A deadly fungal disease that affects trees in the “myrtle” family has been discovered in New Zealand for the first time. But what is Myrtle Rust and how will it affect our native trees? What is myrtle rust? Myrtle Rust is a fungus that affects plants in the Myrtaceae or “myrtle” family. That includes some of New […]
New Zealand’s environment has received a wonderful gift from two dedicated conservationists. Caroline Wood talks to Grant & Marilyn Nelson to discover what prompted their $5 million donation to Forest & Bird. “It seems to us that Forest & Bird is often up against those who want to use their money and influence to exploit […]
Dear Maree Baker-Galloway, Chair of the South-East Marine Protection Forum, New Zealand’s South-East seas are home to some of our most loved and iconic marine creatures including New Zealand sea lions, Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and albatrosses, all of which are threatened or endangered. The South-East Marine Protection Forum has a rare opportunity to help these […]
Many people get the wrong end of the stick when it comes to seagulls. But there’s actually more to these chip-stealing birds, as Claudia Mischler writes. “All gulls are the same!” “Gulls are too noisy!” “Those pesky gulls stole my fish and chips!” Does this sound familiar? Many of us have a love-hate relationship with […]
On September 9, birdwatchers across the world will head to their local beach to count shorebirds for the third annual Global Shorebird Count. The Global Shorebird Counting Program is a key part of World Shorebirds Day, which aims to raise awareness for shorebirds. It highlights the importance of regular bird monitoring as a core way to protect […]
Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, the Garden Bird Survey is one of New Zealand’s oldest citizen science projects, as Kimberley Collins finds out. Every year for the past decade, thousands of people head into their backyards to help monitor local bird populations during New Zealand’s national Garden Bird Survey. “Having 10 years of data […]
Blenheim climate march co-organiser Penny Wardley shares some ideas for reducing your carbon footprint while saving money and living more healthily. Be political Stand for election as a councillor or MP. Otherwise lobby for policies promoting low carbon transport, renewable energy and efficient buildings. Ask MPs to help by putting a bigger price on carbon, […]
In the fifteen years that my husband, Ian, and I have lived in the house we built beside a wetland here in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, we have occasionally heard the burring sound of the notoriously secretive kotoreke or marsh crake. We have caught only very rare glimpses of them. And so it was a great […]
Sarah Wilcox, Anton van Helden and Stefanie Rixecker have just set off on a trip with Heritage Expeditions to the Kermadecs. Tune in to our blog for daily updates from their trip! On board. Luggage stored. Lifeboat drill completed. Fuel pumped on. Now we’re waiting for a harbour pilot so we can leave the Port […]