Conservation Week beckons across Manawatu

Date:  13 September 2018

With the theme ‘Conservation Week is Calling,’ DOC is encouraging people to get involved in conservation related activities during the week (15-23 September) and find out how they can help turn around the loss of our unique biodiversity.

Allanah Irvine, Operations Manager DOC Manawatu, says conservation of our national taonga is our collective right and responsibility. “We need to act now, or we could lose wonderful, unique native species. When we lose them we lose a part of what makes New Zealand special.”

New Zealand’s native wildlife is in crisis with more than 4,000 of our species threatened or at risk. It’s not just well-known species like kākāpō and kea under threat but also fungi, snails, plants, lizards, insects and fish.

The biggest threat to our plants and wildlife is from introduced predators like rats, stoats and possums. Getting rid of predators is an important first step. People can help by setting traps on their properties or joining a local predator trapping group. Together we can help New Zealand to achieve its Predator Free 2050 goal.

“I encourage the people of Manawatu to answer the call to Conservation Week by joining one of the local activities offered during Conservation Week. It’s a chance to connect with, learn about and take action for our nature,” says Ms Irvine.

Thanks to the commitment and generosity of Conservation Week partners, there are three great events open to the public across the Manawatu this year.

Marton Dams open day

Rangitikei District Council invites people to attend the Marton B and C Dams Open Day on Saturday 15 September, from 9 am. Join in with planting, hear about plans for the site and enjoy a BBQ afterwards. Meet at the northern end of Tutaenui Road with boots and a spade.

Arapuke Forest guided walk

Forest and Bird is offering a guided trip to Arapuke Forest Park on Saturday 22 September, starting at 9.45 am. Contact Manawatu.Branch@forestandbird.org.nz for trip information.

Walk where the Whio are

Join the Ruahine Whio Protectors for ‘A walk where the whio are’ on Sunday 23 September, starting at 10.30 am. Walk through the forest to the Oroua River, home to a small population of Ruahine whio/blue duck and hear about the dedicated volunteers working to protect them from predation. Places are limited; phone +64 27 540 5412 to book or find out more.

A number of invitation-only events organised by local council, schools and community groups will also be taking place during the week, including plantings and school field trips.

Ms Irvine acknowledges the thousands of New Zealanders who already contribute to conservation.

“In the Manawatu, many community groups and volunteers are working hard on and off public conservation land to control pests and weeds, plant native species, raise awareness about biodiversity, and help look after huts and tracks.

“It doesn’t matter how much we can contribute, it matters that we get involved. Ma tini ma mano ka rapa te whai, which means by many, by thousands, the work will be accomplished,” says Ms Irvine.

Check out conservationweek.org.nz for more information.

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