Date:  20 August 2019

The competition is an initiative by the Department of Conservation (DOC) on the West Coast to celebrate 50 years of Conservation Week, which runs from 14-22 September.

Hokitika based Community Ranger Celine Stokowski says any child between 5 and 18 years that resides on the West Coast can enter by sharing their nature story through written word, photos, video, artwork or a combination.

“We want to give West Coast kids a creative way to build on a tradition of five decades of nature stories, share how they view the future of conservation and reward them for their efforts with fun prizes. Nature stories should include a memorable experience the child has had in New Zealand nature and details of what they will do in the next 12 months to help New Zealand nature.”

Entries will be judged, with main and runner-up winners across three age categories announced at a special event.

Prize packages include conservation-based experiences such as a visit by a Conservation Dog to the winner’s school, participation in a Whio (Blue Duck) release, and family huts passes to bike or hike New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Local businesses and organisations have also sponsored additional prizes.

Entries close 31 August 2019 and can be sent to NatureStory@doc.govt.nz or dropped off at the Hokitika DOC office.

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