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Vandalism of DOC signs costing hundreds of thousands of dollars
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages 26 759 signs across Aotearoa. In the 2024/25 financial year, the department spent NZ$350 523 on repairing and replacing signage. Its budget for the coming year has been set at NZ$587 248. Over the three-year span from July 2022, 1 155 signs have been repaired or replaced. In the South Island alone, 902 signs are flagged for replacement or repair. The types of damage speak clearly: bullet holes, signs being driven into, keyed until
Finn Anderson
Nov 4


High Court supports EPA decision on glyphosate review
The High Court has upheld the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) decision not to reassess glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. Justice Karen Grau ruled that the EPA acted lawfully when it found there were no grounds to reopen the review of glyphosate or glyphosate-based products. The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) had sought a reassessment, arguing that the EPA used the wrong legal test and failed to fully consider new evidence about potential health and
Finn Anderson
Nov 2


Researchers Call for Parks to Reflect Aotearoa’s True Histories
Researchers from the University of Otago, Dr Robin Quigg (Ngāti Raukawa) and Els Russell (Ngāti Maru), have found that many parks and reserves in Aotearoa still reflect their colonial origins rather than Indigenous values. Their study, published in Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability , explores how public land management has historically supported the creation of settler nations while limiting Indigenous connections to whenua. In the Dun
Finn Anderson
Nov 2


Rotorua Council Restructures Nursery Operations to Reduce Losses
Rotorua Lakes Council has announced the elimination of 19 positions as it moves to close the retail arm of its Queen’s Drive nursery,...
Finn Anderson
Sep 25


Rotorua Nursery’s Future in Question
Rotorua’s council nursery on Queen’s Drive, which has been growing plants for the city’s parks and reserves since the 1960s, is facing an...
Finn Anderson
Sep 13


Long-awaited reserve status confirmed for Miramar Peninsula
After more than a decade of waiting, the northern tip of Miramar Peninsula — Watt’s Peninsula / Mātai Moana — has officially been given...
Finn Anderson
Sep 13


Iwi Renews Calls for the Return of Tongariro National Park Land
A recent article in Stuff highlights the ongoing and renewed efforts by Ngāti Tūwharetoa to have culturally significant lands within...

Sam Strong
Aug 22


Council Recovers Legal Costs After $2.4 Million Claim Dismissed
A recent court ruling brings closure to a long-running case involving a local council and a playground injury. In late 2019, Leon Sheeran...

Sam Strong
Aug 18


Iconic UK Tree Felled: Two Men Sentenced
In a case that shocked the UK, two men have been jailed for over four years for the deliberate felling of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree...

Sam Strong
Aug 11
July - August Newsletter *Important date change*
We're pleased to announce the release of our July - August Newsletter! Recently PLF Events Coordinator, Sam, became the first person to...

Sam Strong
Aug 6


Updates Updates Updates
The PLF has a few updates to share with our membership. Lincoln University Professional Development Day. We are partnering with Lincoln...

Sam Strong
Jul 10


Japan’s National Parks: A Distinctively Japanese Approach
Japan’s national parks are world-renowned for their breathtaking beauty, but what truly sets them apart is the uniquely Japanese way they...

Sam Strong
Jul 10


A Bold Dream Meets Budget Cuts: Predator Free 2050 Ltd Disestablished
New Zealand’s ambitious vision of a predator-free Aotearoa by 2050 is facing uncertainty following the government’s recent budget...

Sam Strong
Jun 12


New Era for Nelson’s Green Spaces: Parks and Reserves Under Fresh Management
Big changes are brewing in Nelson as the city’s parks and reserves get a fresh shake-up under new management. With a focus on...

Sam Strong
Feb 5


How Safe is Roundup? NZ’s Top Herbicide Raises Red Flags for Park Pros
Frustrated locals in New Zealand are raising eyebrows over the widespread use of Roundup, which has topped the ACC’s list for...

Sam Strong
Feb 3


New Zealand’s National Parks: Should Visitor Fees Fund Conservation?
The New Zealand government is exploring new measures to balance tourism with conservation efforts by charging visitor fees at specific...

Sam Strong
Nov 15, 2024


Hidden sculptures in Minnesota aren’t just any old trash!
Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist known for creating giant sculptures from recycled materials, has built five enormous trolls and a golden...

Sam Strong
Jul 24, 2024


Matariki opportunity brings visitors to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is marking the Matariki weekend and the reopening of State Highway 1 with a special open day on Sunday,...

Sam Strong
Jun 28, 2024


New Plymouth council says "Let it Grow" with 50,000 new plants a year
New Plymouth is becoming a greener rapidly with the help of volunteer programs and council horticulture maintenance. These systems...

Sam Strong
Jun 21, 2024


"Walking" Northern Rātā tree wins Tree of the Year Title
A prominent Northern Rātā tree on the West Coast of the South Island has recently waltzed into a victory at the Tree of the Year awards...

Sam Strong
Jun 11, 2024
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