Arekatera Turia out walking
Image: Kim Turia | DOC

Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication. 

Introduction

There is still time for primary schools, community groups and early childhood centres to make a difference to their local environment through the Habitat Heroes competition.

Date:  25 August 2017

DOC’s national competition, now in its third year, asks students to investigate the health of their local environment and come up with ideas about how they could make it better.

DOC’s Outreach and Education Manager Anita Anderson says the aim is to spark a love for conservation in children.

“It could be getting out and exploring a local stream, checking for wildlife, clearing rubbish and then coming up with a plan to improve the area so that our native birds and wildlife can thrive,” she says.

DOC has made it easy for teachers to link conservation activities with the school curriculum, with lots of resources for them to download and use.

 “We know many schools and kindergartens are already teaching their children about conservation and have projects underway. They can join the competition too and be in for a chance to win prizes to keep their conservation work going.”

The competition runs until 29 September and the winners will be celebrated during Conservation Week 14-22 October.

“Conservation Week this year is all about loving your backyard and taking action to make Aotearoa a better place, so this competition is a perfect fit”, Anita Anderson says. 

These school children become our conservation champions for the future because they become passionate about protecting their local conservation areas.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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