Love your Rotorua backyard and make a difference this Conservation Week

Date:  12 October 2017

Conservation Week runs from 14-22 October and this year DOC is trying to get people to convert their love of nature into action.

“We know that the vast majority of New Zealanders (85%*) rate conservation as important to them personally, yet only about one in ten have actively helped on a conservation project,” says DOC Ranger Catherine Noble.

“We want to show people that conservation can be done in back yards, gardens, parks and marine areas. Even small actions make a big difference.

“Our predator-free vision of ridding the country of rats, stoats and possums by 2050 starts in your own back yard. It’s great to see momentum gathering as more and more communities band together to make their own areas predator free.

“Getting out and taking care of our nature also has the added benefit of improving health and wellbeing, so it’s win-win,” says Catherine.

A great way for the family and whānau to explore nature is to head out for a walk and earn a Toyota Kiwi Guardian medal at the same time.

The Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme connects kids with nature and rewards them with medals. Conservation Week marks the launch of our new waterways clean-up medal, Toa Tiaki Wai.

“Rotorua is lucky enough to have a Toyota Kiwi Guardian adventure site at Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. Kids can explore the trail and learn about the history and stories as they follow the Okere River as it cascades between narrow, steep ravines to enter the tranquil waters of Trout Pool.

“It’s great to see DOC’s partners also getting involved in Conservation Week. This includes Genesis, which is encouraging kids to take part in a national competition with its ‘Whio Boot Camp’ online game. As well as being fun, the game teaches players how a whio lives in the wild, eating, running rapids and hopefully avoiding predators,” says Catherine.

Check out www.conservationweek.org.nz for ideas.

Background information 

• DOC’s partners also get involved in Conservation Week. This includes Genesis, who are encouraging kids to take part in a national competition with its Whio Boot Camp online game. As well as being fun, the game teaches players how a whio lives in the wild, eating, running rapids and hopefully avoiding predators.

• Toyota New Zealand are also getting involved. Our Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme connects kids with nature and rewards them with medals. Conservation Week marks the launch of our new waterways clean-up medal, Toa Tiaki Wai.

• *Engagement figures come from the Survey of New Zealanders 2016.

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