New Zealand Conservation Efforts

New Zealand is hailed worldwide as a leader in conservation efforts, both on land and at sea. About one-third of the country is set aside as protected land, and a massive international whale sanctuary established in 1994 includes more than 11 million sq. mi. The country is covered with 14 national parks, plus numerous other forest parks, groves, and wildlife reserves. The first national park, Tongariro National Park, was created in 1887 as a result of the foresight and efforts of Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku), the high chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa Maori tribe. He offered the area as a gift to the New Zealand government on the condition that it be kept tapu (sacred). The most recent national park, Rakiura National Park, was designated in 2002 to protect the largely untouched wilderness of Stewart Island.

One of the largest governmental organizations, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is an environmental behemoth and is the go-to source for all things eco. Nearly one-third of New Zealand is designated as protected wilderness areas and DOC projects range from breeding endangered species to protecting historical mining sites, not to mention keeping a close eye on the 19 separate marine reserves. Alongside other conservation organizations, the DOC also plays a big part in regulating the fishing and energy industries throughout the county. It plays an active role in habitat protection, predator control programs, and relocation of species, and conducts surveys and research on the current status of endangered wildlife. While Auckland is one of the few regions of New Zealand not graced with a national park, the DOC has proposed the creation of a 50,100-hectare Great Barrier marine reserve to protect the 80 species of fish that live beneath Auckland’s waters. The DOC has a hotline for conservation emergencies—sick or injured wildlife, vandalism, fishing in marine reserves, etc. If you see a problem, call ☎0800 362 468. For more information, visit www.doc.govt.nz/conservation.