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Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner has this weekend celebrated the Nature Heritage Fund’s significant contribution to conservation over the past 25 years, at a special ceremony held at Hakatere, Ashburton Lakes, in Canterbury.

“Over the past quarter of a century, the Fund has protected more than 340,000 hectares of critically important eco-systems including forests, wetlands and tussock lands that were under threat of logging or damage from introduced animals,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today announced the Nature Heritage Fund is investing $235,000 to purchase 124 hectares of forested karst landscape on the western flank of the Abel Tasman National Park.

“This block of land, known as ‘Lindsay’s Block’, borders Abel Tasman National Park on two sides, so it will become an integral part of the district’s protected forest system,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says conservation projects throughout Central Otago and Southland, including reforestation, pest control and preservation of the endangered galaxiid fish family, will all receive a boost from the Community Conservation Partnership Fund (CCPF).

“The Wakatipu basin is a highly regarded tourist destination, but at the same time it no longer has many of the native plant species which would once have been present,” Ms Wagner says.

A range of conservation projects, including coastal forests, wetland restoration and pest control across Otago, will benefit from the latest round of Community Conservation Partnership Fund (CCPF) grants, says Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner.

“The Landscape Connection Trust is receiving $120,000 to help continue conservation efforts for threatened species and indigenous forests across 55,000 hectares of Otago land,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today announced Community Conservation Partnership Fund (CCPF) grants for projects in the Nelson and Marlborough regions, with support for conservation of long-tailed bats and native birds, and restoration of local wetlands.

“The CCPF will provide $127,000 to help the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust develop a large pest-free sanctuary for wildlife close to Nelson City,” Ms Wagner says.

World Rivers Day provides an opportunity to highlight the value of rivers and acknowledge the impact that community groups can have on river conservation, says Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner.

“World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways, but it is also a chance to connect with rivers at a local level and celebrate the work of local communities in conserving their rivers,” Ms Wagner says.

The Government will invest $110,000 from the Community Conservation Partnership Fund (CCPF) to help reintroduce the native Kokako to the Parininihi area of Taranaki, says Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner.

“The last Taranaki Kokako was placed in captivity in 1999 to protect it from predators. It is exciting that Kokako could soon be reintroduced to Taranaki,” Ms Wagner says.

The Blue Penguin – the world’s smallest – is one of several West Coast seabirds that will receive support as part of the Community Conservation Partnership Fund’s support for West Coast conservation projects, says Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner.

“The $98,000 investment will help the West Coast Penguin Trust conduct research and carry out practical projects to protect blue penguins and other West Coast seabirds,” Ms Wagner says.

Whitebait will be making a comeback into Christchurch and more will be done to protect the habitats of Canterbury’s colony-nesting river birds, says Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner.

The Community Conservation Partnership Fund is providing more than $126,000 to the Whaka Inaka project to restore whitebait habitat in Christchurch, and more than $33,000 to the Braided River Partnership project to improve the success of colony-nesting birds along Canterbury rivers.

A significant wetland on the West Coast home to rare birds and plants will be preserved for the public thanks to the Nature Heritage Fund, Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says.

“The Nature Heritage Fund has purchased 56 hectares of land in Okuru, South Westland to become part of the conservation estate. This land is a great example of open pakihi, a type of wetland characterised by low soil fertility,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today announced 41 appointments to the 14 Conservation Boards across New Zealand.

“I want to congratulate each of the community representatives who are being appointed in 2015, particularly the 14 who will serve for the first time. I would also like to thank the outgoing representatives for their contribution to conservation in their region,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says Volunteer Week is a chance to celebrate the fact that people at all stages of their life are stepping up to volunteer their time to preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage.

“More than 15,000 people participated in Department of Conservation volunteer programmes last year, working an estimated 35,149 work days. On top of this DOC ran more than 600 partnerships last year with community conservation groups,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says the return of two illicitly taken native jewelled geckos to New Zealand shores sends a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today welcomed the interest shown in community conservation through the large number of nominations for Conservation Boards in 2015.

“This year we have received an overwhelming 142 nominations for the 36 public vacancies available on 14 conservation boards around New Zealand,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Minister of Conservation Nicky Wagner is reminding all travellers that wildlife crime is serious and they should think twice before purchasing any wildlife products or souvenirs overseas.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today congratulated community groups on their work to preserve New Zealand’s wetlands and encouraged New Zealanders to celebrate World Wetlands Day.

“Wetlands play an important role in storing and purifying water, providing a habitat for wildlife and plants, and reducing flooding and soil erosion. Today I want to acknowledge the community groups throughout our country who work to protect our wetlands for future generations,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner today welcomed the successful introduction of 100 fairy prion chicks to Mana Island and congratulated those involved with the community partnership project.

Associate Minister of Conservation, Hon Nicky Wagner today encouraged New Zealanders passionate about conservation to seek nomination for conservation boards, before nominations close on 20 January.

“Kiwis love to get out and about during the summer months. As well as enjoying our magnificent country, we are also passionate about looking after it,” Ms Wagner says.