Conservation Week in Kapiti

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 Kapiti region:

• 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 or +64 21 707 881 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

• Whareroa Farm Reserve Open Day
Whareroa Farm Reserve is having an Open Day for Conservation Week. There will be lots of activities for children throughout the day. The day kicks off at 11am with the opening of a new track for trampers and horse riders. This has great views. The ribbon will be cut by George Williamson from Walking Access NZ who funded the signs for the new track. At 2pm, we’ll be making weta motels, face painting, doing guided walks, and showing how a pest trap works. The Kapiti Mountain Bike Club is setting up a kids bike course and will be taking riders up to see their new downhill track as well as the back country.

Bring your picnic and/or food to BBQ (there will be BBQ’s set up), sunscreen and insect repellent for a day out in the country. Welcome to all but please note that dogs are not allowed in the reserve. Access is easy from SH1 at Mackays Crossing, opposite the QE Park entrance.

When: Sunday 2 November from 11am-3pm
Where: Gates of Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki
Cost: Free

• Kapiti Island Getaway Deals
We know there are many locals who haven’t visited the island. Spring is a stunning time to visit the island – there are heaps of new flora and fauna emerging. To celebrate Conservation Week, Kapiti Island Nature Tours have made it easier for locals to visit and stay on the island before the end of December.

If you have a Gold Card, tour the north end of the island for free in our Waiorua Day Tour, if you bring a paying friend (or go halves!). This includes lunch at Kapiti Nature Lodge, the ferry, permits and a wonderful nature and history tour. Or, enjoy ‘Natural Romance’ in our special weekend offer. Come kiwi spotting and stay overnight in one of our luxury tents on Friday or Sunday nights before Sunday. This package is over $200 cheaper than usual.

It’s a great time to visit one of New Zealand’s most precious marine and nature reserves. You van find more information at www.kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz.

When: Now - December 2014
Where: Kapiti Island
Cost: $175 -$510 (for 2 people)

• 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 will be spot prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

If you bring in a pest plant, you will receive a free native plant. You may even see a few cool creatures while you're there. 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.

Pest-fest 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

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