New Zealand Herpetological Society
The New Zealand Herpetological Society Incorporated was formed in 1969.
The objectives of the society are:
- To promote awareness & interest in amphibians and reptiles and their conservation.
- To encourage the study of New Zealand's own species.
- To encourage the captive keeping and breeding of both New Zealand herpetofauna, and such exotic species of reptiles and amphibians as may be legally kept.
The Society endeavours to cater for all levels of interest in herpetology, from the school pupil who finds that lizards and frogs make interesting pets, to the person engaged in serious scientific study or captive breeding programmes. The majority of members keep and breed native geckos and skinks in captivity, or are engaged in the field study of these animals. Other members have an interest in keeping exotic species such as tortoises, terrapins, frogs and 
axolotls.
New Zealand's reptiles and amphibians are unique in many ways. A high proportion are endangered. There is a need for a strong body of people dedicated to ensuring the continued survival of this important but little known group of animals. Specialist groups have a vital role to play in providing the data required to complement the activities of the larger conservation organizations.
How to join the NZHS
To become a member of the NZHS click the below links to open either the online form, or a hard copy. Complete the form, submit it and send payment to the specified address.
See an example of the the Society publication, the newsletter "Moko", which you will receive three times a year. Members on the higher level of subscription receive the Australasian herpetology journal "Herpetofauna" twice a year.
Complete the NZHS online Membership Form here.
Download a membership form to print and post, click here.
Taranaki has its own unique gecko species – the Taranaki Goldstripe Gecko, Hoplodactylus chrysosireticus, which is most frequently found near the coast living in flax bushes, as well as further inland.
The Society encourages you to record any sighting of reptiles, in order to assist our understanding of their distribution. As native reptiles are absolutely protected animals, and may not be taken from the wild, please take notes on the place and habitat, and a photo of the animal for reference. If you wish to confirm the identification, contact either NZHS through this enquiry form, or your local DOC office.
The New Zealand Biodiversity Recording Network (NZBRN) is a new on-line data entry form for New Zealand amphibians and reptiles – go to the data entry button. We encourage you to support this, as comparing new records with historic data is vital to our understanding of the threats facing reptiles. This national data is relayed to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Please note – no exact reptile locations will be provided to unauthorized persons, as a measure against traders of native animals. See CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
If you wish to call in to your local DOC office, they can supply you with an Amphibian Reptile Distribution Scheme card to complete for their database.
Contact us HERE