Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Hauraki, Maniapoto and Taranaki communities are being encouraged to take a moment for nature this 52nd Conservation Week, September 4-12.

Conservation Week is an annual event led by the Department of Conservation, and this year's focus is on taking a moment to benefit nature, while simultaneously taking a moment to benefit your own wellbeing.

'Our personal wellbeing and nature's wellbeing are interconnected. Our health and wellbeing are strengthened when we connect with nature,” says Amy Blair, one of DOC's Coromandel-based rangers and the regional lead for Conservation Week in the department's Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki region.

A New Zealanders in the Outdoors survey showed a clear link between mental and physical health and the outdoors.

The survey asked respondents to describe the key benefits of spending time outdoors: 41 per cent referenced their mental health as a motivation, 35 per cent referenced physical health, and 34 per cent cited a desire for connection with nature.

Getting away from everyday routine and reflecting was also considered important.

'Connecting with nature can be easy – from a short walk in your local park, to learning about a taonga species, or planting a native tree in your backyard, anyone can get involved this Conservation Week.”

Covid-19 Alert Level restrictions across the country mean DOC has not been able to host planned Conservation Week events to celebrate the work of community groups and iwi – but people can still enjoy nature during exercise they undertake in their local area, and within the Government's Covid-19 guidelines.

DOC's online activities for Conservation Week 2021 range from taking a virtual walk to find penguins, kākāpō, or simply soak up the views on a virtual Great Walk, join a citizen science project, listen to a 'Sounds of Science” podcast, download a new nature wallpaper for your phone lock screen, or take part in a digital treasure hunt or daily quiz on the DOC website.

For more information on www.conservationweek.org.nz