Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Date: 11 October 2017
Conservation Week runs from 14-22 October and the DOC is asking people to convert their love of nature into action.
“New Zealanders love getting outdoors and enjoying nature - this Conservation Week is about making people aware of how easy it is for them to get involved in conservation,” says Jack Mace, Operations Manager for DOC Kapiti Wellington.
“There are nearly twenty Conservation Week events across Wellington - from free kids’ entry and workshops at ZEALANDIA, to Wellington City Council’s Pest Feast, to a long weekend of events at Wellington Zoo - there is something for everyone.”
“We want to show people that conservation starts in your own backyard, parks, reserves and marine areas. Even small actions like setting a rat trap or pulling weeds can make a big difference towards large-scale national visions like Predator-free 2050 and the War on Weeds,” says Jack.
Other ways to participate in Conservation Week activities include entering the “love my backyard” photo competition, earning a Toyota Kiwi Guardians medal, or playing the Whio Bootcamp Challenge game, supported by Genesis.
Check out all the Conservation Week activities at www.conservationweek.org.nz for more ideas on how to get involved.
Wellington event highlights
Pest Feast: 15 and 22 October, 8 am - 2 pm
Make a meal of goat, venison, wild fennel and other invasive pests. Learn about pest control and invasive plants. Pick up a free rat trap. Free event, excluding food stalls. Harbourside Market, Cable Street
Weeds Wipeout!: 15 October, 10 am - 2 pm
Learn about weeds, and help Gardens staff remove some from our collection. Free event. Wellington Botanic Garden, meet at the white gates, upper Glenmore Street
Win with Weeds: 18 October, 12 pm – 2 pm
Not all green is good! If you can spot the difference between a weed and a native then you will win a native plant. Free event. Bond Street
Backyard Trapping Workshop: 18 October, 7 pm - 8.30 pm
Learn about safe and effective backyard trapping with a DOC ranger and get a free rat trap. Free event. Register online. ZEALANDIA
Working Towards a Predator Free Wellington: 19 October, 12 - 1 pm
Hear about Predator Free Wellington's vision to be the first capital city in the world that is free of rats, stoats and possums. Free event. City Gallery
Love My Backyard at Wellington Zoo: 21 –23 October, 9.30 am - 5 pm
Discover how we care for native animals that live in our backyards. Entry fees apply. Wellington Zoo, Daniell Street