Date:  28 August 2019

This year in Taranaki we are reflecting on the amazing local groups and people who have saved species, restored habitats and inspired the next 50 years of protecting our native taonga.

Conservation Week runs from 14-22 September. With the theme Nature Needs Us, DOC in Taranaki will celebrate some local legends in the third Annual 'Legends of Conservation' Adventure Race.

The race, based at Pukeiti Gardens, is a chance for families or school teams to race around the garden and rainforest tracks. Racers will find checkpoints and meet local conservation ‘legends’ along the way.

DOC Community Ranger Ellen Squire said the adventure race is an opportunity for the general public to meet those who are on the ground carrying out valuable conservation work. ‘

There is a lot of exciting conservation work going on in Taranaki at the moment. The race will teach participants about conservation and the people behind it’.

Participants can meet a range of people including whio conservation dogs and their handlers, hunters, marine experts and community groups such as Rotokare Trust, Taranaki Kiwi Trust and Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society.

The event is aimed at mainly primary and intermediate children and their adult helpers. Last year around 150 people took part.

It’s great to see people out and about in nature and meeting some of the conservation legends we are so lucky to have in Taranaki.

DOC is encouraging people to get involved in conservation-related activities throughout Conservation Week to learn more about New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and what people can do to help.

As well as the adventure race there are opportunities to learn about marine species, check out Moturoa School’s native plant propagation unit, watch environmental-themed films at Govett-Brewster, and learn about conservation in the city with NPDC.

Anyone keen to take part in the race must register on the Eventfinder Annual Adventure Race event page.

For more information on upcoming Conservation Week events in Taranaki check out www.conservationweek.org.nz

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