Activities connect with nature in Conservation Week

This year’s Conservation Week encourages Kiwis to connect and interact with nature for their wellbeing.

Conservation Week, which started on Saturday, will run with Covidrelated changes until September 12 and Northlanders are asked to join an amateur photo competition as part of the week.

“Our personal wellbeing and nature’s wellbeing are interconnected,” Bronwyn BauerHunt, Department of Conservation Pe¯ whairangi/Bay of Islands operations manager, said.

“Our health and wellbeing are strengthened when we connect with nature.”

To celebrate this year’s Conservation Week theme “Take a moment for Nature”, DoC is running the photo competition for Northlanders who are asked to capture lockdown in their backyard.

There are three sub-themes; nature in your backyard, nature close-up and people in nature in three age groups (19 years and older, 13-18 years and 12 and under). Contact conservationweeknniregional@doc. govt.nz for entry details.

Conservation Week is also a time to celebrate conservation success and all the people who have contributed to the protection and enhancement of nature.

DoC Bay of Islands ranger Missy Heke said DoC would love recognise people’s efforts.

“So, if you know someone doing the mahi now, or who has done so in the past, contact me on dheke@doc.govt.nz for nomination details.”

For further information, visit doc. govt.nz/news/events/conservationweek/.