The Department of Conservation is encouraging Tauranga residents to celebrate wildlife this Conservation Week, running from September 11-18.

Department of Conservation director general Al Morrison says a range of events are planned in the Western Bay of Plenty.

There are tours of Maketu Harbour planned as part of Conservation Week.

'We have incredible natural areas and places that are part of our natural history,” says Al.

'Other events will come and go, but the enduring significance of conservation will be there long after the crowds have dispersed.”

An ecology tour of Maketu Harbour takes place this Saturday with a Forest and Bird trip to Te Aroha also planned for Sunday.

'People can join DOC and the local care group to help restore the saltmarsh and wetland near Waihi on Sunday.”
Al says people wanting more information can visit www.conservationweek.org.nz

People are also being asked to contact Pete Huggins at DOC in Tauranga to register for an event.