Resource library

Rat footprints have been discovered inside Tarapuruhi Bushy Park, near Whanganui, during a major incursion response, Forest & Bird confirmed today. 

Forest & Bird submits that proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act 1996 reduce transparency and represent a backwards step for ecosystem-based fisheries management. 

Forest & Bird says the need to urgently increase planting and regeneration of native forests as permanent carbon sinks and for native biodiversity is backed up by a report out today from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE),

Encouraging insects and other critters to your urban garden is key to creating a healthy habitat for birds, lizards, and other native wildlife. By Geraldine Canham-Harvey

Forest & Bird is concerned about modelling revealing that meeting the Government’s climate commitments would require planting vast areas of conservation and other Crown land in permanent pine forests, in a desperate attempt to meet Aotearoa New Zeal

There are things conservationists can do make our land more resilient to fire risk in the future. By Caroline Wood

Ongoing 1080 operations contributed to a stunning display of red rātā flowers in Paparoa National Park this summer. By Dean Baigent-Mercer

More than 600,000 tonnes of carbon worth an estimated $32m were lost in fires at two of New Zealand’s most important wetlands. By Caroline Wood

Forest & Bird says the resource management reforms announced today need to protect, restore, and enhance the things that matter to Kiwis. New Zealanders care about the environment, they love our quality of life. 

Forest & Bird volunteers and staff worked hard over summer to protect and monitor precious long-tailed bat roosts in Marlborough. By Lynn Freeman

Western Pacific leatherback turtles are in big trouble. Peter Langlands looks at how we can better protect these giants of the ocean when they visit our waters.

In February 2025, Forest & Bird made submissions on two Department of Conservation consultations. 

A treasure trove of letters and other archives has shed new light on the fledgling Society’s efforts to engage with Māori on shared conservation goals. By Michael Pringle

Forest & Bird emphasised the following.
 

Forest & Bird Youth believes the Treaty Principles Bill - introduced in 2024 - 2025 for public consultation - redefines or diminishes current Treaty principles and threatens the regenerative approach that Māori environmental values can bring.

Adding climate-damaging coal to a critical minerals list ignores climate change, flies in the face of New Zealand’s national identity, and is internationally embarrassing for our environmental reputation, says Forest & Bird’s Chief Executive Nicola

Forest & Bird is deeply concerned that politicians are continuing to misrepresent the value of stewardship land.

A twin assault on the future protection of conservation land by the Prime Minister and Minister for Resources is cause for alarm, says Forest & Bird’s Chief Executive, Nicola Toki. 

A version of this story was first published in the Summer 2024 issue of Forest & Bird magazine.

Volunteers working to restore flora and fauna in an outstanding natural landscape are heartened by the return of local birdlife. By Louise Porteous

Epic efforts are underway to save the last 101 pukunui southern New Zealand dotterels from extinction. By Kerrie Waterworth

A quiet Forest & Bird volunteer effort in Wainuiomata is helping restore native forests and wetlands in the Greater Wellington region. By Caroline Wood

Our precious rivers and lakes are under threat, and we need your help to send an important message to the Prime Minister. By Tom Kay

With your help, we can clean up our waterways and build a smarter, greener economy.

Forest & Bird is pledging to oppose environmentally damaging projects that are put through the fast-track environmental override voted on in Parliament this afternoon.

This year, the entire Forest & Bird whānau – members, supporters, staff, branches, youth, and children – stepped up to fight for te taiao as the coalition government attempted to reverse four decades of vitally important environmental laws. 

By David Hill. Illustrated by Kelly Body.

A version of this story was first published in the Summer 2024 issue of Forest & Bird magazine.

Forest & Bird says the Government could be onto a winner with their proposal to plant trees on Crown-owned land – but only if those trees are natives. 

Jessica Przychodzko is a leader for the Ōtautahi Christchurch Hub of Forest & Bird Youth.

Forest & Bird today released a letter from the Ombudsman outlining an investigation into the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) over a refusal to release information under an OIA about the Fast-track Approvals Bill.   

Meet the Forest & Bird staff, volunteers, and communities working to restore wildlife on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. By Jenny Hanwell

Forest & Bird is appalled that the key regional tool to improve water quality in Southland – farm plans – is being deferred by the Government.

Modernisation of New Zealand’s conservation system is overdue, but Forest & Bird calls on the National-led coalition government to ensure that its focus is on improving conservation and protecting biodiversity.