Media release

05/10/2016

Feral food feast helps deal with problem pests

Wellingtonians can help endangered species while feasting on gourmet dishes made from problem pests, at two special Harbourside Market days in September.

The theme of DOC’s Conservation Week this year (September 10-18) is Healthy Nature Healthy People, and encourages people to think about how they could join the team to make a difference to their local natural environment.

During the novel “Pest Feast” event, food stalls at the ever-popular Cable Street food and produce market will be serving ‘feral food’ such as wallaby pies, wild pork, goat curry and gorse flower sorbet.

Displays of weed-busting beetles, close encounters with live native lizards and free native plant give-aways will round out the event running both Sundays, 11 and 18 September, 7.30am – 1pm.

Amber Bill Open Space and Parks Manager for Wellington City Council is really proud of the Wellington community for their hard work that has been put in so far to eradicate pests from the region. “Every year hundreds of Wellingtonians play their part in helping get rid of weeds and pest animals. And the introduction of events like Pest Feast are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their work and give others the opportunity to literally get a taste for it”, she says.

DOC’s Community Ranger Lee Barry says, “Food is a favourite pastime for Wellingtonians. We hope the lure of a good pie will bring in people who are also keen to hunt out pests, bust weeds and join the team.”

Rangers from DOC, Wellington City Council, and Greater Wellington Regional Council will be on hand to serve up the pest food and dispense advice on effective pest trapping and weed control.

On Sunday 18 September a weed swap offers the chance to pick up a free native plant in exchange for delivering a weed species gathered from private gardens or public reserves.

The DOC website also has plenty of ideas, activities and competitions for anyone who wants to join the team and get involved by getting out into nature.

Other major events in Wellington include:
• Sunday 11 Sept Zealandia will hold a $2 entry “Conservation Day” with free native plants swapped for weeds, wild food sausage sizzle, face painting, and electric bike demos
• On Thurs 15 Sept come along to a free public talk “Predator Free Capital – what would it take?” at Old Government Buildings. Hear experts discuss how Wellington could lead the way with a Predator Free Capital.
• Wellington Zoo will hold a conservation-focused “Do at the Zoo” event on Sunday 18 Sept with $2 entry for children and opportunities to meet native animals like wētā, tuatara and forest geckos.
DOC’s Conservation Week Spokesperson Dawn Muir says research shows that exposure to nature helps reduce stress and helps people recharge.

“Studies also show that children who spend time outdoors demonstrate more creative and imaginative play, are generally healthier and have a greater respect for themselves and appreciate the environment more.”

“Getting out and taking part in a local conservation activity has a double benefit. As well as helping improve our natural environment it’s also helping our personal health and sense of wellbeing,” Muir says.

“Disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is easier than many people think. Unwinding with the kids in our natural spaces is the perfect prescription for a healthier, happier life,” Muir says. “The earlier on we can get children to be aware of the benefits of conservation, the more they’re going to value it. This will help us collectively build a better New Zealand.”

–Ends–

Background:
Full details of all Conservation Week events, activities and resources see;
www.conservationweek.org.nz

Key information sources
Blaschke, P. (2013). Health and wellbeing benefits of conservation in New Zealand. http://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/science-and-technical/sfc321entire.pdf

http://www.sciencealert.com/just-30-minutes-of-nature-a-week-reduces-the-chance-of-depression-and-heart-disease

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3520840/

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