It's time to get our kids into nature

Department of Conservation kaitiaki manutataki Tireni Ratema says nature will only thrive when we all engage our hearts and work together to conserve our unique environment. Photo/supplied

Conservation Week kicks off on Saturday with an array of events planned for the Western Bay of Plenty.

The theme this year is "get your kids into nature, help our team help New Zealand".

Department of Conservation kaitiaki manutataki Tireni Ratema says studies show children who are connected to nature will want to enjoy it and save it, now and in the future.

Spending time in nature also improves physical and mental health and wellbeing and it's all about healthy nature, healthy people, she says.

"It's about reminding people about our intrinsic connections with our environment. This is the only planet we have and if we trash it, we don't have anywhere else to go."

"We have moved away from natural principles and the natural world with the growing technology and the cyber world we live in."

Instead of people getting outside and enjoying the fresh air and being exposed to nature "we are inside looking at screens".

Events in the Bay were all about making it easier for people to engage, she says.

"The events are fun with short timeframes. I think that it does comes back to nature. So much happens when we get outdoors that is good and healthy for us."

"The bush and the native species that are endemic to this country are world class in my opinion. It's reminding everyone of our unique identity and how that identity is shaped through the vast terrain, the mountains, the ocean species and other wildlife that we share this land with."

Volunteers were also critical to the way DOC works, she says. "Our nature will only thrive when we all engage our hearts and work together to conserve our unique environment.

It's always great to see people get together and make the time to volunteer for conservation, even if it's a small contribution it makes a difference."

DOC supports a wide variety of volunteer care groups that undertake conservation both on and of public conservation land.

The Tauranga DOC team organises volunteer days which it leads. This work either supports DOC's own work like track maintenance or the work of a Care group.

* Conservation Week September 10 to 18.

EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Spring Walk in Anongatete Forest Sunday September 11 10am - 12.30pm, gold coin donation Email restore.aongatete@gmail.com

Dune Planting Papamoa Sunday September 11 10am -noon access 14.6 off Papamoa Beach Road all welcome no booking required

Penguin Aversion Dog Training September -18 Phone 021 077-6851 or 0800-742-573, penguinsplus@gmail.com to register

Western Bay Wildlife Trust Night Tours September 10-17 cost involved register 021-077-6851 or 0800-742-573, penguinsplus@gmail.com

Nukuhou Saltmarsh Walk Sunday September 18 8.45am -3pm, bookings essential phone 542-1934 or 027 7625