Conservation Management Planning System broken and needs urgent overhaul

The Environmental Defence Society has released its review of the Conservation Management Planning System, calling for urgent reform. Co-authored by Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke, Raewyn Peart, Bronwyn Wilde and Tracey Turner, the report reviews the adequacy of the legislation and policy settings, statutory planning documents, concessions system and institutional arrangements for...

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Awards for two Auckland Council buildings

In the 2023 Auckland Architecture Awards, the recently re-opened Domain Wintergardens have been awarded an Enduring Architecture award, and the Symonds Street Public Convenience & Shelter won in the Heritage category. Awarded by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, these awards celebrate projects that have stood the test...

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Saving bus no. 1301

ARA Heritage Buses is a small band of volunteers devoted to saving examples of ex Auckland Regional Authority buses. They have recently acquired the very first ARA Mercedes Benz 0305, bus no. 1301. This was the first truly modern bus in Auckland. The iconic yellow Mercedes 0305 buses became the...

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Canon Oceania 2023 Environment Grant now open

Canon Oceania has launched its biggest ever grants programme, with $25,000 worth of funding and product on offer to environmental groups, community organisations, and schools around New Zealand.  The winning recipient will receive $5,000 ($2,500 cash, $2,500 product) and also has an opportunity to win a Content Development Package valued...

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Preventing seabird bycatch

The Ministry for Primary Industries is reviewing the rules for preventing seabird bycatch in the surface longline fishery.  Some of the species inadvertently captured are already threatened or at risk of extinction. There are proven techniques fishers can use to reduce the number of seabirds caught. Forest and Bird have a...

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