Conservation Week in Wellington

Conservation Week is 1-9 November 2014. This year’s theme is “discover the world where you live”. This is about encouraging New Zealanders to explore their ‘local treasures’ – the scenic reserves, tracks, campsites, forests, wetlands, and marine reserves on their doorstep.

We encourage you to be part of Conservation Week—whether it’s putting up a weta motel, doing a project in the workplace, or attending an event with your family. You can find heaps of information, details on local events, and children’s activities on the Conservation Week website: www.conservationweek.org.nz.

Here are some exciting events planned for the Wellington region:

• Rimutaka Forest Park Open Day

You’re invited to join the outdoor festivities at Rimutaka Forest Park. There will be tons of fun activities going on throughout the day, ranging from live music to painting eggs for stoat traps.

We will also be launching the highly-anticipated Wellington Kiwi Ranger! This is a free interactive programme offered to kids of all ages encouraging kids to get out and explore nature.

All you have to do is pick-up the free booklet provided, complete the activities, and earn your official Kiwi Ranger Badge. The designer of the Kiwi Ranger programme will be there to answer any questions.

This free event will include: a free sausage sizzle, live music and entertainment, kiwi Ranger launch, seed collecting and plant activities, specially trained kiwi dog demo, kiwi crafts, a visit from Rimu the kiwi, tracking kiwi game, talk on freshwater critters

When: Sunday 2 November from 10am-2pm

Where: Catchpool Centre, Rimutaka Forest Park, Wainuiomata

Cost: Free

• Family Pest-Fest

Come explore Pest-Fest, a free event dedicated to providing information about New Zealand’s pest plant and animals. Join us for a fun-filled day of games and activities for the entire family.

There are tons of opportunities to collect free stuff, play interactive games, find out about current conservation projects around Wellington, learn how trap pests in your own backyard, and get involved with local community groups. Kids can even fill out their very own 'pest-port' with stickers from each booth and go into a prize draw every hour.

*If you bring in a pest plant, you will receive a free native plant.

With 20 agencies involved, Pest-Fest will be a spectacular display of collaboration. Last year, Pest-Fest attracted over 350 participants so we’re aiming for an even larger crowd this year! It will be the closing event for Conservation Week in Wellington so come show your support!

When: Sunday 9 November from 9am-3pm

Where: Waitangi Park, Wellington Central

Cost: Free

• Free Screening of Hallowed Isles

Chatham Island Heritage and Restoration Trust and DOC present: Hallowed Isles - Chatham Archipelago.

Hallowed Isles is an extraordinary film that explores our use and misuse of nature as we search for new ways to sustain ourselves. It tells the stories of some unlikely conservationists, told by the local community from the Chatham Islands. Isolation drives innovation, and these forces forge a relationship between man and the environment that transcends social and political preconceptions of what it is to be a conservationist.

James Reardon, the producer of Hallowed Isles, will be giving a brief background on his experience and concepts behind the film at the screening on Tuesday.

*This film is not due for release yet but we will be offering two screenings in Wellington for Conservation Week 2014. This film is produced by James Reardon and Luke Padgett of Last Planted Limited ®

When: Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 November at 6:30pm

Where: Lighthouse Cinema on Cuba Street

Cost: Free but must RSVP (limited seats)

RSVP: Amy Brasch at abrasch@doc.govt.nz

• Explore the nightlife of Paekakariki Stream

Most of New Zealand native fish species are nocturnal and night time is a perfect time to meet them. Come join Professor Mike Joy, local Whitebait Connection coordinators, and the Friends of Paekakariki Stream for a tour of our local stream.

This event is free but you must RSVP. Places are limited so please contact Zoe Studd at zoe.studd@gmail.com with the names/ages and a contact phone number for your party. The trip is weather dependent and postponement will be advised by 5pm.

When: Friday 7 November at 7:45pm

Where: Gates of Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki

Cost: Free but must RSVP

RSVP: Zoe Studd at zoe.studd@gmail.com

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