Date:  11 July 2017

Toyota Kiwi Guardians is an activity based programme helping kids connect with nature at little to no cost.

Kids can complete actions, adventures or explorations – they can choose from a wide range on the Kiwi Guardians website – and when they have completed a task, they can claim a medal online which is then posted out.

This July, the Tongariro National Trout Centre and Lake Rotopounamu are joining over 60 other Toyota Kiwi Guardian adventure sites around the country.

Join us at the Trout Centre on the 16^th of July for a fun-filled launch day, then experience the Lake Rotopounamu launch on the 20^th of July. This is a great way to earn two medals in one week!

DOC educator Krysia Nowak is looking forward to the Kiwi Guardian sites around Lake Taupō.

“The Central Plateau area has so much to offer and we’re eager to add Toyota Kiwi Guardian sites for locals and holiday-makers to enjoy”.

Kiri Te Wano from Project Tongariro is also excited about the new sites.

“We are thrilled to be working alongside DOC and Toyota on a programme that encourages young kiwis to come and explore Lake Rotopounamu”.

New Zealanders are increasingly living sedentary lives and spending more time in front of screens – so our future generations’ connection to nature is under threat. Toyota Kiwi Guardians enables parents to give their tamariki hands-on nature experiences in a fun and interactive way.

Media and the public are encouraged to attend.

Event details

The Tongariro National Trout Centre

Date: 16 July 2017
Time: 11am - 3pm
Activities: Self-tour with our nature map, find critters in the Tongariro River, flex your skills at the weed warrior station, and learn more about our taonga whio.

Lake Rotopounamu

Date: 20 July 2017
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Activities: Self-tour with our nature map, and explore the beautiful bush loop track around the lake.  Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on Long Beach.

How the programme works

There are three options:

1. Adventures: go on epic guided adventures at local parks or reserves and track down a Guardians Post to locate a secret code word. Each site has its own adventure map to guide your journey.
2. Actions: complete tasks in your own backyard, eg: build a Wētā Motel or track your cat
3. Exploring certain events, like Seaweek or Conservation Week

• You can find a list of Actions To Do and a map of Adventure sites online
• When kids have completed a task, they can visit and claim a medal online
• Show us your snaps on social media using #kiwiguardians or by visiting the Kiwi Guardians Facebook page

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