Conservation national events
Wherever you are in the country, get involved in these annual events.

February

World Wetlands Day

2 February each year

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. This is an international date with a different theme set each year by the Ramsar Secretariat.

Seaweek

28 February - 8 March 2026

Seaweek - Kaupapa Moana - is New Zealand’s national week celebrating the sea. It's hosted by the NZ Assocation for Environmental Education. Seaweek events are held around New Zealand. 

March

Whio Awareness Month

Whio Awareness Month promotes awareness of this iconic duck.

World Wildlife Day

3 March each year

World Wildlife Day is a global celebration of wildlife and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

April

Conservation Week

20-26 April 2026

Conservation Week is run by DOC each year to raise awareness of the benefits of conservation and encourage people to get involved.

May

International Day for Biological Diversity

22 May

United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity increases understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

June

Arbor Day

5 June each year

Arbor Day inspires people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

World Environment Day

5 June each year

World Environment Day is an international United Nations event that creates awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action.

National Volunteer Week

June each year

National Volunteer Week is New Zealand's largest celebration of volunteering. Volunteer for conservation and become part of an active community.

Annual garden bird survey

The annual garden bird survey is a citizen science project established to monitor the population trends of common garden birds in New Zealand.

July

World Ranger Day

31 July each year

World Ranger Day is a chance to celebrate our hard-working rangers, and remember former rangers.

October

Mental Health Awareness Week

12-18 October 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week connects people with nature which is good for mental health and wellbeing. 

Save the Kiwi Week

Save the Kiwi urges all New Zealanders to join the fight to save our national icon.