16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
164 views
The New Zealand Government will invest around $40 million from Budget 2026 to enhance the resilience of State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford, a crucial route for tourism to Milford Sound. Upgrades include widening roadways and strengthening retaining walls at key sites to prevent disruptions from natural hazards, with additional work planned on SH94 and other vulnerable South Island highways. This $150 million-plus package aims to reduce community disruptions, support businesses, and improve freight and visitor access, reflecting a significant funding boost for South Island roads under the 2024-27 National Land Transport Plan.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
556 views
A previously unnamed 1,436-metre mountain near Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park has been officially named Mount Kirk in honor of former Prime Minister Norman Kirk. The naming recognizes Kirk's significant political legacy, particularly his commitment to preserving the natural levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and establishing the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. This decision, confirmed by the New Zealand Geographic Board and Minister Mike Butterick, commemorates Kirk’s lasting impact on New Zealand’s environmental conservation and leadership.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
690 views
Fiordland wapiti deer have been designated New Zealand’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), enabling sustainable hunter-led management to balance hunting values with conservation goals. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, in partnership with DOC and iwi, will implement the Herd Management Plan focused on maintaining sustainable deer numbers, protecting biodiversity, and allowing native vegetation recovery. This designation follows extensive consultation, includes strong environmental oversight with public reporting, and aims to improve ecological outcomes while preserving Fiordland National Park’s World Heritage values.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
799 views
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager welcomes the passing of the Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill, which clarifies that designated Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) in national parks are not required to be exterminated. The legislation aligns with the intent to manage valued introduced species like deer and tahr for hunting while preserving conservation outcomes and indigenous habitats. Meager highlights that hunter-led groups help sustainably control these animal populations and protect biodiversity, with decisions on formally designating sika and wapiti as HOSIs expected soon.
08 Jun 2026
4 months ago
919 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $62.5 million to build 59 new classrooms and upgrade others across the South Island, focusing on rapidly growing communities like Canterbury and Christchurch’s western suburbs. This investment includes new classrooms at multiple schools, learning support facilities, and funding for future school sites, while emphasizing cost-effective modular builds to accelerate delivery and support local jobs. Additionally, funding is allocated to address long-standing condition issues at select schools, with further property portfolio investments planned to ensure schools are fit for the future.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1259 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced long-term tourism concessions in the South Island, including a 38-year concession for The Remarkables Ski Area and multi-decade agreements for the Milford Track and Te Ana-au Caves, aimed at supporting jobs and regional economies. These concessions provide operators with investment certainty while maintaining public access and enforcing environmental and safety standards. Tourism Minister Louise Upston emphasized that such stability helps businesses retain staff, deliver quality visitor experiences, and sustain local communities.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1179 views
New Zealanders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on managing sika and wapiti deer as the country's first Herds of Special Interest, announced by Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton. The draft plans propose a new approach to managing wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, aiming to allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and boost economic growth. The plans emphasize the importance of recreational hunting, community stewardship, professional deer control, and conservation values, recognizing hunters as significant conservation assets and inviting public input for achieving better conservation and hunting outcomes.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1332 views
Acting Environment Minister Tama Potaka announces the appointment of Murray Willans to the Fiordland Marine Guardians, highlighting his expertise and valuable contributions. Additionally, Dr. Rebecca McLeod and four other existing Guardians are reappointed, providing continuity and diverse knowledge to the advisory group. The Guardians advise on the integrated management of the Fiordland Marine Area, with members bringing various backgrounds and skills to safeguard the environment.