ALWAYS BE
NATURING
What is naturing?
It's what happens when you do stuff that connects you with nature, and more importantly, helps to protect it. And it can be fun! Watch to find out how you can help nature bounce back. Chances are, you're probably already naturing!
NATURE'S IN TROUBLE
We're losing what makes us different. 28,000 of New Zealand’s known species are found nowhere else on Earth. Over 4,000 of them are threatened with extinction, or at risk of becoming threatened. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
We can change that, but it will take all of us.
WHAT WILL YOUR NEXT ACT OF NATURING BE?
naturing
[NAY-chur-ing]
origin - New Zealand, informal
(vb.)
-
- The act of spending time in or connecting with the natural world.
- Actively giving back to nature.
NATURE GIVES US EVERYTHING
Let’s return the favour today.
Giving back feels good and every dollar has an impact.
HELP US NOT-SAVE THEM ALL
Give a trap to protect nature.
Predators kill over 25 million native birds every year. Together we can change that.
LET THE KIDS SPLASH IN MUDDY PUDDLES
Go on, you can splash too!
Connecting with nature means interacting with it – muddy boots and all.
HELP OUR 236 KĀKĀPŌ BOOST THEIR NUMBERS
Support DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery team to prepare for a successful breeding season in 2026.
SHARE A NATURE REEL WITH FRIENDS
Nature’s out there, and online too.
Connect with nature from anywhere.
LET NATURE SING YOU TO SLEEP
Put on a nature sounds playlist to catch some z’s.
Nature sounds help us fall asleep and get a better sleep.
GET OUTSIDE WITHOUT HEADPHONES
Hear what nature has to say.
Listening to nature sounds can lower blood pressure and calm frazzled nerves.
WATCH AND SHARE OUR NATURING RESIDENT VIDEOS
Having a laugh with nature is good for everyone.
See nature in a whole new way.
GO FOR A RAINBOW WALK WITH THE KIDS
Find a piece of nature that represents every colour.
Learn about the huge variety of nature right on your doorstep.
GET NATURING, SNAP, AND ENTER
For the first time, Tūhura Otago Museum’s Wildlife Photography competition is open to amateur photographers (like you) from anywhere in NZ. Get naturing, snap, enter! It’s that easy!
From wild coastlines to quiet bush walks, Aotearoa is full of incredible moments waiting to be captured.
PLAY SCIENTIST WITH iNATURALIST
Identify plants with the kids on your next walk outside.
Learning about nature starts right on your doorstep.
DO A GREAT WALK. OR A GOOD ONE.
No judgement.
Walking in nature is scientically proven to improve wellbeing.
TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE TO WORK
Cycle or walk to work, the park, or the shops.
It's good for your health and gives you time to really notice nature.
MOONLIGHT AS A BIRD BODYGUARD
Join a predator-free group and save native birds one trap at a time.
Predator-free groups are social and play a vital role in protecting nature.
CATCH UP OVER COFFEE IN THE BUSH
Find short walks in your area.
Catching up with friends is great. Doing it in nature is even better.
PUT A BELL ON YOUR CAT
You love them, but they love giving you native birds as a gift.
Save our native species and give Mr Whiskers some new jewellery.
START YOUR DAY WITH BIRDSONG
The korimako/bellbird dawn chorus goes great with coffee (in a reusable cup of course).
Enjoy the many voices of ngahere.
NATURE MADE DINNER, LEAVE IT A TIP
Donate to a nature project to help nature thrive.
When nature thrives, so do we.
STREAM ENDANGERED SPECIES AOTEAROA
Chill out with nature.
Connecting to nature can happen from your couch.
CONSTRUCT A WĒTĀ MOTEL
Homes for a community can be built in a day.
Protect wētā from predators while learning something new.
CATCH DINNER WITH YOUR FEET AT THE BEACH
But only take what you need so pipi populations stay healthy.
Gathering kai is good for your body and mind.
DO YOUR BIT
FOR NATURE
We've made it easy for you to find small ways to make a big difference.
Weekend conservationist, one-off helper or first-timer. Nature needs all kinds of help. Get naturing the way you want to.
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS
GET NATURING IDEAS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
BUSINESSES CAN BE NATURING TOO
Team volunteer days, collaborating, investing in nature and learning how your business relies on nature. There are loads of ways to give nature a boost from your workplace.
NATURING HAS AN IMPACT
Every action adds up and helps support the nature that we all rely on. Check out how nature responds when we act.
GIVE BACK TO NATURE FROM THE COUCH
It doesn’t take long to make a difference to a nature project or species that needs urgent support.
NEW ZEALAND: POPULATION 695 BILLION*
We count on nature. So … we counted the things that count. All 695 billion* of them.
(*ish)
Always Be Naturing is an initiative from the Department of Conservation.