Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Date: 30 August 2018
There will be a series of events and activities for people of all ages taking place in Taupō, Tūrangi and surrounding areas aimed at learning how, and acting, to help turn around the loss of our unique biodiversity. These will include native planting days, trap and tracking tunnel building, conservation-related arts and crafts and litter pick up days.
New Zealand’s native wildlife is still in crisis with more than 4,000 of our species threatened or at risk. It’s not just well-known species like kiwi and whio under threat but also fungi, snails, plants lizards, insects and fish.
The biggest threat to our plants and wildlife is from introduced predators like rats, stoats and possums. Getting rid of predators is an important first step. People can help by setting traps on their properties or joining a local predator trapping group such as Predator Free Taupo. Together we can help New Zealand to achieve its Predator Free 2050 goal.
Planting native species, protecting wetland habitats, and getting rid of weeds are other actions people can take to help turn the tide for our taonga species.
Connect with nature this Conservation Week by joining in one of the activities taking place in our area. DOC, Taupō for Tomorrow, Taupō District Council, and local conservation community groups: Project Tongariro, Greening Taupō and Predator Free Taupō are all pitching in to help run these events. It’s a chance to learn more about New Zealand’s wonderful, unique native species and how we can help.
Read more about Conservation Week.
Contact
Renee Pōtae, Community Ranger
Phone: +64 7 376 0072
Email: rpotae@doc.govt.nz