Conservation Week saves 4,000 native plants and animals

September 2022 kicked off to a great start, with thousands of people across New Zealand taking part in this year’s Conservation Week. September 5 to 11 was dedicated to saving our 4,000 native plants and animals that are currently threatened or at risk. Events and activities including beach clean-ups, community planting, eco-safari tours, pest control seminars and educational tramps were held across our country, as well as thousands of dollars being raised for multiple conservation programmes.

“I often volunteer with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and it has been so great to see so many people jumping on board and getting involved with our conservation events this week,” says volunteer Rochelle Foster.

Conservation Week was first launched in 1969 by the Scout Association with the aim of promoting the importance of wildlife and encouraging people to take a greater interest in protecting it. It was later taken over by DOC when it was formed in 1987, and has since worked with other groups, businesses, councils and agencies to promote and enhance this national event.

Director-General of DOC, Penny Nelson, says that taking direct action not only benefits nature, but our personal wellbeing.

“This Conservation Week has focused on how we can act for nature, and especially how we can get our young people excited about acting in nature’s best interest,” says Penny. “Whether you are in the city or the country, there’s always something you can do to help, from beach clean-ups to volunteering your time with a local community group.”

Conservation Week is not only limited to one week, however. DOC encourages everyone to get out and take action for our environment whenever they can.

Taking action looks like becoming a DOC volunteer, growing a native pot plant, picking up rubbish, supporting citizen science online, making a donation or simply educating yourself about our natural environment.

Foster says, “Every year Conservation Week seems to get bigger and better, and it is wonderful to see. I hope we can continue to raise the standards each year and push for bigger environmental efforts not only for this one week, but all year round.”

To find out more about Conservation week, head to the Department of Conservation website: www.doc.govt.nz