DOC and Community Groups working together this Conservation Week

Date:  09 September 2010

Conservation Week begins on Sunday and this year Department of Conservation (DOC) and community groups have organised a wide variety of events in the Gisborne Whakatane Area.

Conservation Week is about encouraging New Zealanders to show how much they love this country by learning, supporting and enjoying our natural and historic heritage says Ranger, Community Relations Trudi Ngawhare.

“We love you New Zealand is the theme this year, with an interactive website where you can share photos, find out about local events, watch videos and meet some of the stars of conservation. A new feature is a web-link for schools where students can blog with Ruud “the bug man” Kleinpaste, ask questions and find out why bugs rule the world! TVNZ6 will also be screening conservation programmes.”

“From exploring native forests, community planting and a colouring-in competition community groups have been really creative in their thinking with organising events. It is thanks to the support from these community groups that we have been able to develop such a programme.” says Ms Ngawhare.

Whakatane locals can join a Trip to Whirinaki this Sunday to see native forest and birdlife. In Opotiki the following week the Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group will be checking trap lines in the Waiotane Reserve.

Events in Gisborne include three youth environmental films at the Dome Cinema, Sistersons Lagoon Soiree guided stroll through the wetland, community streamside planting, Keep Gisborne Beautiful beach clean-up and conference. Residents in Ruatoria and Tokomaru Bay can also join DOC school walks through native bush reserves at Kia Ora Station and Busbys Hill Native Bush Reserves.

DOC staff will also be involved in conservation week programmes with schools in the Gisborne and Eastern Bay of Plenty Area.

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