Conservation Week Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa 2026

20 April 2026 - 26 April 2026

Region(s): Nationwide

Type(s): national Events

Nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is like nowhere else on Earth. It’s also in serious trouble. Over 4,000 native species are now threatened with extinction, or at risk of becoming threatened.

The good news is it’s not too late to help protect what makes New Zealand special.

From 2026, Conservation Week moves to April.

For most people, April kicks off with pranks and mischief. But the Department of Conservation are flipping the script. Instead of tricks, they want action. Action for nature. Fun stays on the table, but this time it’s about celebrating and protecting the natural world around us.

Why April? Because it’s packed with global and national moments that align perfectly with the mission:

• April 22: Earth Day, UN International Day for Biodiversity and International Mother Earth Day

• April 23: National Picnic Day

• April 24: Help Animals Day and National Arbor Day

• April 25: World Penguin Day, International Astronomy Day and National Go Birding Day

• April 23–30: International Wildlife Film Week

• National Volunteer Week and National Park Week.

What better time to inspire people to get involved?

April 20–26 has been chosen for Conservation Week to harness this energy and make nature the headline act. 

Always Be Naturing. Always Be April.

Ever heard of naturing? It’s anything that connects us to the outdoors.

You might already be doing it! Do you ever:

• stop to admire the stars?

• feed your kids a piece of fun nature trivia at dinner?

• picked up someone else’s rogue takeaway cup on the beach?

Then congrats – You are already naturing!

No hiking boots or science degrees needed. Just curiosity, care, and a connection to the world outside your door.

So, start planning and for more information https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/events/conservation-week.