Tag Archives: conservation

Protecting our place in silence

Posted on 1 May, 2013 by Mike McGavin

In my recent trip report, which described several days in the northern Ruahine Range, I referred to the presence of whio (pronounced fee-oh), also known as New Zealand’s Blue Duck. The bird has evolved in an isolated fashion and is … Continue reading →

Posted in musing | Tagged conservation, government policies, musing, whio | Leave a comment

My submission about increasing maximum penalties on the Conservation Estate

Posted on 9 February, 2013 by Mike McGavin

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I’ve finally put my submission in for the Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Bill, which (if successful) will increase maximum penalties available for many crimes on the Conservation Estate by about ten-fold. Often this will be good. For example, judges have … Continue reading →

Posted in musing | Tagged conservation, department of conservation, government policies, musing, public access | 2 Comments

New documentaries on New Zealand Rivers

Posted on 14 September, 2010 by Mike McGavin

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I’m not normally one for watching television, but there are a couple of worthwhile television documentaries out right now that document various New Zealand Rivers, and may be worthwhile watching. A Tale of Two Rivers is a 30 minute documentary … Continue reading →

Posted in update | Tagged conservation, link propagation, mokihinui river, rivers, television | 4 Comments

Meridian, DoC and the Mokihinui River

Posted on 5 August, 2010 by Mike McGavin

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Just to add to some of happenings around the Mokihinui River (historic references: a trip report about walking it, a decision to allow damming it, and the Department of Conservation’s appeal to that decision), it looks as if there’s been … Continue reading →

Posted in update | Tagged conservation, department of conservation, government policies, link propagation, mokihinui river, news, update | Leave a comment

Environmental externalities from Mining in New Zealand (unverified notes)

Posted on 3 August, 2010 by Mike McGavin

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With everything happening lately regarding opening up (or not) land listed in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act to mining, and with me being someone who likes getting outdoors, I’ve been keen to find some vaguely objective information about … Continue reading →

Posted in musing | Tagged conservation, federated mountain clubs, government policies, mining, musing | 5 Comments

Mining on Schedule 4 Land submissions

Posted on 27 April, 2010 by Mike McGavin

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If you’re not in New Zealand, or if you’ve been living with your head buried in a sandbox for the last few months, you might not be aware that the NZ government’s been considering opening up sections of Schedule 4 … Continue reading →

Posted in musing | Tagged conservation, department of conservation, federated mountain clubs, government policies, mining, musing | 8 Comments

Flapping birds

Posted on 12 February, 2010 by Mike McGavin

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This evening I was walking home over the Tinakori Hill — part of the town belt between my workplace and home. It’s interesting to see how the various tracks change. Some tracks are officially recognised and always well maintained, but … Continue reading →

Posted in musing | Tagged conservation, karori wildlife sanctuary, musing, tinakori hill, wellington | Leave a comment

Ecology and Conservation History on National Radio

Posted on 26 April, 2009 by Mike McGavin

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I seem to have been posting about conservation issues between tramps lately, and so it doesn’t feel too out of place to post some more, especially as I see tramping and conservation to be strongly linked. I had National Radio … Continue reading →

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A snapshot of New Zealand conservation history

Posted on 24 April, 2009 by Mike McGavin

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The sanctity of any conserved area, be it national park, scenic reserve, or historic reserve, can be violated at will by the State acting under Sections 7, 32 and 39 of the National Parks Act, under Sections 16, 34 and … Continue reading →

Posted in musing | Tagged conservation, department of conservation, government policies, musing, review | 2 Comments

Protecting the landscape in the Tararua District (maybe)

Posted on 9 September, 2008 by Mike McGavin

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As has recently been pointed out by Robb, who spends a lot of time tramping in the Ruahines, several large energy companies have recently made submissions on the proposed Tararua District Plan. The companies concerned are Genesis Energy, TrustPower, Meridian … Continue reading →