People across the region are being encouraged to look in their backyard this Conservation Week to see how they can help protect and nurture our unique wildlife.
Conservation Week runs from 14-22 October and this year the Department of Conservation is trying to get people to convert their love of nature into action.
"We know that the vast majority of New Zealanders (85 per cent) rate conservation as important to them personally, yet still only about one in 10 have actively helped on a conservation project," says acting operations manager for Hawke's Bay Kelly Conway.
"We want to show people that conservation can be done in your own backyard, gardens, parks and marine areas. Even small actions make a big difference.
"Our predator-free vision of ridding the country of rats, stoats and possums by 2050 starts in your own backyard. It's great to see momentum gathering as more communities band together to make their own areas predator free."