1. The promoter of the 'Whio Awareness Week 2026 competition' is Whio Forever, Genesis Energy and the Department of Conservation. Whio Forever can be contacted in relation to this competition by email at any time at whioforevernz@gmail.com.
2. This competition consists of five winning categories that includes one main prize package and four smaller prize packs.
3. The competition is open to legal residents of New Zealand only.
   To claim the main prize, at least one trip attendee must be over 18 years of age.

Competition entries

4. The competition will open 11 March 2026 and close 11:59 pm 1 April 2026.
5. All submissions must be received by 11:59 pm 1 April 2026. Entries received after this closing date will not be considered.
6. Five prizes will be given out. All will be chosen at random selection from all eligible entries submitted.
7. The competition organiser from Whio Forever will do a random draw for each of the five prize winners, check that the winner selected is valid, and then notify the winners.
8. Valid competition entry criteria is as follows;
   
   1. Participants must pledge, in writing, an action from the options listed on competition landing page.
   2. Full name and contact details (phone and email) must be provided.
   3. The Department of Conservation, Genesis Energy and Whio Forever staff are not eligible to enter. Immediate family members of an employee of the Department of Conservation, Genesis Energy or Whio Forever are also ineligible to enter.
9. The winners will be drawn by the 10 April 2026 (after the competition has closed on 1 April 2026).
10. The winners for each prize will be contacted by a Whio Forever representative to confirm their details for receiving the prize (this may include requesting their postal address for shipping).
11. Decisions of the judges are final on all matters relating to this promotion.

Spot prize packs

12. All prizes can be shipped anywhere within New Zealand only.
13. There will only be four prize packs to be won (one pack per winner). Each pack will include a Whio Forever hat, whio soft toy, book 'Whetu the little blue duck' by Jennifer Beck, and framed whio photo print.
    The prize will be shipped to the winner within two weeks following the winner announcement and confirmation of the winner's postal address.
    This prize is not sponsored. 
14. Prizes cannot be exchanged or redeemed for the cash equivalent.

Ultimate prize package

15. There is one main prize package available for one winner and an accompanying person.
16. This prize must be redeemed by a legal resident of New Zealand with one person to be over 18 years of age.
17. The prize bookings will be in the prize winner's name supplied at the time of entry. The winner will need to supply the name of the accompanying person when contacted by Whio Forever. All prize bookings will be completed by Whio Forever representative except for the rafting where a voucher will be issued instead.
18. This prize must be redeemed and travel booked within one week of contacting the winner. The travel period must be before 30 June 2026. If the main prize winner is unable to book travel within this timeframe, they will forfeit the prize, and another prize winner will be randomly selected.
19. The prize does not include any food provisions. Items not provided include, but are not limited to, clothing, equipment, and food. Other personal effects and expenses are the responsibility of the prize winner. The winner must ensure that they have full provisions outside of the prize package before undertaking travel.
20. The prize package includes flights for two people from a New Zealand airport where Air New Zealand operate to Taupo. Winners will need to organise their own transport to and from their airport. Prize winners are subject to all terms and conditions as stated on Air New Zealand's website while travelling. Whio Forever is not responsible for any delays or cancellations by Air New Zealand or missed flights by the prize winner. This prize is not sponsored or associated with Air New Zealand.
21. The prize package includes use of a rental car for three days plus a $50 fuel voucher. Hire period will align with flight times. Car and hire company are subject to availability at the time of booking. Prize winner is subject to all terms and conditions as stated by the hire car company and in the hire contract. Whio Forever is not responsible for any extra costs (including fuel, parking fees, infringements, fines, tickets or cleaning) or damage caused by the prize winner. The prize winner or person accompanying them must be over the age of 18, have a full driver's licence and be legally allowed to drive in New Zealand. This prize is not sponsored or associated with the hire car company.
22. The prize package includes two nights accommodation for two people in Tūrangi. Dates will align with flight times. Accommodation provider is subject to availability at the time of booking but will include linen and private bathroom. Prize winner is subject to all terms and conditions as stated by the accommodation provider. Whio Forever is not responsible for any extra costs (including cleaning or other fees) or damage caused by the prize winner. This prize is not sponsored or associated with the accommodation provider.
23. The prize package includes a white-water rafting trip sponsored by Tongariro River Rafting (TRR). Grading and length of the rafting trip will be determined with the prize winner at the time of booking to ensure both trip participants meet TRR's requirements. All information on what gear is provided, risks and hazards, health and safety, FAQs, and certifications is stated on TRR website. Whio Forever will provide the gift certificate and the prize winner must contact TRR directly to book the trip themselves and sign any waivers. Whio Forever is not responsible for anything relating to this element of the prize once the voucher is received by prize winner.
24. The prize package includes a 1–2 hr walk along the Tongariro River guided by a local Department of Conservation (DOC) staff member to go whio spotting. Timing for this walk is subject to the staff member and prize winner's availability as well as safe weather conditions during the trip. Health and safety for this walk will be managed by DOC. Prize winner and person accompanying them must have suitable fitness to go on a 1–2 hr walk, wear suitable walking footwear and bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
25. Prizes cannot be exchanged or redeemed for the cash equivalent.

Content

26. Any valid photo or video content submitted as evidence of completing an action pledged will qualify for an extra competition entry. Valid content is as follows:
    
    1. Photo or video content submitted matches the action the entrant pledged to do.
    2. Content is submitted via email to whioforevernz@gmail.com and includes name, email address and phone number to match their email submission with their competition entry.
27. All entrants who submit photo or video content are granting permission for their photo or video to be used in any medium or form of distribution, including but not limited to: the Whio Forever web pages, social media channels, brochures, posters and other printed material for the purposes of promoting the Whio Forever Recovery Programme, naturing actions people can take for whio, and the competition.
28. Entrants will not receive any payment if Whio Forever decides to use your photo or video, however you will always receive credit/acknowledgement whenever your content is used. This will occur either in content credit, caption, link or acknowledgement within the publication.
29. By entering this competition, each entrant warrants that their entry is original and that their submission does not or will not infringe any third party's intellectual property.
30. Entrants indemnify and hold harmless both the Director-General and Minister of Conservation against all claims brought by any third party claiming breach of copyright or privacy breach in the photo or video.

'Nominate a community group to win' action

31. Only valid community group nominations for the '$1,000 towards traps and supplies for a community group' will be considered. Valid nominations criteria is a valid competition entry (see number 8 clauses) and must be nominating a legitimate community group. Whichever community group has the most valid nominations will receive the prize.
32. The winning community group will be contacted by a Whio Forever representative to confirm their details for receiving the prize (this may include requesting their postal address for shipping and what traps or supplies they need).

Disclaimers

33. The promoters reserve the right to terminate or change the competition or any of the prize components at any time without notice.
34. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned (due to any cause beyond control of the competition organisers which corrupts or affects the administration security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this promotion), the promotion may be abandoned or postponed at the discretion of the promotor. The organisers do not accept any responsibility for such an event.
35. The organiser and their associated agencies and companies shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered (including but not limited to indirect consequential loss), or for person injury suffered or sustained, as a result of participating in this promotion except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
36. All information entered for this competition will be held securely by Whio Forever and used for the purpose of administering this competition. All personal information collected will be deleted once the competition has closed and winner's have been notified.
37. Entry into this competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions. The competition and these terms and conditions are governed by New Zealand law.
38. This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram.