24 March 2016

Over 5,000 Wellington families get behind social media project encouraging kids to spend more time in nature

A Wellington social media, video and web campaign encouraging families to get out in nature to spend time in ten Wellington nature reserves and parks, has seen over 5,000 families join in the campaign so far.

The initiative named ‘Wellington Wild Things’ sees ten ‘Wild Things’ placed in mystery locations at each participating site. Families are encouraged to get outdoors, find and take a picture with the Wild Things and post their best 'wild face' to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #wellingtonwildthings to be in to win prizes.

According to Lead Ranger, Visitor Experience & Interpretation at Zealandia Julia Scott, “The initiative has captured people’s attention and encouraged them in a fun way to get out and see all the amazing animal and nature reserves and parks we have in Wellington. It’s been a great success so far and we’ve had lot’s of positive feedback about how people have discovered new places on their doorstep that they didn’t know existed.”

The ten animal and nature reserves taking part in the campaign are Zealandia and Wellington Zoo, 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 campaign, which now has over 5,400 followers on its Facebook page, lists ideas for parents to get their kids into nature. Hundreds of families have also posted pictures with the ‘Wellington Wild Things’ to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

With school holidays approaching, it is hoped that more families will get behind the project. Scott adds, “The school holidays are a great opportunity for families to connect with nature. It’s all about tapping into a child’s imagination and hunger for discovery. The campaign has been a great reminder for parents that animal and nature reserves are a great place to spend time as a family.”

The campaign runs until the 30 April 2016.

Find out more and watch the video at www.wellingtonwildthings.com or www.facebook.com/wellingtonwildthings

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