“We’ve seen with the recent floods how protection of these types of rivers – only found in a few other places globally – is critical to the survival of the area’s biodiversity.’’ The Lower Rangitata initiative will be led by Te Rūnanaga o Arowhenua, and the Upper Rangitata, spearheaded by the Upper Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group. Part of the Department of Conservation’s Nga Awa river restoration programme, the Rangitata is one of fourteen rivers of significance. “The Upper Rangitata project will see farmers and landowners partnering with DOC and other agencies to fence off stock, restore wetlands, trap pests, and propagate and plant eco-sourced and culturally significant natives in a joint move to improve water quality and enhance biodiversity values along the riverbank,’’ Allan said.
A major Jobs for Nature project to protect and enhance some of the South Island’s most unique habitats and restore the health of the Rangitata River highlights the important role farmers have in caring for the land, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan .
Supplied
The Department of Conservation says dolphins in the Bay of Islands are spending too much time interacting with boats, and not enough time eating. Bottlenose dolphin numbers in the Bay of Islands have dropped 91 per cent since 1999, from 278 to just 26 in 2020, while calf mortality is 75 per cent – the highest in New Zealand and internationally. The 645 submissions received on the sanctuary proposal show there is widespread support for the plans, saying urgent action was needed. New Zealander Kelly Calder said she wholeheartedly supported the proposal. “It breaks my heart that we haven’t made this more of a priority.”
DOC
Press Release – New Zealand Government
A big injection of Jobs for Nature funding will create much-needed jobs and financial security for families in TeTairwhiti, and has exciting prospects for conservation in the region, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says.
Hon Kiri Allan
Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai
A big injection of Jobs for Nature funding will create much-needed jobs and financial security for families in TeTairāwhiti, and has exciting prospects for conservation in the region, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says.
“The projects target local communities most affected by the economic consequences of COVID 19 and are designed to restore and protect a range of ecosystems as well as safeguard heritage sites with significant cultural value.
Minita mō Te Papa
Atawhai
A big injection of Jobs for Nature funding
will create much-needed jobs and financial security for
families in TeTairāwhiti, and has exciting prospects for
conservation in the region, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan
says.
“The projects target local communities most
affected by the economic consequences of COVID 19 and are
designed to restore and protect a range of ecosystems as
well as safeguard heritage sites with significant cultural
value.
“They will create 165 new jobs over the next
three years and provide fantastic training opportunities for
those looking for pathways into a conservation
career.
“The Government’s $14.9million will fund