Go naturing for Conservation Week this April

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  21 January 2026

The change is to encourage more people to act for nature and help protect the 80,000 native species and their habitats which make New Zealand so special. The week will run from Monday 20 April to Sunday 26 April 2026.

“We’ve just had a bumper summer holiday period which proves people love getting out and connecting with nature. It relaxes and energises us and is central to our identity,” says Department of Conservation Director-General Penny Nelson. “But the truth is nature is struggling and needs us more than ever. Species are under increased pressure from introduced predators, invasive species and pollution.

“We’re hoping that moving Conservation Week to April will be a better time of year for people to get involved and support our mahi.”

The weather in April is warmer and more settled than spring, and there’s more opportunity for people to don their outdoor gear and do their favourite form of naturing. It could be pulling invasive weeds, trapping pests, going group plogging (picking up litter while jogging), organising a beach clean-up or picnicking at your favourite DOC reserve.

Naturing doesn’t have to be demanding – it can be done in the comfort of your own home; watching a documentary, teaching your kids about native species, or planting natives in your garden – do what inspires you for nature.

April is the month we celebrate nature in its many forms. World Aquatic Animal Day, World Penguin Day, Save the Frogs Day, International Bat Appreciation Day, and our own National Go Birding Day, are all in April.  Conservation Week will be in good company.

The shift to April also means we don’t have to change dates every three years as part of the election cycle, which will give DOC’s partners and conservation groups across the country more certainty.

Conservation Week will continue to operate the way it always has. National organisations and partners, regional and local groups are preparing activities to get more New Zealanders involved than ever before. All those little critters that make this place wonderful need us as much as we need them.

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