Date:  13 September 2018

Conservation Week this year is calling out to people to connect with nature and give our native species and natural landscapes a much-needed helping hand.  New Zealand’s native wildlife is in crisis with more than 4,000 of our species threatened or at risk. It’s not just well-known species like kākāpō and kea under threat but also fungi, snails, plants lizards, insects and fish.

Running from 15-23 September, DOC is encouraging people to get involved in the myriad of conservation related activities on offer during Conservation Week and discover first-hand how connecting to nature is good for the environment and people.

The ‘conservation call out’ also happens to take place during early Spring when the birds themselves are singing for their supper and searching for that special feathered friend.

Te Anau Primary has taken up the call, with the whole school dedicating the week to getting out into nature. Each day a class will be heading onto the Kepler Track with DOC rangers to explore and learn about conservation in Fiordland.

“It’s amazing to have the whole school involved in Conservation Week,” says Sarah Afriyie-Agyemang, DOC Community Ranger. “This year we wanted it to be all about the schools and the support from the teachers has meant the students are going to be doing in a range of fun activities all week including meeting local conservation dog Oska.”

It’s not only Te Anau Primary getting behind this year’s theme. Fiordland Kindergarten are welcoming friends and whanau to join their Nature Discovery programme on Monday 17^th and Wednesday 19^th from 8.45am. Classes at Mararoa School will be learning about biosecurity.

DOC is also sponsoring the NZ Mountain Film Festival organised by Fiordland College. Funds raised from the screenings will go towards Fiordland College Outdoor Education.  There will also be an evening event for local community groups to gather and celebrate their conservation efforts.

 “The Fiordland community has been supporting conservation for many years, so hopefully this week we will be able to inspire the next generation to take up the call on behalf of New Zealand’s native wildlife”

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