Date:  05 October 2017

Conservation Week runs from 14-22 October and the 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; this Conservation Week theme is about making people aware of how easy it is for them to become involved in conservation,” says Nicole Sutton, Senior Ranger Community for DOC Manawatu. 

“We want to show people that conservation can be done in your own backyard, 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 backyard,” says Nicole.  

“It’s gaining momentum here in the Manawatu, as more people band together to make their own neighbourhoods predator free. Local councils, schools and community groups are already involved, so you can join an existing project or start your own.” 

Conservation Week events are a great way to connect with local initiatives. A list of Manawatu Conservation Week events is below, but that’s just a taste of the action. 

These days, Conservation Week is a real collaboration between DOC and our partners, with local communities also playing a huge part,” says Nicole. 

DOC’s partners are also getting 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. 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. 

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

Local Manawatu events include:

• ‘Plant a tree - get a tree’ War on Weeds event
  Enjoy a BBQ, music, children’s activities, tree planting and weed identification with Horizons Regional Council, Palmerston North City Council, Rangitane O Manawatu, the Kiwi Conservation Club and DOC
  Saturday 14 October 2017, 10 am – 12.30 pm
  Waitoetoe Park (end of Maxwells Line), Palmerston North
• Welcome back to the Waders
  Join members of the Manawatu Estuary Trust to spot birds on the estuary and hear about the amazing journeys
  Saturday 21 October 2017, 11 am – 12 pm
  Robbie St, Foxton Beach

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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