Whio Awareness Week competition 2026
11 March 2026 - 01 April 2026
Region(s): Nationwide
Type(s): competitions
Find out how you can get naturing for whio, and be in to win in this competition from the Department of Conservation (DOC) during Whio Awareness Week this March.
Blue duck/whio whānau
Whio are one of the most endangered New Zealand ducks. They live in fast-flowing clean streams throughout mainland New Zealand.
Whether you're out in the backcountry or based in town, short on time or keen to do a bit more, there's an action for everyone. Small actions by many create big change so be part of the change.
The Whio Awareness Week competition will run from Wednesday 11 March until 11:59 pm Wednesday 1 April 2026.
Winners will be drawn by Friday 10 April 2026.
How to enter
Scroll through to pick your action from the list. There are three categories to choose from.
Decide which action you want to do.
Complete the online entry form telling us what action you're promising to do for whio.
Congratulations, you're in the draw.
The more actions you promise to do, the more chances to win. You may enter as many times as you like but must choose from actions listed on the Department of Conservation page.
Optional, for bonus entry:
Email whioforevernz@gmail.com with a photo or video of you completing your action to double your entry.
Read the full terms and conditions here: www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/whio-forever/whio-awareness-week-competition/terms-and-conditions.
Prizes
To celebrate and advocate for whio, we're giving away five prize packs. We'll select winners randomly from all valid entries. These include:
Ultimate prize: Trip for two people to Tūrangi. This includes flights from any New Zealand airport to Taupō, two nights of accommodation, hire car from Taupō airport for three days, rafting trip thanks to Tongariro River Rafting and a river walk with a DOC ranger to go whio spotting. Prize must be booked within one week of the winner being contacted. The travel period must be before the 30 June 2026.
Four spot prize packs including Whio Forever hat, soft toy, and a framed whio photograph print.
Find out more about whio
Related articles
The Hubs have lots of great articles on the whio:
Related professional learning development
Check out our teacher PLD sessions related to whio. These recorded webinars were run with the support of the Department of Conservation:
Activities
The activities below are all related to whio and are a great way to extend you own, and your student’s knowledge, about whio:
See all events