It’s part of a wider goal to have a pest free Kaitorete Spit which is internationally recognised for its ecological value and contains many globally unique plants.
DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says the plan is to restore more than 300 hectares and bring back rare plant species which have been decimated by rabbits and hares.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in rabbit numbers, and they’re destroying incredibly special plants like native broom which has beautiful lilac flowers. Kaitorete is the only place in the world this plant exists. This could be our last chance to save it,” Andy Thompson says.
DOC is working with partners Pest Free Banks Peninsula and Tāwhaki. Tāwhaki was established in 2021 as a partnership between Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga, and the New Zealand Government, with a dual kaupapa (purpose) to advance Aotearoa’s aerospace sector and rejuvenate the unique whenua at Kaitorete.
Tāwhaki Head of Whenua Planning and Rejuvenation Julian Phillips says Kaitorete is a significant cultural landscape renowned for its mahinga kai, taonga species, and history.
“Kaitorete is home to rare and threatened flora and fauna species, including tororaro and pīngao which plays an important role in dune health and is coveted by weavers due to its brilliant yellow colour,” he says.
“This whenua is part of an ancestral travel route for tīpuna travelling north and south along the east coast of Te Waipounamu. It’s home to some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest concentrations of middens and pre-historic archaeological sites.
“Whānau from Wairewa and Taumutu, through Tāwhaki, have been completing observational monitoring across Kaitorete for four years to track the health of this whenua – including the land, water, taonga species as well as our connection to the taiao.
“What we’ve seen is increasing evidence of damage caused by rabbits and hares, despite the incredible work of DOC and Pest Free Banks Peninsula.
“Left unchecked, rabbit populations strip vegetation, de-stabilise dunes and put pressure on already vulnerable species,” says Julian Phillips.
Pest Free Banks Peninsula Team Leader Tim Sjoberg says DOC’s rabbit control work supports the multi pest elimination programme on Kaitorete.
“By working together, we have a much greater chance of creating a truly pest-free environment, which will allow the precious and rare plants and animals to thrive here,” he says.
Today, a helicopter with under slung cereal bait sowing equipment, and GPS tracking navigation will be used. The loading zone is at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre with the helicopter transporting the bait to trickle feed across the DOC scientific reserve. The cereal bait contains the pesticide pindone.
Andy Thompson says due to the rabbit numbers and the size of the terrain and vegetation, the aerial operation was the best way to eliminate the rabbits with ground-based bait laying and night shooting as a follow up if necessary. A rabbit proof fence has also been constructed to keep the pests out long term.
“We”ve got this one chance to save this precious landscape which has enormous cultural and biodiversity values. We are so lucky to have a community so committed to naturing and helping us restore this area.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
The allocations process is the way DOC manages aircraft landings in and around the popular South Westland glaciers. Currently, four businesses are directly involved in landings in the Park, which are a significant drawcard to visitors wanting to experience the glacier landscape.
This allocation follows a consultation period where DOC heard from operators and interested parties on how they thought aircraft landings allocations should be managed, given changes to the landscape of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Climate change is causing reduced snow cover and glacier retreat, which impacts on the safety and usability of some of the 18 approved landing sites, particularly during peak periods.
South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello says interest in aircraft landings has been high.
“There’s strong demand for the landings available. We received expressions of interest from 11 operators, which is not surprising and obviously more than the current four operators with concessions to land in the Park.
“We want to make it easier for businesses and people using these landings to interact with us to get the permissions they need and offer visitors flying in the Park the best experience possible.
“We have designed the allocation process to be consistent, clear and easy to use for operators interested in the opportunity. It will also enable landing sites to be better utilised within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
“The allocation process is aligned with the outcomes of the management plan and we are not increasing overall limits.
“We’ve designed the allocation process to support exceptional experiences for visitors, including time on the ground, storytelling, and deeper understanding of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.
“We also considered the experiences other users when developing this framework, for example, people walking in the Franz Josef Glacier valley to ensure impacts on their experience is minimised.”
An Assessment Panel will review allocation applications from 27 April 2026, and Operators will be notified of outcomes in July 2026. Operators who are granted an allocation will also need to apply for a concession in order to undertake flight landings.
Background information
Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a nationally and internationally significant landscape in Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.
Aircraft access has long enabled visitors to experience high alpine areas, but this must be balanced with preserving natural quiet, protecting Park values and managing increasing visitor expectations.
The regulatory framework is set by the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Management Plan, which limits aircraft landings to 18 approved sites and caps total aircraft numbers.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – The opening ceremony of the exhibition titled “The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour and Cultural Integration” was held today (March 19) at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. The exhibition is jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA). It features significant archaeological finds unearthed on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong, showcasing the dynamic and innovative Han dynasty, a golden era that made profound contributions to promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilisations.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition titled “The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour and Cultural Integration” was held today (March 19) at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (centre); the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping (second right); the Second-level Inspector of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Chen Xinyu (second left); the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor Desmond Hui (first right); and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, Professor Douglas So (first left), officiating at the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Han and Tang dynasties were both golden eras in Chinese history, leaving behind a wealth of important historical legacies for the Chinese nation. Following the success of the “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness” exhibition jointly organised by the DEVB and the NCHA last year, both parties collaborated again to present a large-scale Han dynasty-themed artefact exhibition this year. She eagerly anticipates that through these precious artefacts, members of the public and tourists will learn more about the glorious history of the Han dynasty and appreciate the remarkable virtues of traditional Chinese culture. They will also discover a fresh perspective through the narratives conveyed by the artefacts from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony of the exhibition were the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping; the Second-level Inspector of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Chen Xinyu; the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor Desmond Hui; and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, Professor Douglas So.
The exhibition is presented in six thematic sections, covering political system, economic development, culture and beliefs, scientific and technological development, social life and external exchanges. It features 252 pieces/sets of invaluable exhibits. Among them, 203 pieces/sets, including 40 grade-one cultural relics, come from 29 museums and cultural institutions in 14 provinces and autonomous regions on the Chinese Mainland, and most of them are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time. The remaining 49 pieces/sets are significant archaeological finds dating to the Han period unearthed in Hong Kong, painstakingly selected by the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the DEVB.
The star exhibits from the Chinese Mainland highlight the Han precious bronze horse-leading figurine and bronze horse; an eaves end tile with Chinese characters Han Bing Tian Xia (Han unifies the realm); a seven-storey painted pottery granary house with linked pavilion; the Yi Li (Etiquette and rites) wooden slips, a bronze fang vessel of Inner Treasury of Zhongshan, a gold linzhi hoof, the silk letter from Yuan to Zifang and arithmetical slips unearthed at the Xuanquan relay station site in Dunhuang; a silk manuscript of Yinyang Wuxing (Yinyang and the Five Elements) Article B; a silk padded robe with Chang Shou (longevity) embroidery on a crimson purple juan (plain weave silk) ground; gloves with lozenge pattern; padded socks; and a lacquered wooden plate with leopard cat motif and Chinese characters Jun Xing Shi (food for the honoured guest) and a silver box with garlic pattern. Other exhibits cover a variety of categories, ranging from Han bamboo slips, coins, bronze vessels, clothes and ornaments to pottery figurines, pottery houses and agricultural tools, which present the daily lives of various social strata in the Han period.
The key exhibits unearthed in Hong Kong include a pottery house unearthed at Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb, as well as the Han period artefacts excavated at local significant archaeological sites such as Tung Wan Tsai in Ma Wan, So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun and Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung, covering Wuzhu bronze coins, a textile fragment, a stone seal, a bronze ear-cup, jade slotted rings and glass beads. These relics reflect that the Han culture had long been rooted in Hong Kong, and showcase the city’s connection with the country, the pluralistic nature of the Chinese culture and Hong Kong’s links with the early Maritime Silk Road trade.
Admission to the exhibition is free. Details are as follows:
Date: March 20 to September 20 Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday: 10am to 6pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) Venue: Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Note: Docent services in Cantonese, Putonghua and English are available on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Enrolment on-site is welcome and no advance booking is required.
For more details about the exhibition and docent services, as well as a highlight video of the exhibition, please visit the Antiquities and Monuments Office website (www.amo.gov.hk/en/visitor-centre/exhibitions/heritage-discovery-centre/han-exhibition/index.html).
Download key exhibition information and images HERE Click here to download high- resolution photo
Captions:
1. The opening ceremony of the exhibition titled “The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour and Cultural Integration” was held today (March 19) at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (centre); the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping (second right); the Second-level Inspector of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Chen Xinyu (second left); the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor Desmond Hui (first right); and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, Professor Douglas So (first left), officiating at the opening ceremony.
2. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, delivering a speech at the opening ceremony.
3. Photo shows the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping, delivering a speech at the opening ceremony.
4. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (first right); the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping (second right); the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor Desmond Hui (second left); and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, Professor Douglas So (first left), touring the exhibition.
5. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (right); the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping (centre); and other guests, touring the exhibition.
6. Photo shows the Han precious bronze horse-leading figurine and bronze horse.
7. Photo shows an eaves end tile with Chinese characters Han Bing Tian Xia (Han unifies the realm).
8. Photo shows a seven‑storey painted pottery granary house with linked pavilion.
9. Photo shows the Yi Li (Etiquette and rites) wooden slips.
10.Photo shows the silk letter from Yuan to Zifang unearthed at the Xuanquan relay station site in Dunhuang.
11.Photo shows the arithmetical slips unearthed at the Xuanquan relay station site in Dunhuang.
12. Photo shows a silk-padded robe with Chang Shou (longevity) embroidery on a crimson-purple juan (plain weave silk) ground.
13.Photo shows a lacquered wooden plate with leopard cat motif and Chinese characters Jun Xing Shi (food for the honoured guest).
14.Photo shows a silver box with garlic pattern.
15. Photo shows a pottery house unearthed at Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb in Hong Kong.
16. Photo shows a Wuzhu bronze coin unearthed at the So Kwun Wat site in Tuen Mun.
Hashtag: #TheMajesticHan
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Queenstown Lakes District Council has voted to seek long-term approval to pump treated wastewater into the Kawarau River.
Councillors agreed on Thursday to lodge a 35-year resource consent application for discharge from the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, while staff keep looking for alternative solutions to the region’s wastewater woes.
The decision comes one year after the council first diverted wastewater to the Shotover River under emergency powers, following persistent performance issues at a disposal field on the Shotover Delta.
The temporary plan prompted community backlash, with some locals saying the river was at risk and the council had not been transparent.
QLDC retrospectively applied for consent in May, then sought for the case to be handled by the Environment Court.
Under the $77.5 million plan supported by most councillors on Thursday, the council would install advanced filters at the treatment plant, and build a 1.4km pipeline to carry the treated wastewater to a rock outfall structure on the Kawarau River.
It was the option recommended by council staff as the most technically feasible and cost-effective pathway, designed to handle the district’s projected growth through to 2060.
However, the plan was strongly opposed by Ngāi Tahu.
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Iwi representatives stated that the direct discharge of human waste to natural water was “abhorrent” and contrary to tikanga, because water classified as waikino (polluted water) should not be mixed with other categories of water, council documents showed.
Assessments showed the Kawarau River’s high energy and flow would provide rapid dilution, meaning the environmental effects were “no more than minor”.
The volume of wastewater requiring disposal from the Shotover plant was projected to more than double by 2060 to to 26 million litres per day, council documents showed.
On Thursday, councillors debated asking the Environment Court for an extension to the consent deadline – a move council staff had warned could be risky and costly.
Ultimately, an alternative option put forward by councillor Gavin Bartlett – to apply for the consent, but also direct the chief executive to undertake further investigations into long-term disposal options – was approved.
Councillor Jon Mitchell described it as a pragmatic but inclusive option.
“This will expedite getting us out of the current situation we’re in, into something marginally more acceptable. With an open mind to pursuing what other options might be available,” he said.
Councillor Nicola King said it was a difficult decision, but it would be costly and without “real reason” to delay the decision.
“We just have to make sure it’s not our long-term solution,” she said.
Mayor John Glover abstained from voting, and councillor Niki Gladding voted against it.
Once the council selected the most cost-effective option, it would be difficult to justify looking at anything else, she said.
“If you’re a developer and you’ve paid development contributions towards it, you’re not going to be wanting to pay twice for a second solution,” she said.
“Once we’ve done this, we’ve done it… we’ll have lost the opportunity to set the direction that we don’t want our wastewater just pouring into the Kawarau.”
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Community urges caution
Earlier in the meeting, during a public delegation, Queenstown Lakes Community Action founder Nikki Macfarlane urged the council to pause – in part because there had not been a “full environmental assessment clearly setting out the risks of each option” nor “meaningful engagement with the community”, she said.
“Once that pathway is set, it’s difficult to reverse,” she said.
“We’re asking you to request an extension from ORC and the Environment Court so you have the time and the necessary information to make a decision that you can stand behind with confidence.”
Andrew Davis, a Queenstown resident of 20 years, said the council should look at options to improve the quality of the wastewater.
“We are privileged to live in an environment with pristine water bodies, whereas many of the comparative plants are discharging into highly degraded environments,” he said.
Other options on the table
In the lead-up to Thursday’s vote, council staff also looked at adding a wetland to the Shotover Delta, hybrid schemes trialling partial disposal via deep boreholes, or shallow soakholes at Frankton Flats, or a high-cost land-only irrigation scheme on the Crown Terrace.
The council held a series of drop-in sessions in December and January for community members to learn about the options, but skipped full public consultation to meet the May deadline.
Councillors agreed to direct the chief executive to keep looking at “reasonably practicable wastewater options, including land-based and hybrid land-water options that may minimise the extent of the discharge of treated effluent to water”, and report back by March 2027.
The council also agreed to seek further hui with Kā Rūnaka leaders, and undertake further community engagement.
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This year marks 10 years of collaboration between DOC and Meridian as the National Partner of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, working alongside Ngāi Tahu to support the critically threatened kākāpō.
DOC Director-General Penny Nelson says the partnership demonstrates the power of working together for nature.
“Meridian has supported the Kākāpō Recovery Programme in innovative and practical ways for ten years. From boots on the ground naturing alongside rangers, to providing infrastructure development and engineering expertise on the kākāpō breeding islands, Meridian has backed the programme through a period of strong growth.
“Partnerships like this show how businesses can make a real difference for nature. As we navigate the next steps in kākāpō recovery with another bumper breeding season in full swing, it’s fantastic to have Meridian’s continued support.”
The renewed agreement will continue to provide vital resources for the recovery of kākāpō, a nocturnal, flightless parrot that was once on the brink of extinction with just 51 birds in 1995.
Thanks to conservation efforts and strong partnerships, the kākāpō population has increased from 124 in 2016 to 235 in 2026, and with new chicks hatching this season, that number is set to rise.
Meridian Energy Chief Executive Mike Roan says they are proud to continue their commitment to kākāpō.
“Having been to Whenua Hou island and seen firsthand the work that DOC, Ngāi Tahu and volunteers from across New Zealand do to protect and grow the kākāpō population, I feel privileged to be able to extend Meridian’s support to those efforts. For a decade, we’ve worked together to support this taonga, and we’re proud to continue that commitment through to June 2029.”
Ngāi Tahu species representative for kākāpō Tāne Davis says Meridian’s support as the National Partner of Kākāpō Recovery is extremely important, not only to kākāpō but to Ngāi Tahu as well.
“Ngāi Tahu connect strongly to this taonga species and to see the population grow is important to us. The partnership is extremely important to keeping the mauri of kākāpō alive. Meridian’s funding is well utilised to help sustain the species and support from their team through volunteering and maintenance of the electricity supply on the kākāpō islands is key to the success of the programme.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
Christopher Luxon’s electoral office has been converted into Trump’s war minerals headquarters today, reflecting the New Zealand Prime Minister’s new priority – turning Aotearoa into a critical minerals mining outpost that serves the US military agenda.
President Trump is demanding New Zealand agrees to a deal to provide the USA with minerals they regard as ‘critical’ – many of which have military applications. It wasrevealed yesterdaythat the government has been considering such a deal for months, in some detail, despite Luxon saying in February that any discussions were at “very preliminary” stages.
In response to the proposed critical minerals deal, activists raised a US flag outside Prime Minister Luxon’s electoral office in East Auckland, adding an image of President Trump to the office windows, decorating the lawn with US flags, and renaming the office as ‘Trump war minerals HQ’.
Greenpeace Aotearoa campaigner Juressa Lee warns any minerals deal would not only lead to environmental destruction from more mining projects on land and at sea, it would also make New Zealand complicit in Trump’s warmongering.
“The Luxon government must not sign Aotearoa away to fuel the United States’ illegal wars. New Zealand should have no part in this, and that includes giving Trump access to the resources he needs to keep dropping bombs.”
Earlier this month theUS Ambassador nomineeto New Zealand, billionaire Jared Novelly, confirmed the United States’ top goals for the Pacific region are both ‘expanding a US defence presence’ and ‘promoting business opportunities, particularly in critical minerals’. Lee says: “Our message to Luxon is clear. Aotearoa is not a US outpost. We must not allow the US to dictate widespread mining that could cause irreversible harm to the whenua, moana and people here in Aotearoa.”
Many of the minerals listed by the US as essential have military applications, including vanadium which is found off the coast of Taranaki. Vanadium is used in jet engines, airframes, ballistic missiles, and as a coating for night vision goggles.
“We are seeing in real time the terrible impacts of Trump’s wars across the world. New Zealand should not become complicit in this”, says Lee.
“We know a minerals deal would be bad for the land and sea of Aotearoa. But since the United States and Israeli Governments launched a military attack on Iran in clear breach of international law – the stakes are even higher.”
In February, the NZ government launched an $80m dollar fund as part of the Regional Infrastructure Fund to help minerals exploration. The announcement came just after the Fast Track committee declined a proposal by Trans Tasman Resources, the Australian mining company that wants to mine vanadium off the coast of Taranaki.
“We’re calling on Luxon to say no to a minerals deal with Trump. We’re also inviting the public to show their strong opposition to this deal if they’re concerned about complicity in war mongering and the exploitation of our environment for military aggression.
“This is not the first time the US has tried to disrupt a free and peaceful Pacific, the history of nuclear testing proves this. Aotearoa and the Pacific were united over stopping the region being a nuclear testing ground then and now we must do it again, and not be complicit in providing the materials for war.”
Proposals are being sought from experienced operators to restore and operate the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Located in the heart of Tongariro National Park, the Chateau has long been an iconic destination for visitors and an important part of the region’s identity.
“The Request for Proposals (RFP), opening on 19 March 2026, invites interested parties to put forward plans that recognise both the heritage significance of the Chateau and the cultural importance of Tongariro National Park.
“The Chateau is a landmark many New Zealanders have visited for holidays to school trips and international visitors experiencing Tongariro for the first time.”
Restoring the building will help ensure the area continues to attract visitors while supporting local businesses and tourism in the wider region.
“We are looking for proposals that balance commercial viability with conservation values, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the unique character of Tongariro National Park.”
The RFP process will help identify operators capable of restoring the building while ensuring it remains consistent with the values of one of New Zealand’s most important national parks.
Notes to editors:
The RFP will be open from 19 March to 20 April 2026.
A panel will assess all proposals submitted through the RFP process. Participation in the RFP does not guarantee a concession, and applicants will need to demonstrate they can meet the Department of Conservation’s concession requirements, including all statutory, environmental, and heritage obligations.
The Marlborough District Council wants the government to protect the region’s current environment plan, saying new planning and environmental laws threaten to blow up a decade of hard work.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor told the Environment Select Committee the region’s geography and climate were distinct and maintaining its environment plan would provide certainty to its primary producers.
The Select Committee heard submissions on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill – which would together replace the Resource Management Act – on Wednesday.
“I’m calling on MPs to protect Marlborough’s status as its own planning region and to safeguard our new planning framework – both are critical to the region’s economy and long-term sustainability,” Taylor said.
The Marlborough District Council is a unitary authority, a single local government body that combines the responsibilities of both a regional council and a territorial authority, which means it manages both local services and regional resource management for the entire Marlborough region.
Taylor said the council managed those functions across more than one million hectares of land and one of New Zealand’s most intricate coastlines.
“Our geography, climate and the industries we support are distinct. Parliament has recognised these differences in previous reform processes – I am asking the Select Committee to confirm that Marlborough remains a separate planning region,” she said.
The region’s combined environment plan provided a stable and well-understood framework for the region’s industries – including viticulture, aquaculture, forestry, farming and tourism – should be deemed fully operative until 2033, Taylor said.
She asked for the select committee to include a provision in Schedule 1 of the Planning Bill to deem the Marlborough Environment Plan fully operative for a defined period or, alternatively, to have the ability to apply for a longer transition during which the plan would continue to apply.
“The Marlborough Environment Plan is the product of more than a decade of work with extensive involvement from iwi, industry and the community and an investment of around $10 million,” Taylor said.
“Industry partners have invested millions more. It’s a sophisticated and newly-settled planning framework that gives confidence to businesses and enables long-term investment decisions.”
Nearly 90 percent of New Zealand’s wine exports were produced in Marlborough and the plan’s rules about water use ensured the viticulture industry was viable.
“Our growers and commercial lenders rely on the stability of the current plan. Requiring us to unravel this new framework now would be unnecessarily destabilising,” she said.
“With proposed rates capping, councils face real limits on funding new planning processes. Marlborough ratepayers should not be asked to repeat a process they have just completed.”
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Thousands of people have signed a petition demanding Christopher Luxon stand up and condemn the illegal attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Greenpeace delivered the petition to opposition leader Chris Hipkins in Wellington today.
Standing on the steps of parliament, Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Dr Russel Norman said, “This war is plainly illegal – it is not an act of self-defence nor is it sanctioned by the UN Security Council.
“While we have come to expect that the US Government approach to international law is more honoured in the breach than the observance, nonetheless international law is critical for the security of everyone on the planet but especially for a small nation like New Zealand.
“We expect Christopher Luxon to advocate in favour of international law and hence condemn this reckless illegal war.
“Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and thousands of New Zealanders agree that Luxon should be standing up to bullies like Trump, who is attempting to destroy any possibility of a rules-based international order.”
Greenpeace delivered the petition to the Parliament Opposition who have been open about their condemnation of Trump’s illegal war.
Greenpeace also made the link from this illegal war to the escalating price of fossil fuels.
“This illegal war has disrupted oil, gas and fertiliser supplies, exposing Luxon’s Trump-like obsession with outdated fossil fuels, leaving New Zealanders paying the price,” continued Dr Norman.
“Luxon has collapsed the EV market by killing the clean car discount, making it cheaper to import gas guzzling cars. He’s ended public transport subsidies for young people, blocked funding for cycleways, but wants to spend billions of dollars to build new roads.
“Now Luxon wants to expose us even further to the volatile global fossil fuel market by charging New Zealanders a gas tax to build a LNG import terminal.
“The Luxon government should be investing in renewable energy and the electrification of transport to insulate New Zealanders from energy supply shocks and rising energy prices, as well as cutting climate pollution,” says Dr Norman.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) maintained the upward trend for hazardous substances decisions in the second quarter of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury, Manager Hazardous Substances Applications, says the EPA continues to use rapid assessment pathways where possible. Of the 16 approved applications in the second quarter, 13 were decided by rapid assessment.
“This reflects our commitment to assessing applications based on the risks posed and the priority we’re giving to reducing the queue of applications.
“It also reflects the development of our new staff who have been supported in their training by more experienced team members. In time, this will mean more resources are available for complex applications and operational improvements,” she says.
A total of 37 hazardous substances applications have been approved in the first half of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury say, “We acknowledge concerns about the number of applications awaiting assessment and we are committed to keep improving our performance in this area.
“Our new hazardous substances quarterly reports are providing a clearer picture of trends and our performance.”
The latest hazardous substances quarterly report shows the queue of applications fell to 84, down 12.5 percent from 96 on 1 July 2025. This is the lowest number of applications in the queue since early 2022. In the second quarter, we approved two higher-complexity applications- one for an agricultural herbicide containing a new active ingredient and one for a non-agricultural insecticide.
In this period, 15 containment applications were decided, up from six in the first quarter, consistent with seasonal trends in previous years. Performance for containment application assessments continues to be well within the statutory timeframes.
Dr Fleury says, “the report also makes clearer the complex Category B and Category C applications that are currently progressing through their assessments, acknowledging this is the area of highest interest for many stakeholders.”
Strengthening relationships with industry
The EPA continued senior-level engagement with the Sector Leaders Forum as part of progressing the recommendations from the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review, as well as numerous operational level engagements to better understand the challenges and opportunities of stakeholders.
Dr Fleury says, “the EPA is further engaging with industry to explore ways to prioritise assessment of substances with the highest potential to improve economic or environmental outcomes.”
Greenpeace activists are demonstrating outside Environment Southland today, handing out copies of a recent report on Southland groundwater to force councillors to confront the realities of nitrate contamination in the region. Greenpeace says that high levels of nitrate in drinking water in the region warrant immediate action to protect the health of the community.
Environment Southland’s ‘Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater’ report, published in January 2026, showed that nitrate in Southland’s groundwater and drinking water supplies was ‘both regionally widespread and locally severe in multiple locations.’
Greenpeace Aotearoa agriculture campaigner Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says,“The alarm bells are ringing. There is a nitrate emergency in Southland and it’s time for the regional council to take action.
“The report is explicit. There is widespread nitrate contamination throughout the region, and no one who has read the report could deny that Southland is experiencing a nitrate emergency. And yet Environment Southland has done nothing. It would seem some councillors either haven’t read the report, or they’re in denial about the findings.”
“The main cause of this crisis is cow urine and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser from the intensive dairy industry. A number of councillors have a clear connection with Fonterra or fertiliser companies, which means that these councillors have vested interests in turning a blind eye to the nitrate crisis polluting their constituents’ drinking water.”
A third of the Environment Southland councillors declared pecuniary interests in either Fonterra, or fertiliser companies Ballance and Ravensdown.
Environment Southland’s report states that there may be more than 15,000 Southlanders at risk of exposure to high concentrations of nitrate in drinking water.
Drinking water nitrate has been linked to several health risks, including bowel cancer, preterm birth, and Blue Baby syndrome. Recent research also indicates a correlation between high levels of nitrate in drinking water and an increased risk of dementia.
Deighton O’Flynn says, “No one should have to worry that the water from their kitchen tap could be making them sick, and yet for many people here in Southland, that is their reality.
“People’s health should be prioritised ahead of political interests and dirty dairy profits. It’s time for the council to take action and protect their communities from intensive dairy’s nitrate pollution.”
Last year, Environment Canterbury became the first council in Aotearoa to declare a nitrate emergency, following widespread concern from Cantabrians over the safety of their drinking water.
“Declaring a nitrate emergency is just the start, but it is an indication that the council is taking this seriously,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
“Ultimately, Environment Canterbury and Environment Southland both need to take action to stop the pollution at its source. That means reducing dairy herd sizes, and ending synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use.”
These kiwi were transported back to the region by representatives from Ngāti Hei and Ngāti Huarere for release on the Kūaotunu Peninsula.
Motutapu, an island connected to Rangitoto in Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf, is a kōhanga for Coromandel brown kiwi. Since 2012, 156 Coromandel brown kiwi have been sourced from the Hauraki-Coromandel region and released on the predator-free island of Motutapu. This is the first muster for the island as part of the next phase in the ‘To the Motu and Back’ strategy.
The kōhanga strategy aims to create a source population of kiwi at a location safe from introduced predators such as stoats. The adult offspring of this population will be moved back to the Hauraki-Coromandel region to accelerate growth of wild populations.
The Coromandel subspecies of brown kiwi are the rarest of North Island brown kiwi. There are now over 300 Coromandel brown kiwi living on Motutapu and Rangitoto islands. Save the Kiwi has determined there are enough kiwi to start moving their offspring back to the Hauraki-Coromandel region, with the muster running from 15 – 24 March 2026.
“Today marks the beginning of the second phase of this strategy for accelerating kiwi recovery in the Hauraki-Coromandel region.” says Paula Judd, Save the Kiwi Kōhanga Coordinator for Coromandel brown kiwi. “We look forward to the kiwi population in this kōhanga site growing and boosting the populations throughout the Hauraki-Coromandel region forevermore.”
“This could not have been possible without the sustained pest and predator control efforts of individuals, iwi, community groups and the Department of Conservation in the Hauraki-Coromandel region, as well the support from Ngāi tai ki Tāmaki, the Department of Conservation, and the Motutapu Restoration Trust to keep Motutapu predator-free.”
“These manu are taonga and being able to return them back to their rohe is part of how we’re taking care of these manu for the future generations.” says Billy Brown from Ngāi tai ki Tāmaki.
Department of Conservation Operations Manager Kat Lane says, “the pest-free islands you can see from Auckland’s coastline play a really important role in conservation on a national scale.”
She adds, “Alongside many partners and the public, we work hard to keep predators such as stoats and rats away from these islands – and the success of these kiwi show how native species can thrive in the absence of introduced predators. Over a decade from the first birds arriving, we’re so proud to be now sending kiwi back to the mainland.”
Kiwi return has been years in the making
‘To the Motu and Back’ has been highly successful through the sustained effort of individuals, iwi, community and the Department of Conservation in the Hauraki-Coromandel region to protect kiwi and their support of the kōhanga initiative. “Save the Kiwi has actively supported the efforts of kiwi community groups in the region and we’re thrilled to see kiwi return to each of the sites.” says Paula.
Save the Kiwi would like to acknowledge Fullers 360 for supporting today’s event.
The Department of Conservation booking data from 1 October to late January shows visitors spent more than 323,000 nights in huts and campsites over the peak season, broadly in line with last summer. While severe weather and temporary closures affected some traditionally busy locations, many regions experienced strong growth as people adapted their plans, explored different places and made the most of new and upgraded facilities.
Several regions recorded notable increases, including Otago (+30 per cent), Wellington/Kāpiti (+35 per cent), Wairarapa (+71 per cent), and Taranaki (+96 per cent) following the reopening of Pouākai Hut. The central North Island and Marlborough also saw steady growth, supported by new bookable huts and campsites.
However, January storms, followed by further severe weather in February, caused widespread damage across DOC-managed sites.
Storm damage has been recorded across conservation sites around the country, with early estimates for repairs and recovery currently between $2.25 million and $3.2 million. Assessments are continuing following the latest February weather event, and costs are expected to increase.
“We’ve seen strong demand right through summer, even with the disruption storms have caused in some regions,” says Cat Wilson, Director Heritage and Visitor.
“Our teams have worked incredibly hard to assess damage quickly and prioritise the most important repairs, so we can safely restore access for visitors and support local communities.”
Over the coming weeks, DOC will continue assessing the full extent of storm damage, prioritising recovery efforts and refining cost estimates. Progress in some areas depends on council roads reopening to allow access for repair crews and equipment. DOC will also consider how to meet recovery cost requirements within existing funding.
“Even though summer is over, we know people enjoy naturing year-round,” says Cat Wilson. “By being flexible about where and when we visit, especially while some places recover, we can keep enjoying the outdoors while protecting it for the future.”
In the four areas where a state of emergency was declared in January, inspections are nearing completion. Of 47 known affected sites in these areas, 40 have now been assessed, with damage estimated at $1.7 million to $2.6 million.
Immediate recovery priorities focused on:
Reopening accommodation for visitors (six campgrounds and three huts) – $227,000
Restoring access to camps and tracks (12 roads) – $416,000
Reopening more than 26 tracks – estimated $1.1 million to $2 million
Three campgrounds – Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay in Coromandel, and Dickeys Flat in the Bay of Plenty – have already reopened following repairs.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
Normally hidden amongst dense tussock, flax and mānuka scrub, the Volcanic Plateau speargrass has been exposed by the fire-cleared landscape, following extensive fires in late 2025.
DOC Technical Advisor and botanist Paul Cashmore says although the plant was known in the area, its abundance wouldn’t have been understood without the fires.
“It’s a welcome side-effect of these fires, discovering a new stronghold for this Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable species.
“It clearly can survive a fire, and we expect to see it increase even more over the next few years while there is less competition for light from taller growing vegetation.”
The speargrass is just one of the surprises ecologists came across in their post-fire assessments.
Wetlands were only partially impacted by the fire with many wetter areas remaining unburnt.
Paul says the fires burned very quickly with varying levels of impact on the different habitats present across the approximately 3,000-hectare burn zone.
“One of our memorable experiences in the field was walking into a completely intact stand of Hall’s tōtara, with a chorus of native birds including toutouwai/robin!
“Remnant patches of vegetation like this act as refuges where flora and fauna have survived, which can assist with natural recolonising of the burnt area.”
Paul says despite the optimistic outlook, there’s still plenty of work to be done.
“We’ll continue working closely with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to monitor and act, particularly where it comes to weeds and deer.”
Visitors can help by staying on the tracks, says Paul.
“Walking on the burnt area can introduce new threats like weeds and can directly affect the recovery of slow growing alpine plants.
“So, if you’re keen on naturing in this World Heritage listed landscape, we ask you to respect the 10-year rāhui by keeping off the firegrounds and sticking to the marked tracks.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – The much-anticipated Quality Building Award 2026 (QBA 2026) today officially announces its finalist list! A total of 35 outstanding project teams have successfully advanced to the final presentation stage. They will present their remarkable achievements to the judging panel this Saturday (20 March and 21 March), competing for the highest honor of the “Oscar of the Construction Industry.”
Held biennially, the Quality Building Award is jointly organized by ten leading professional institutes and organizations representing Hong Kong’s architecture and construction sectors. It aims to recognize exceptional projects that demonstrate outstanding teamwork in the design and construction of quality buildings. This year’s theme, “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead,” encourages the industry to adopt smart, sustainable, and inclusive solutions, steering the sector towards innovation and green development.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Eight Categories Showcasing Hong Kong’s Diverse Excellence
This year’s Award features eight major categories, comprehensively covering different types of building projects. These span residential and non-residential, government and non-government, renovation and revitalization, and temporary building categories. The response from local Hong Kong projects has been enthusiastic, with the finalists fully demonstrating the industry’s diverse creativity and professional expertise, reflecting the vibrant and flourishing state of local architecture.
Breaking Geographical Boundaries with Strong International Participation
Another highlight of this edition is the inclusion of the “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)” and “Building Outside GBA (include International)” categories. These are open to all eligible projects from within and outside the region, with teams not required to provide proof of a Hong Kong registered company to participate. This initiative has successfully attracted numerous high-quality non-local projects, including outstanding entries from as far as Egypt. This underscores the international vision and regional influence of the Quality Building Award, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as a regional architectural hub.
Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia,Chairlady, QBA 2026Organizing Committeestated: “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this year’s Award. The finalist projects are of exceptional quality and span a diverse range of categories. The 35 finalist teams will showcase their innovative practices in smart construction, sustainable development, and social inclusion during their final presentations, fully embodying the spirit of this year’s theme. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I thank all participating teams for their dedication and wish the finalists every success in their upcoming presentations.”
Ir ZA Wai Gin,Tony,Chairman, QBA 2026Jury sub-committee remarked: “Throughout the selection process, the judging panel has placed particular emphasis on how projects integrate smart technology, environmental concepts, and human-centric design. The active participation of projects from the Greater Bay Area and the international community this year has brought a broader perspective to the Award. We look forward to gaining deeper insights into the design philosophies and practical achievements of the finalist teams during the presentations, and to jointly witnessing new milestones in the architectural world.”
Award Ceremony to be Held in June to Celebrate Excellence
The final results of the Quality Building Award 2026 will be unveiled at the Awards Ceremony to be held on 26 June this year. The event will bring together industry leaders to collectively witness the glorious moment celebrating outstanding architectural projects.
For more details about the Quality Building Award, please visit: Official Website: www.qba.com.hk Facebook: QBAHK LinkedIn: QBAHK Weibo: 優質建築大獎 WeChat Official Account: 優質建築大獎
Finalists of QBA 2026
(The list is in alphabetical order)
Hong Kong Residential (Single Building)
1
Belgravia Place I
2
ECHO House
3
Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development : Building 11
4
JARDINI
5
One Central Place
6
Parkwood
Hong Kong Residential (Multiple Buildings)
1
Baker Circle
2
Casa Sierra
3
NOVO LAND
4
THE PAVILIA FOREST
5
Victoria Voyage
Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Government, Institution of Community)
1
Hospital Authority Supporting Services Centre
2
Kai Tak District Cooling Plant No. 3 (KTDCS-P3)
3
Kai Tak Sports Park
4
Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool Complex
5
Kwai Chung Hospital
6
The Pentecostal Holiness Church Wing Kwong Junior School
Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Non-Government, Institution of Community)
1
98 How Ming Street
2
Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development : Building 8 & Building 9
3
One Causeway Bay
Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalization)
1
Conversion of the Old Wan Chai Police Station into the Headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation
2
Expansion of the Legislative Council Complex
3
Lo Pan Spirit Inheritance: Conservation of Lo Pan Temple
4
Tai Po Civic Centre
Temporary Building
1
Dedicated Rehousing Estate at Kwu Tung North Area 24 MIC Site Office
2
Light Public Housing at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1)
3
Light Public Housing – Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok
4
Light Public Housing – Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long
5
WISE COMPLEX
Building Outside GBA (include International)
1
Arbour
2
Iconic Tower of New CBD of New Administrative Capital of Egypt
Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)
1
China State Construction Science and Technology Innovation Building
2
China Overseas Headquarter
3
Guangzhou Respiratory Center
4
Marisfrolg Industrial Park
Hashtag: #QualityBuildingAward2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – Wind power and photovoltaic energy are reshaping China’s energy landscape. As of March 2025, the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power nationwide has exceeded 1.48 billion kilowatts, surpassing thermal power in terms of total installed capacity in history.
However, early-generation wind and solar equipment, designed to last 20 to 25 years, is now entering a phase of large-scale decommissioning. It is estimated that by 2050, decommissioned photovoltaic modules will amount to 20 million tonnes, while retired wind turbine blades are expected to reach 3 million tonnes by 2035. How to properly handle this massive volume of retired equipment has become a pressing challenge that the industry must confront.
“True green development lies in delivering green power while ultimately achieving a closed loop through comprehensive end-of-life solutions,” said Hou Bo, deputy general manager of China Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy) Longyuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd.
CHN Energy holds the world’s largest installed wind power capacity. Its combined installed capacity of wind and solar power is close to 120 million kilowatts, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the national total. After several years of technological breakthroughs, in October 2025, the company put into operation a kiloton-scale photovoltaic module recycling demonstration line, independently developed and constructed by CHN Energy Longyuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. In 2026, CHN Energy Longyuan Environmental Protection Zhangjiakou Branch is expected to commence operations, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 10,000 tonnes of decommissioned wind and solar equipment.
Meanwhile, CHN Energy Longyuan Environmental Protection has taken the lead in establishing a specialized committee on the circular utilization of retired wind and solar equipment under the China Association of Circular Economy. It has led or participated in the drafting of approximately 17 international, national, and industry standards. While ensuring a stable supply of green electricity, the company also gives due consideration to the full life-cycle utilization of all equipment, including the impacts on environmental governance, in an effort to break through this critical “last mile.”
“By building an integrated industry–academia–research–application system, we aim to address shared challenges together and foster the growth of this emerging sector,” said Hou. For CHN Energy, closing the loop on wind and solar is more than an environmental goal; it is the defining test of true green power.
Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A deeply unglamorous and rarely seen creature that spends most of its life in mud has pulled off a last-minute upset by winning the title of Fish of the Year.
The Northland mudfish was not even in the top ten at the competition’s halfway point, but surged ahead in the final 24 hours – bumping the longfin eel, or tuna kūwharuwharu, out of the top spot.
Just under 6000 people around the country voted in the contest, which is organised annually by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
Trust founder Samara Nicholas said the humble, secretive Northland mudfish – which was found only in a few wetlands around Kaikohe and Lake Ōmāpere – benefited from strong campaigns by the regional council and a local radio station.
“Even the Northland Rugby Union claimed they may actually change the Northland Taniwha name to the Northland Mudfish,” she said.
“I think people just got really fascinated by the fact that it’s so rare, it’s highly threatened. Not a lot is known about it. And it’s just was just so quirky that it seemed to capture the imagination of people.”
The secretive, wetland-dwelling Northland mudfish has been named Fish of the Year 2026.Supplied / Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust
Until the late surge by the mudfish, the longfin eel, the seahorse and the whale shark – the world’s biggest fish – appeared to be top contenders.
“It was just the buzz and the sheer amount of people getting behind the mudfish. And that’s what we want to do. We want this competition to create friendly competition between different organisations campaigning for their fish. The campaign went crazy in those last 24 hours, and the mudfish completely took it out.”
New Zealanders’ love of the underdog was also a likely factor.
Nicholas said the purpose of the competition was to shine a spotlight on creatures that were usually “out of sight, out of mind” – as was the case with many of New Zealand’s native fish.
With a maximum length of 15cm, the Northland mudfish was the smallest winner to date. It was also the first freshwater fish to take out the title, and so obscure it was only discovered in 1998.
Map showing the distribution of Northland mudfish.Supplied / Earth Sciences NZ
Its unique talents included the ability to survive droughts by burying itself in mud and breathing through its skin, Nicholas said.
That skill helped mudfish survive when a fire ripped through 15ha of conservation land next to Kerikeri airport in 2010.
However, the main threat to the survival of the Northland mudfish – and the four other species of mudfish around the motu – was the destruction of wetlands.
“We’ve drained around 90 percent of our wetlands in the last 150 years, and that has had a disastrous impact on our native galaxiids, including mudfish,” Nicholas said.
“We urgently need to protect and restore wetlands and riparian areas across the country to give freshwater fish, like the Northland mudfish, a fighting chance.”
It was the fifth time Mountains to Sea had run the Fish of the Year competition.
Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington posts major rise in international student enrolments and strong growth in arts, politics, and teaching, as well as higher numbers of Māori and Pasifika students.
Victoria University has recorded a substantial 50 percent increase in international students enrolled to start, signalling strong global interest in studying in the capital.
The latest numbers, released today, show a surge of young, ambitious learners choosing Wellington as the place they want to study, grow, and build their futures.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith said the data underscores Vic Uni’s global reputation and distinctive Wellington identity: “The latest figures demonstrate our desirability among international learners. The diversity of countries represented in our enrolments shows our widespread appeal right now—and reinforces Wellington’s reputation as a vibrant, globally connected capital,” he said.
“Alongside the rise in international students, the University is also seeing strong growth in arts, politics, the environment, and teaching—an encouraging sign of renewed student engagement with culture, society, and civic leadership. Our campuses are positively humming with students.”
The data shows rising enrolments of Māori and Pasifika students (up 5 percent and 8 percent respectively)—reinforcing Victoria University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.
The upward trajectory of enrolments challenges recent rhetoric about Wellington and shows young people continue to value the city’s creativity, opportunities, and sense of belonging.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Dr Logan Bannister said the results reflect both the hard work of staff and the attractiveness of Wellington as a destination: “Our team has put in a huge effort to grow international enrolments, and it’s paying off. We’re seeing students from all over the world choosing Victoria University of Wellington because they want to experience everything Wellington has to offer. It’s an exciting moment for our campus community.”
Halls of residence trends show strong demand for independent-living options, driven largely by the growth in international learners.
Chief Operating Officer Tina Wakefield said the University’s residential options continue to evolve alongside student needs: “Living in a hall of residence provides an incredible start to university life. Your hall becomes your home—and with it comes a family. It’s where life-long friendships and memories are made. To meet growing demand, especially for independent-living options, we’ve opened a new hall every year for the past three years, adding almost 450 beds for our students.”
Highlights from the 2026 data census (as at 9 March 2026)
· Commencing full-fee enrolments are up 50 percent on 2025, with 973 international students scheduled to start, up from 650. Our students come from 114 countries around the world, with the United States being the most common country of origin this year. China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam complete the top five.
· Our total number of students has already reached 18,759, representing three years of consistent growth. In fact, our student population now corresponds to almost ten percent of the capital city’s population.
· Independent living in our halls of residence is up 7 percent, with 56 additional beds filled for a total of 857 beds. Halls of residence had a total headcount of 2,582, a slight drop of 1 percent on 2025, which notably was likely a result of Wellington school-leavers choosing to stay at home to save on living costs.
· Students starting a Major in Politics accounted for a 30 percent rise on 2025 numbers (169 enrolled students up from 130) and the new Bachelor of Politics has launched to meet strong demand, with 79 people already enrolled in the first year. The BPol is currently the only one in New Zealand.
· Māori student enrolments are up 5 percent for a total of 2,263 students, and there an extra 99 Pasifika students enrolled, for a total of 1,410 (an 8 percent increase).
· Graduate Diplomas in Teaching (Primary and Secondary) are both up, gaining percentage increases of 21 percent and 15 percent respectively.
· New enrolments in the Bachelor of Midwifery are up significantly, with 108 new students (up 27 percent)—a standout growth area this year.
· Enrolments at the Faculty of Law are up 12 percent in commencing students, for a total of 562, following its latest accolade as the number one place to study law in New Zealand according to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Rankings by subject.
· Bachelor of Environment and Society continues its strong trajectory in its second year, with enrolments up by 214 percent (66 compared to 21 last year).
· Bachelor of Music enrolments are up 17 percent, including strong growth in Popular Music (97 percent).
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today officially launched its 35th Anniversary celebrations with a vibrant ceremony, bringing together distinguished government officials, industry leaders, and members of the university community to reflect on an extraordinary journey of excellence.
The Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki (middle), Deputy Director of LOCPG Mr. LUO Yonggang (third right), Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government Dr. Christine CHOI Yuk-lin (third left) and members of the HKUST leadership team, including Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak (first right), Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM (second right), Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing (first left), and President Prof. Nancy IP (second left) inaugurate a series of commemorative initiatives for the HKUST 35th anniversary.
Themed “Where Miracles Happen,” the milestone event honors the pioneering spirit that has propelled generations of HKUST members to achieve remarkable feats. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. CHAN Kwok-Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Mr. LUO Yonggang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government. They were joined by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, and President Prof. Nancy IP to inaugurate a year of commemorative activities.
A Journey Forged with Vision and Purpose
In her welcome address, President Ip, who joined HKUST in 1993, offered a personal reflection on the University’s remarkable ascent. She witnessed its evolution into a world-class institution; a success built on academic excellence and a vibrant innovation ecosystem created from the ground up. She credited this profound transformation to the extraordinary foresight of the University’s Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei Woo.
“From its very inception, HKUST was built on a bold and unprecedented vision: to become Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university,” President Ip shared. “Long before the Greater Bay Area concept existed, our founders, led by Prof. Woo, understood that Hong Kong’s future was inextricably linked with the region. This visionary courage saw them forge vital connections with the Chinese Mainland, laying the groundwork for what would become HKUST (Guangzhou) in 2022. Their courage, dedication, and tenacity built the unshakeable foundation on which we stand today.”
President Ip emphasized that the University’s success is measured not by rankings alone, but by its tangible impact on society. This founding DNA—to anticipate and meet societal needs with excellence—is now driving HKUST’s most ambitious chapter yet: the establishment of a new School of Medicine. “This is a transformative milestone, fulfilling a dream pursued for over three decades,” she stated. “We are deeply grateful to the HKSAR Government for its trust and partnership. Together, we will build a technologically advanced, humanistic medical school that ushers in a new era for healthcare in Hong Kong. Let us honor those who walked before us by carrying their courageous legacy into a new era of excellence.”
A Cornerstone of Hong Kong’s Global Leadership
Mr. Chan Kwok-Ki commended HKUST’s profound impact on Hong Kong’s development. “Over the past 35 years, HKUST has evolved from a bold new institution into a globally respected university, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, a continuing flow of talented students, and an enduring spirit of innovation. Its strong international rankings, vibrant start-up ecosystem, and diverse global student body demonstrate how research and education can deliver tangible societal impact,” he stated. “As Hong Kong advances its role as an international education hub, HKUST stands as a shining example of how universities can nurture global talent while supporting national development priorities. With strengths spanning artificial intelligence, science, and its planned School of Medicine, HKUST is exceptionally well-positioned to shape the future of innovation and talent development.”
Carrying a Pioneering Spirit into the Next Chapter
Prof. Harry Shum reflected on the University’s unique position. “Thirty-five years is a fascinating milestone. In human terms, it is the age of maturity, the point where youthful energy meets seasoned wisdom. And I see the same spirit alive in this institution. We still possess the curiosity and drive of our early years. But now we have the strength, the reputation, and the alumni network that only decades can build. The world is changing faster than ever before. If we are to serve the next generation as well as we have served the past, we must lead, we must innovate, and we must redefine what education can be. In this regard, HKUST is ready to open a new chapter.
“The HKSAR Government has appointed HKUST with the trust to build the third medical school in Hong Kong. We envision the University’s medical school that will bridge traditional medical curriculum with the latest technology and AI breakthroughs, will gradually revolutionize the entire medical spectrum—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery, prevention and personalized medicine. I am confident that this future-oriented medical school, which will admit its first cohort in 2028, will play an important role in educating and training a new generation of scientists and clinicians in the next 35 years and beyond.”
A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage
Reflecting the theme “Where Miracles Happen,” the ceremony showcased HKUST’s leadership in technology in a truly spectacular fashion. In a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, the university’s Guangzhou campus team presented a robotic lion dance. This remarkable creation brought the classic folk art to life through advanced robotics, embodying the spirit of cultural heritage reimagined through cutting-edge engineering.
For the grand officiating ceremony, HKUST turned into an unexpected source of inspiration: humanity’s best friends. But there were no ordinary dogs. A team of robotic dogs—developed by Direct Drive Technology (an HKUST-nurtured startup), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute—took center stage. Engineered to navigate complex, uneven terrain and perform dangerous industrial inspections, these four-legged helpers were given a far more meaningful mission for the day: carrying the ceremonial “Miracle Balls” to the officiating guests. As robotic dogs trotted majestically onto stage bearing their precious cargo, they symbolized the University’s commitment to channeling cutting-edge research into real-world applications—and its penchant for making miracles happen.
The ceremony reached its pinnacle with a dramatic display of innovation. In a symbolic gesture of bridging past and future, a drone—generously donated by distinguished alumnus Mr. WANG Tao, Founder of DJI—soared into the venue carrying the commemorative “35th Symbol Key.” As the drone gracefully descended to deliver the key to the officiating party on stage, it signaled the formal inauguration of the anniversary celebrations.
HKUST expressed its deep gratitude to Mr. Wang for his generous donation of two of the latest drone solutions to the university. These state-of-the-art drones will serve as an inspiration for faculty and students to explore and address new challenges in the rapidly evolving low-altitude economy.
The campus itself has been transformed with a “Circle of Time” visual theme, inspired by the iconic Sundial sculpture—a symbol of the University’s enduring legacy and its continuous measurement of progress in education, research, and knowledge transfer.
A Legacy of Excellence and National Trust
Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has risen to rank among the world’s top 50 universities. This commitment to excellence is underscored by the deep trust the nation has placed in the University. Following the reorganization of two existing State Key Laboratories, HKUST has secured approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish a new one, further strengthening its role in advancing cutting-edge research critical to national development.
In a major national space endeavor, HKUST is developing a multi-functional robot for the historic Chang’E-8 lunar mission, designed to operate on the lunar surface and contribute to China’s advancing space exploration capabilities. The University is also leading the development of a high-precision, point-source greenhouse gas detection instrument. This groundbreaking project is set to make history as it will become HKSAR’s first payload to China’s Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application.
Celebratory Events
A full year of celebratory activities is planned, including co-hosting Asia Universities Summit with Times Higher Education, an AI Film Festival, and joint celebrations with HKUST (Guangzhou).
Global Thought Leadership
Following the symposium held earlier this year, where multiple Nobel laureates and world-leading scholars were invited to engage with HKUST faculty, students and alumni, the University will co-host the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 with Times Higher Education (THE) this April. The event will draw university presidents and industry leaders from around the world to Hong Kong to explore Asia’s leadership role in driving global change. HKUST will also host the China Association of Higher Education’s flagship “World University Presidents Forum” for the first time in Hong Kong.
AI and Innovation Thematic Events
HKUST will organize a series of events focused on AI, technology governance and creative culture—including an AI Film Festival—to highlight the University’s leadership and societal impact in AI.
Building the HKUST Community
The University will host joint celebrations across its Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, including a year-long blood donation drive, a marathon, a “Mixed Reality x AI” art exhibition, and more, to foster closer interaction between faculty and students from the two campuses. HKUST will also organize a grand anniversary gala dinner to celebrate with faculty, students, alumni and community leaders, alongside a digital commemorative booklet that recounts the University’s 35 years of outstanding achievements with society.
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Source:Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission
Hundreds of public access easements held in the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) internal property records are now visible to the public for the first time, marking a significant step forward for public access transparency.
The milestone follows an ongoing collaboration, working together to translate historic legal records into mapped digital data that can be viewed by the public.
The Outdoor Access Commission has published 858 land parcels -representing 175 confirmed DOC public access easements – on its mapping system (WAMS). Until now, these easements have been recorded in DOC’s National Property and Land Information System (NaPALIS). Many existed in legal documentation rather than mapped spatial layers, meaning they had not previously appeared on any public-facing map.
Outdoor Access Commission geospatial manager Matt Grose says DOC converting the information into accurate mapping data gives a free, accessible and public way to view the data.
“Many of these easements were contained in legal instruments rather than digital map files,” Matt says. “We have turned that historic property information into accurate spatial data that can be confidently shared with the public.”
Many of the newly displayed easements show legal public access links between the ends of formed roads and public conservation land. In many cases, access has existed in law for years, but people have not been able to easily see those routes when planning trips.
DOC’s spokesperson, Manu King, Geospatial Services Manager, says the release reflects both teamwork between agencies and the increasing value of public data.
It demonstrates what can be achieved when technical teams work together with a common purpose. By combining property expertise, GIS capability and the commission’s mapping platforms, we’ve been able to unlock information that benefits all New Zealanders.”
The commission is displaying the easements on WAMS and its Pocket Maps app, making the information readily accessible to people naturing; walkers, hunters, trampers and others who recreate on public conservation land.
“Map users will now be able to see how public access actually reaches DOC land,” Matt says. “Instead of an isolated block of conservation land, people can see the legal access that connects them to it.”
The initial release will soon be followed by a second tranche of around 300 additional easements currently undergoing verification. Many of these are older records that require manual review and confirmation before they can be confidently mapped and published.
Outdoor Access Commission chief executive Dan Wildy says the publication of public access easements is another step to deliver transparent and accessible information related to public access.
“Through our GIS team, helped by our partners at DOC, we are delivering greater public access information than at any other time in our country’s history.”
Together, this mahi reflects a shared commitment to making public access clearer, more visible and easier to understand – now and into the future.