Date:  16 June 2016

Volunteers at Whareroa Farm

National Volunteer Week, 19 – 25 June, is an occasion to celebrate people of all ages making time in their busy lives to volunteer and help protect New Zealand’s natural heritage. –

“National Volunteer Week is a great chance to say thank you to the conservation leaders of our community,” says Rob Stone, DOC Kapiti Wellington District Operations Manager. “This week is about celebrating their efforts and encouraging others to explore volunteering opportunities in your area.” 

Over 1.6 million native species have been planted in New Zealand by community restoration groups, according the information provided by groups on Nature Space, a website dedicated to groups and individuals undertaking ecological restoration projects in New Zealand. 

“Our nature will thrive when we work together to conserve our unique environment. It’s great to see people committing time towards achieving positive conservation outcomes,” says Matt Barnett, DOC Kapiti Wellington Community Senior Ranger. “They certainly deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.”

Volunteering doesn’t need to take a lot of time – it could be as simple as planting a native tree, pulling out pesky weeds or picking up rubbish on the beach. 

It’s easy to volunteer and it’s a great opportunity to support your local community. There are many community groups within the Wellington Region that are involved in conservation projects. These groups welcome new members or even just a few hours support. Through volunteering, you can get to meet people and go places that you wouldn’t otherwise have done. 

Find out how to volunteer for conservation on http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/ or www.naturespace.org.nz

Background information

National Volunteer Week is a national campaign coordinated by Volunteering NZ in June each year to recognise, celebrate and encourage New Zealand’s volunteers. The 2016 campaign from 19-25 June is a call to action. “Lack of time is the most commonly cited reason why people don’t volunteer....for volunteering to flourish, and the various benefits of volunteering to be realised, people are increasingly going to need to make time now and in the future”

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