Conservation Week is run by Department of Coservation (DOC) to encourage people to get involved in nature and help to take care of it. It’s a nationwide celebration of kiwis pitching in to help our native plants and animals.
This year conservation week is aiming to raise awareness of the biodiversity crisis that New Zealand is facing with more than 4,000 of our species threatened or at risk, and what we can all do to help. DOC says "The species at risk include those that people know, like the Māui dolphin, and those that aren’t well known including fungi, snails, insects, lizards and fish. All of these species are part of what makes New Zealand unique. When we lose a species, we lose part of ourselves".
Thousands of New Zealanders are already involved in conservation activities. DOC says "When we pull together we can make a big difference".
DOC and other conservation groups are organising events around the country, these provide opportunities to join in, get active and show your love for our nature. They also showcase our special species and the things we can do help conserve them.
What Can We All Do?
- Check out your local Conservation Week events
- Do a conservation activity with your friends and/or family
- Donate to an existing conservation programme
