - just long enough for me to take in the views and snap off some photos. It's pretty much a 360 degree view, with lake Rotokawa to the north, SH 5, farm paddocks and forestry blocks to the east and south, and Taupo and the lake to the west. In one word, incomparable. From the trig there's a rough narrow track leading west along the summit to a another rocky lookout about 5 minutes away. This allows a better view of Taupo and the lake, and is well worth the effort.

I would've loved to have stayed a lot longer, but with an eye on the time my wife agreed to collect me, it was off, back to the car park, which took me just on an hour. In summary, a really worthwhile walk which anyone serious about tramping should do. I'm so glad I finally managed to do it.

Some salient facts about the walk - it should take a reasonably fit person about 1.5 hours up and an hour down - distance wise it's 2.5km one way. Allow for 3 - 3.5 hours there and back to really enjoy the walk and the views. It's a 538m ascent, and I'd rate it as an easy to medium tramp. It's suitable for children over 6 years old, accompanied by an adult.

Nga mihi ki a Tauhara maunga.
Nga mihi ki a Tauhara Iwi,
Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.

Important notes:
· Be prepared - take clothing and provisions for all weather possibilities. In winter, snow and/or rain is highly likely. Check the forecast beforehand. Also take a mobile phone and/or PLB. Mobile reception is good.
· Average to good fitness required – at least 3 - 3.5 hours total walking involved, with a total altitude gain of approx. 538 m to the summit .
· Suitable for children from about 6 years and over, accompanied by adults.
· Tell someone where you’re going, and what time to expect you back.
· Take a map – NZ Topo map BG36 Taupo refers.
· Please respect the Maunga and all that's on it - read the info sign at the start.
· Please take only photos and leave only footprints - take all rubbish out with you. Access to this maunga is a privilege, not a right.

Hi All, most of you will have heard about this tragedy by now. It's a sobering reminder never to underestimate river crossings, and to rather wait it out until the level goes down enough to make crossing it safe. Can't emphasise enough that your life is not worth the risk! Stay safe out there, e hoa ma.

Hawke's Bay tramping tragedy: Body found 500m downstream of swollen river crossing point Four-hour search ends with drone finding missing tramper's body.

Kia ora koutou - just a quick note - been advised that there will be some road works on Kashmir Road anytime between 15 May and 19 June. Expect delays. Applies to anyone using this road to access Longview, Awatere, Happy Daze, Makaretu, Leon Kinvig or Daphne huts.

Hi All, happy to advise we can head out into the bush again as from tomorrow, 14th May. There are some requirements and guidelines from DOC though, as follows:

📷COVID-19 messaging for Alert Level 2

Date: 11 May 2020

This version: 12 May 2020 -11am

Quick links/skip to

This document contains important messaging for Alert Level 2. Use these headings to skip to different sections.

General Key messages

External Q and A – how to answer external queries

Key messages

General

Alert Level 2 means we can get back out and enjoy the great outdoors, provided it’s done safely.

More DOC staff can resume field work and return to offices to deliver their valuable conservation work.

DOC facilities will reopen - including visitor centres, huts, campgrounds and toilets - with special guidelines for use.

We’re asking visitors to take responsibility for their health and hygiene and consider others when using facilities. This means ensuring you have cleaning and hygiene products with you and minimise contact with people you don’t know.

Bookable accommodation is capped to 10 people and there should be no more than 10 people at any of the larger non-bookable huts. At all huts appropriate physical distancing is required – bring a tent.

Concessionaires and community groups are welcomed back to public conservation land provided they can operate safely and follow Ministry of Health guidelines. Tourism concessionaires need an updated WorkSafe plan to respond to COVID-19.

The Government is expecting visitors to take responsibility for their health and the health of others, including when they are recreating in the outdoors and staying in DOC accommodation.

Visitor facilities

It’s important trampers and other users take responsibility for their own Covid-19 hygiene and cleaning requirements:Be prepared to undertake additional cleaning when using huts, toilets, and campsites
Visitors will need to carry their own cleaning and protective equipment to safely use shared facilities (including toilets).
Please leave facilities clean and fit for use by others
This is even more important over winter when DOC’s standard cleaning and maintenance work is carried out less frequently than at peak times of the year.
DOC will undertake standard cleaning and maintenance work for the winter season.

Visitors are encouraged to use hut books for contact tracing

While many of you will be eager to get out there, it’s vital you play it safe and look after yourself and others when outdoors.

If you are planning on using DOC accommodation:

o Stay home if you are unwell

o Enable contact tracing - tell someone before you go, and use the hut books

o Practice physical distancing - 2 metres for people you do not know

Bookable accommodation is capped to 10 people and there should be no more than 10 people at any of the larger non-bookable huts. At all huts appropriate physical distancing is required – bring a tent.

DOC’s huts and campsites cannot be used by people who are required to self-isolate.

Bookings for the rest of this season (up to 30 June 2020) will reopen for huts, campsites and lodges at Alert Level 2. This includes DOC accommodation on Great Walks that operate year-round.

DOC is currently on track to open bookings for 2020/21 in June, including for Great Walks. We’ll provide an update on this closer to the time, including plans for reopening Milford and Routeburn tracks.

As we move into the winter season it’s even more important to plan and prepare. Check the weather and track condition before you go and make sure you take the necessary food, water, clothing and equipment.

Visit DOC’s website for more information including hunting permits, track updates, closures and safety advice: www.doc.govt.nz

Work with wildlife and predator control

· Under Alert Level 2 DOC’s biodiversity and predator control work in the field can resume provided it can be carried out safely to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

DOC’s emergency hotline will be operating as normal and responses to incidents of injured wildlife and marine mammals including whale and dolphin stranding will be assessed on a case by case basis.

· Anyone finding sick or injured wildlife should contact the DOC emergency hotline or their local wildlife rehabilitation centre. Injured wildlife can be transported for rehabilitation provided this follows public health guidelines. Please call ahead if taking injured wildlife for treatment.

· DOC’s Tiakina Ngā Manu predator control programme including aerial 1080 operations, trapping and other ground-based control work, will resume under Alert Level 2 provided it can be carried out safely to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

· Predator control operations put on hold over the lockdown period may now go ahead when weather allows, providing relief for vulnerable native species in these areas.

· DOC staff have been busy during the lockdown continuing to plan for the 2020/2021 predator programme, including consultation with Treaty partners, stakeholders and local communities and this work will continue.

Hunting and fishing on conservation land

Hunting on public conservation land will be allowed once New Zealand has returned to COVID-19 Alert Level 2. Hunters will need the appropriate hunting permit or hold the required concession

Recreational hunters can apply online for a hunting permit from 5:00pm Tuesday 12 May. Permits will be valid once New Zealand returns to Alert Level 2 at 11.59am Wednesday evening. Hunters should first check their existing permit as it may still be current.

Fish & Game NZ have announced the game bird season will open on Saturday 23 May. At Alert Level 2, DOC district offices can issue small game and game bird hunting permits for duck hunting on public conservation land and waters.

DOC staff are focused on ensuring any hunting ballots or bookings planned for the next few months go ahead. Once this process is complete we will contact affected ballot holders regarding next year’s ballots and hunting blocks.

The Government’s COVID 19 website has more information about what other recreational activities are allowed under Alert Level 2: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/

For further information see https://www.doc.govt.nz/covid-19-and-hunting

Concessionaires

· At Alert Level 2, concessionaires and permit holders can resume activities on public conservation land. They will need to have a WorkSafe plan in place to do this.

· DOC understands this is a difficult time for many businesses and has been carefully considering what support they might need.

· COVID-19 has placed increased pressure on many New Zealand organisations. We are working on an all of government approach to debtors that is equitable while maintaining good financial practice.

Q and As

External Q and A to answer questions from media or the public:

Visitor facilities and closures

How far can I travel to enjoy our great outdoors?

The government has advised that travel is allowed between regions, but you must travel safely - stay home if you are unwell, enable contact tracing and practice physical distancing - ideally 2 metres.

What DOC facilities are open during AL2?

DOC’s huts, lodges, campgrounds, toilets and carparks will be open, with bookable huts capped to 10 people, and there should be no more than 10 people in large unbookable huts. We are encouraging visitors to take responsibility for their own health and hygiene during Alert Level 2. This means making sure you are prepared to clean surfaces before you use them and leave the facilities fit for other users.

Will DOC be undertaking extra cleaning at AL2?

DOC will be undertaking its standard cleaning and maintenance work for the winter season. Cleaning, in particular, is carried out less frequently than at peak times of the year. It will be the user’s responsibility to:

follow government health guidelines (including not leaving home if unwell, hand washing, coughing into your elbow, contact tracing and 2 metre distancing);

undertake any additional cleaning/hygiene measures when using DOC facilities (including huts, toilets, and shared cooking areas) as necessary; and

carry in any cleaning products (such as cloths, disinfectant and toilet paper) needed to safely use facilities (including toilets) and leave them fit for use by others.

How will DOC encourage social distancing in huts and facilities at Level 2?

Bookable accommodation is capped to 10 people and there should be no more than 10 people at any of the larger non-bookable huts.

This is to reduce the numbers that may be in a hut and better enable visitors to safely use these shared facilities. At all huts appropriate physical distancing is required – bring a tent.

What extra cleaning is to be provided in toilets, picnic areas etc at Level 2?

DOC will be undertaking its standard cleaning and maintenance work for the winter season. It will be the user’s responsibility to:

follow government alert guidelines (including contact tracing and physical distancing – ideally 2 metres);

undertake any additional cleaning/hygiene measures when using DOC facilities (including huts, toilets, and shared cooking areas) as necessary; and

carry in any cleaning products needed to safely use facilities and leave them fit for use by others.

How will DOC ensure visitors follow Government guidelines?

The government has issued a directive about COVID-19. Visitors need to take responsibility for their health and those of others using facilities, particularly huts and campsites. We believe people wish to do the right thing and will abide by the government guidance. The role of enforcement is with New Zealand Police, and, if needed, we’ll work with them and other agencies such as local councils to ensure public safety. DOC will respond to any issues on public conservation land on a case by case basis and may close specific sites if needed.

Will DOC be keeping a record of all users for contact tracing at AL2?

Visitors are responsible for being able to trace their own contacts during their visit. This includes signing in at visitor centres, letting a trusted contact know your intentions and putting your details in hut intentions books.

When will DOC huts go back to full capacity?

Huts will go back to full capacity once physical distancing is not required to control COVID-19.

When will Great Walks bookings reopen?

At Alert Level 2, bookings will reopen for DOC accommodation on the Great Walks that operate year-round (including Heaphy, Abel Tasman and Rakiura) up to 30 June 2020.

DOC is currently on track to open 2020/21 Great Walks bookings in June 2020 but customers should be prepared that the Great Walks are operating at reduced capacity at Alert Level 2 and may close should the alert levels need to increase.

What is the cancelation policy at AL2?

Cancellation Policies will change according to the current Alert Level. Under Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 4, COVID-19 cancellation policy applies. Under Alert Level 2 refund decisions regarding cancellations for reasons relating to COVID-19 will be at the discretion of the Department of Conservation. You must cancel and stay home if you are unwell or may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Will DOC give priority to customers that had bookings and have to re book? No.

What will DOC do to keep rangers and VC staff safe at work?

Our Rangers and visitor centre staff will carry out their work in accordance with health guidelines and will be issued appropriate PPE for their tasks if required.

Will there be any further changes at Alert level 1?

Depending on the physical distancing requirements at Alert Level 1, it is likely any remaining restrictions on facilities will be lifted.

About boats

What is DOC’s advice for boating?

People should follow Government public health advice and guidelines for physical distancing.

Boats that have been sitting on driveways or idle in marinas for weeks are ideal places for predators like rats and mice to shelter, rest and nest

Boats in driveways will need to be thoroughly checked for predators like rats, mice and stoats as well as pests like plague skinks and Argentine ants

Boats in water need their hulls checked and cleaned

Stowaway mice, rats, invasive ants and other pests coming on to Predator-free islands can have a devastating impact on precious native species

Anyone landing their boat on an island, or anchoring/mooring close to an island, is putting some of NZ’s most threatened species at risk.

No dogs (or any domestic pet) on predator-free islands

Anyone seeing others engaging in inappropriate behaviour around our islands is encouraged to report their observation to the DOC hotline: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468

Hunting

Can I go hunting on public conservation land at Alert Level 2

At alert level 2, hunting is allowed on public conservation land & water once hunters have obtained the appropriate hunting permit or hold the required concession. Hunters will need to abide by any travel restrictions and Ministry of Health guidelines that may apply. Wild animal recovery operations and aerially assisted trophy hunting may resume.

Can I get a hunting permit?

In order to hunt animals on public conservation land, hunters need a DOC hunting permit.

Recreational hunters can apply online for a hunting permit from 5:00pm Tuesday 12 May. Permits will be valid once New Zealand returns to Alert Level 2 at 11.59am Wednesday evening. Hunters should first check their existing permit as it may still be current.

Fish & Game NZ have announced the game bird season will open on Saturday 23 May. At Level 2, DOC district offices can issue small game and game bird hunting permits for duck hunting on public conservation land and water.

How far can I travel to go hunting?

You can travel providing the travel complies with any Government guidance, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

Have the deer roar ballots/hunting blocks been affected by COVID-19?

Some hunting blocks assigned to hunters as part of the 2020 deer roar ballots did not go ahead during Alert Level 3 and 4. Ballot holders can choose to have their allocated block transferred to the same period next year. Where ballot holders did have the opportunity to take up their blocks, these will be either re-drawn in a limited ballot, or made available to book for 2021. We will contact ballot holders whose hunting trips were partially affected by COVID-19 in due course.

DOC staff are focused on ensuring any hunting ballots or bookings planned for the next few months go ahead. Once this process is complete we will contact affected ballot holders regarding next year’s ballots and hunting blocks.

The following roar ballots were affected by COVID-19. If hunters were unable to hunt on the hunting block, their ballot will be rolled over to 2021.

Northern South Island

Molesworth roar ballot

West Coast

Haast roar ballot

Southern South Island

Wanaka roar ballot

Greenstone/Caples roar ballot

Coastal Otago ballots: Waianakarua, Glencoe, Mill Creek, Waipori Falls

Murihiku ballots: Waikaia, Leithen Bush, MacLennan, Tautuku, Blue Mountains

Rakuira/Stewart Island booking system

How have the tahr rut ballots been impacted?

The tahr rut runs from late April to late June and is a popular time for hunting in the South Island. Tahr ballots allow a select number of hunters authorised aircraft landings in the Hooker-Landsborough and Adams Wilderness areas.

Several Himalayan tahr rut ballot periods have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, however the remaining 2020 tahr ballot periods will recommence from Saturday 16 May 2020.

We will contact ballot holders to check whether they would still like this opportunity to hunt tahr. If a ballot holder is unable to take up a ballot and notifies DOC within seven days of being contacted, their ballot will be rolled over to next year. If the hunter does not respond to DOC’s email, DOC will assume the ballot holder has accepted the hunting block for 2020 and it won’t be rolled over to 2021. Any remaining hunting blocks in the 2020 ballot that are no longer required by hunters will become available to other parties on a first in first served basis through the DOC website.

If hunters ballots were affected by COVID Level 3 and 4 restrictions, they will have an opportunity to move their ballot to the same time period in 2021.

Note: Travel and helicopter transport for hunting ballots are still subject to any COVID-19 restrictions affecting hunting parties or Westland.

I was supposed to hunt in a restricted hunting area during COVID-19 Alert Level 3/4. Will my booking roll over to Level 2?

Nationally there are approximately 110 restricted hunting areas that are available to the public and managed by the Department. These areas sit outside the online open area hunting blocks and the popular roar and rut ballots.

Prior to moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 4, some hunters will have had a permit or booking to hunt in a restricted hunting area. Due to COVID restrictions these bookings did not go ahead. Permits will not be rolled over once we return to Level 2 and hunters will need to contact their local DOC district office to apply for a new restricted hunting permit/booking.

DOC will honour any remaining restricted hunting permits or bookings (booked prior to Alert Level 4) once New Zealand has returned to Alert Level 2. Restricted hunting permits will be subject to any COVID-19 restrictions that may apply, as well as local restrictions. As a priority, DOC staff will focus on directly contacting affected permit holders and will be in touch with all booking holders in due course.

Will the duck shooting season be delayed?

Fish & Game NZ have announced the game bird season will open on Saturday 23 May. At Alert Level 2, DOC district offices can issue small game and game bird hunting permits for duck hunting on public conservation land and waters. Please refer to the Fish & Game website for the latest information about how COVID-19 will affect the game bird season: https://fishandgame.org.nz/covid-19-information/

Community groups and volunteers

Can volunteer groups resume work on PCL at Level 2?

Yes. Under AL2, all activities undertaken by community groups can resume when they have an updated health and safety plan/process with Covid-19 risk management measures accepted by the District Operations Manager and the group has been notified. Volunteers can also participate in DOC work on PCL provided they meet the same Health and Safety guidelines as DOC staff.

Concessionaires

Can concessionaires operate under Alert Level 2?

Yes, concessionaires and permit holders can resume activities on PCL. They will need to have a WorkSafe plan in place to do this. https://worksafe.govt.nz/managing-health-and-safety/novel-coronavirus-covid/covid-19-safety-plan-what-you-need-to-think-about/

How is DOC working with the tourism sector/What is the situation for DOC concessionaires/permit holders?

DOC is mindful of the significant impacts of COVID-19 on many of our concessionaires and permit holders. Current public sector legislation and instructions mean we must continue to issue invoices to concessionaires/permit holders. We have received a large number of requests for fee waivers or adjustments. We are assessing the individual circumstances of each request and will be responding to these on a case by case basis.

Why do I need to continue to pay for my concession when I can’t run my business?

As part of your agreement with DOC, you take on the business risk associated with operating your business on public conservation land. We will continue to work with you, find solutions that suit you and are within our statutory requirements.

Is there Government assistance available if I can’t pay?

We recommend discussing your financial support needs with MBIE who have prepared a package to help NZ businesses.

Will DOC be allowing fee waivers on a discretionary basis? If not, why not?

No. DOC will not be granting refunds or fee waivers as per our responsibilities under the Finance Act. MBIE has financial support packages available to support businesses through this difficult time.

Does this include other government agencies?

No this excludes central and local Government agencies who may have debts with DOC.

What if I was already told my fees would be waived?

This advice replaces all previous advice from DOC, staff and officials. We’re sorry that some of our concessionaires might have been told otherwise, but that was communicated when the country was reorganising itself under Alert Level 4 and before we had the full facts before us.

What if I have a concession application that is still in process but cannot see my proposal being viable post- COVID-19?

We are contacting every applicant for applications currently in progress to understand whether they wish to have their application either withdrawn/ placed on hold or continue to process.

If they elect to withdraw their application because of the impact of COVID-19 we will waive all of their processing fee cost to date.

If they elect to place their application on hold, they should specify the time period. Application fees will not be invoiced at this stage and the amount charged will be reviewed if the application subsequently proceeds.

If they elect to continue with the processing of the application, then the usual fees will be payable.

About wildlife interactions

31. What should people do if they see injured birds or other wildlife?

DOC’s emergency hotline will be operating as normal and responses to incidents of injured wildlife and marine mammals including whale and dolphin stranding will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Injured or sick wildlife can be picked up and taken to local wildlife rehabilitation facilities or veterinarians with advance notice and provided people can follow public health guidelines. Please contact your local DOC office to ensure you meet requirements for wildlife.

If you need guidance on animal welfare or care contact MPI , email: [email protected]. The SPCA can advise on safe animal rescue practice.

32. What will DOC do if there’s a whale or dolphin stranding?

DOC staff will assess whale or dolphin stranding if it is safe to do so and in accordance with operational health guidelines. Any DOC response to stranding of live whales or dolphins will be assessed on a case by case basis.

33. What about dead whales or other marine mammals that wash up on beaches used by the public?

DOC will respond provided it is safe for staff to do so and operational health guidelines can be followed.

34. Would DOC respond if there was a pest incursion on a pest-free island or other sanctuary?

Yes, under Alert Level 2 DOC’s work in the field will resume, provided it can be carried out safely and following operational health guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

35. Will aerial predator control operations resume?

Yes, aerial predator control operations may resume as planned under DOC’s Tiakina Nga Manu programme, provided they can be carried out safely, following operational health guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

36. What are you advising about trapping?

People can check traplines on public conservation land or other public land, provided they comply with public health guidelines and DOC’s visitor and community safety guidelines for Alert Level 2.

Any groups checking traps on public conservation land will require DOC approval and will need to show how they can carry out this activity safely, following public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you have a trap at home, we do encourage you to keep this baited and set. It will be making a real difference to keeping predator numbers down in your immediate area, and ensuring native birds and lizards are safe when they visit your home. If you don’t have a trap, talk to your local predator free group about getting one once it is safe to do so. You can learn more about backyard trapping here. https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/conservation-activities/backyard-trapping

Alert Level 3 This website has everything you need to know about COVID-19 in one place. Learn the simple steps you can take to unite against the virus and slow its spread. Find out what help is available and get the latest updates.