Latest news with #StewartIsland
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Unexplained discovery of dead stoat on Stewart Island sparks investigation
File photo. Photo: 123RF The Department of Conservation is investigating the unexplained discovery of a dead stoat on Stewart Island. Rakiura is known to be stoat-free with the nearest population 30 kilometres away across the Foveaux Strait. The dead stoat was found on the Rakiura Great Walk Track earlier this month with its skull crushed either from a trap or similar blunt force. The department's Southern South Island Director of Operations, Aaron Fleming, said a stoat's swimming range was two kilometres and they were not known to stowaway on boats. "This stoat has died from a head injury then mysteriously turned up on a busy walking track," Fleming said. "We need to know if we are dealing with a new significant threat to Rakiura's native species, or if this stoat has been transported from elsewhere and planted deliberately. "Both scenarios are disturbing. We are taking this seriously." Genetic testing was underway to try to work out where the stoat had come from. The department is asking anyone with information to come forward. Fleming said stoats would have devastating impacts on the native wildlife if they established a population on Rakiura, threatening the efforts to create a predator-free space for kākāpō to be returned. "In other places in New Zealand where there are stoats, kiwi chick survival can be as low as zero without sustained pest control," he said. "Imagine the damage stoats could do on Rakiura, which is known for its tokoeka or southern brown kiwi population." A predator free project is working to eradicate all of the island's existing pest species, which include rats, possums, feral cats and hedgehogs. Introducing pests including stoats is illegal and penalties include up to five years imprisonment and significant fines. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- RNZ News
Jock Davies named as man who died while hunting on Stewart Island
Jock Davies. Photo: Facebook Police have formally named Jock Davies as the man who died while hunting on Stewart Island. The 21-year-old from Tapanui died near Lords River on 5 July. A search and rescue team was sent to the island but Davies was found dead. Police were investigating, including include speaking to people who were in the area at the time. Family and friends had posted tributes on social media, including his brother Tom Davies who said he was "dearly loved and always will be". A Child Cancer Foundation article published five years ago described how west Otago rallied around the family in 2013 and again in 2018 as Jock Davies had treatment for leukaemia and a bone marrow transplant. Back then Davies had celebrated his two-year post-transplant anniversary and was enjoying a "sporty, outdoorsy life just as every 16-year-old boy should be". Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley said Davies' death would be felt far and wide among the country's hunters. Deerstalkers Association chief executive Gwyn Thurlow said fatal hunting accidents in New Zealand were rare. "Our hearts go out to the family and the people involved in this tragedy. It's just so sad that it's it's happened to such a young person," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- RNZ News
Man who died while hunting on Stewart Island was shot, RNZ understands
The man was found dead near Lords River. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon A man who died while hunting on Stewart Island area was shot, RNZ understands. Police are investigating the death, which occurred near the remote Lords River. Emergency services were first notified about midday Saturday. A search and rescue team was flown to Rakiura by helicopter and found the man dead. A police spokesperson said officers were speaking with people who were in the area at the time. However, they declined to provide any further details about the death. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- RNZ News
Man dies after hunting incident on Stewart Island, police investigation launched
Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER A man has died following a hunting incident on Stewart Island on Saturday. Police were called about the incident near Lords River around midday. A search and rescue team were sent to the island via helicopter, and found the man dead. Investigations are underway and the Coroner has been advised. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Stewart Island solar farm to fight high power prices gets funding
Solar panels at Kaiwaiwai Dairies. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round The government is providing $15 million for a solar farm on Stewart Island with the hope of reducing steep power prices. The suspensory loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund of up to $15.35 million will go to Southland District Council to build the first stage of a solar farm and network upgrades. Stewart Island currently relies on high-cost diesel generators for its power supply. Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson said the project should lead to considerable savings for residents. The Rakiura/Stewart Island project was expected to reduce diesel consumption by 200,000 litres within two years of beginning. The Regional Infrastructure Fund would also provide loans to two other solar projects. Lines company Centralines Ltd in Hawke's Bay will receive a loan of up to $8 million to build a 35 hectare solar farm in Ongaonga. The solar farm will generate 52 gigawatts annually and provide about 9000 electricity connections in Central Hawke's Bay. In the Bay of Plenty, Te Huata Charitable Trust will receive a loan of up to $4.75 million to build a solar farm at Te Kaha. It will provide an electricity supply for about 320 homes and businesses in an area which regularly suffers electricity outages. It will also have storage capacity for up to 72 hours. "The loans for these projects in Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Rakiura/Stewart Island will allow them to get under way this year, helping them to improve economic prosperity and resilience," Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said. "They will also create up to 150 jobs during construction." Patterson said solar power was playing an increasingly important role in increasing electricity generation in New Zealand. "It will help us reach our renewable energy targets and bolster the security and affordability of our energy supply." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
