Whanganui was one of the first places on the globe to celebrate Earth Day this year.
A family fun event was held in Whanganui on Friday.
The Sustainable Whanganui-organised event at Majestic Square included face-painting, art activities, a shared lunch, free seedlings, music and games.
Recycling facilities were available at Majestic Square and brightly coloured covers were placed over the top of rubbish bins, encouraging people to recycle.
Graham Pearson, from Sustainable Whanganui, said Earth Day is officially marked on April 22, but Mr Pearson said they had decided to get in early this year.
It was the second year in a row that Sustainable Whanganui had organised Earth Day celebrations.
Many New Zealand centres would be holding marches but Mr Pearson said Sustainable Whanganui wanted to do something different.
"We just want to have a fun day that highlights the issues our planet faces in 2017," he said.
First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events are held in more than 193 countries.