Bring your Wild Things out into nature

Is your family lacking ‘Vitamin N’? Ten iconic Wellington region ‘N’ature attractions have launched a summer campaign to encourage families to get out together into nature this summer to enjoy more green time and less screen time.

Evidence shows that children who spend time in nature show up to a 28% reduction in stress levels, while nature play can increase a child’s negotiation, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. One study showed participants scored 50% better in creativity tests after spending time in nature away from smart phones and laptops.1

The 'Wellington Wild Things' campaign sees Nature Connections partners Wellington Zoo, Zealandia, Nga Manu, Pukaha Mount Bruce, Staglands, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Kaitoke Regional Park, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Matiu/Somes Island and Wellington Botanic Garden working together to inspire Wellington families to enjoy the natural riches the region has to offer.

'Wellington Wild Things' is an integrated video, print, online and social media project. 'Wild Things' have been placed in a mystery location at each partner site. Families are encouraged to get outdoors, 'collect' their Wild Things (with a camera) and post their their best 'wild face' to #wellingtonwildthings to be in to win.

Amy Hughes, General Manager Community Engagement at Wellington Zoo, says, “We are excited to be a part of Wellington Wild Things with so many other great places. We all want to encourage Wellingtonians to get out and about and enjoy the amazing nature attractions we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep. Having families enjoy the outdoors together is a great way to encourage less screen time and more natural play. Nothing beats the experience of nature to get your Wild Things out, let them burn some energy, and have fun!”

The campaign runs until the end of April 2016.

Find out more and watch the video at www.wellinngtonwildthings.com<http://www.wellinngtonwildthings.com/> or www.facebook.com/wellingtonwildthings<http://www.facebook.com/wellingtonwildthings>

About the campaign

Wellington Wild Things is powered by Nature Connections, with funding from Wellington Amenities Fund.

The campaign was created by Nature Connections in conjunction with Wellington agencies StoryBox, Special Ad Service and Tailgunner.

About the project

Nature Connections is an innovative Wellington Amenities Fund supported project connecting ten Wellington eco-organisations with the aim to create a seamless visitor experience unique to the region.

The group includes lead partners Wellington Zoo and Zealandia, as well as Nga Manu Nature Reserve, Pukaha Mt Bruce, Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Kaitoke Regional Park, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Matiu/Somes Island and Wellington Botanic Garden.

The project promotes stronger connections between the partner organisations and celebrates Wellington's inspiring nature stories.

For more information visit www.natureconnections.org.nz<http://www.natureconnections.org.nz/>

ENDS

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