Resource library

Aotearoa New Zealand's environment is under pressure – and protecting nature has never mattered more.

The Simplifying Local Government proposal is a step backwards, which risks weakening local government’s ability to address climate change adaptation and mitigation, freshwater pollution and allocation, and indigenous biodiversity loss in a way that meet

A biological survey this past weekend at Deep Stream and the Denniston Plateau shows that the enormous coal mine proposal must be stopped, says Forest & Bird. 

The Avatar moth Arctesthes avatar has been crowned the 2026 Bug of the Year – and Forest & Bird says the win puts a spotlight on the threat facing the entire known habitat of the critically endangered species.

Forest & Bird, Greenpeace Aotearoa, and WWF-New Zealand have come together to set out a clear policy roadmap for Aotearoa – one that shows how we can protect nature, respond to climate change, and make life more affordable for everyday New Zealander

This is a joint media release with WWF-New Zealand and Greenpeace.

Forest & Bird is celebrating the Department of Conservation’s latest predator control results on Rakiura Stewart Island, which opens the door to future ecological restoration – including the potential return o

Forest & Bird is supportive of some aspects of the Bills, but submits that very significant changes are needed in order for the Bills to achieve their stated goals of unlocking development capacity and enabling delivery of infrastructure and primary

Forest & Bird is appealing the Government’s fast‑tracked approval of the Waihi North gold mine which threatens Coromandel Forest Park – a nationally significant conservation area.

Forest & Bird welcomes the draft decision to decline consent for Trans‑Tasman Resources’ (TTR) proposal to mine the seabed of the South Taranaki Bight.

The Government is asking for feedback on a proposal to change how local government is structured and performs its regional functions in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Forest & Bird are submitting on this consultation as we are concerned that capping rates could mean 
decreased funding available for nature, such as:

Resource management law has a direct impact on whether nature in Aotearoa thrives or declines.

Forest & Bird is warning that the Government’s decision to weaken national environmental direction removes vital safeguards that New Zealanders expect. 

Suffering from self-diagnosed "nature deficient disorder" Chris Fitch set out on a global journey to discover the myriad ways citizens are greening their urban spaces and reaping multiple wellbeing benefits.

From Singapore to Copenhagen, forward-thinking cities are weaving green spaces into their urban fabric and welcoming wildlife home. By Caroline Wood

New research is uncovering the secret lives of tāiko Westland petrels at their breeding colony on the West Coast.

Unlocking the secret lives of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oceanic manta rays. By Lydia Green

A version of this story was first published in the Spring 2025 issue of Forest & Bird magazine.

Forest & Bird’s Kiwi Conservation Club (KCC) is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges, running from 8 December 2025 to 1 February 2026. 

Thank you for standing with us and being a strong voice for nature over the past year. None of the following conservation highlights would have been possible without you.

Jenny Pattrick explains why she is supporting Forest & Bird’s campaign to save Denniston. By Caroline Wood.

Forest & Bird is deeply concerned by the Environment Select Committee’s report on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, which ignores overwhelming public opposition and expert advice. 

We explore how cities worldwide are weaving nature back into urban spaces. From Singapore's vertical forests to Copenhagen's edible streets, decision-makers are using innovative ways to support biodiversity and human wellbeing.

Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) is seeking feedback on a package of 19 proposed changes to commercial fishing regulations.

This strategy drives our efforts to protect and restore te taiao over the next five years. We want to inspire and empower New Zealanders to speak, stand and act for our indigenous nature.

From restoring native forests that prevent landslides to creating urban wetlands that manage flooding, nature-based solutions protect our communities while supporting biodiversity and climate resilience. 

Forest & Bird is alarmed by a steep decline in central government environmental spending for 2025/26 according to the latest estimate from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE).  

Forest & Bird is proud to announce that Dr Kelvin Lloyd has been awarded the prestigious Loder Cup, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest honours for conservation.  

New Zealand has plummeted to 44th place out of 67 countries in the 2026 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), reflecting the Government's extensive weakening of climate and environmental protections.