For Schools

Green dates 2008

The following dates and community events provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about our environment.

2008 International Year of Planet Earth

World Wetlands Day : 2 February 2008

World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the international Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, on 2nd February 1971.  In New Zealand, Fish and Game New Zealand acts as the lead agency for co-ordination of World Wetlands Day events in conjunction with the Department of Conservation.

Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38668

Seaweek : 2 - 9 March 2008

Seaweek is a national event coordinated by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) and Sir Peter Blake Trust.  The aims of Seaweek include raising awareness of the coast and ocean and encouraging all New Zealanders to help look after their local marine areas.

Theme: 'One Ocean - Te Moana Takutahi"
Website: www.seaweek.org.nz

World Water Day : 22 March 2008

World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.

Website: www.worldwaterday.org

Earth Day : 22 April 2008

Website: www.earthday.net

International Day for Biological Diversity : 22 May 2008

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

Website: www.cbd.int/ibd

World Environment Day : 5 June 2008

New Zealand has been chosen by the United Nations to host World Environment Day 2008. World Environment Day was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1972, to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.  It is held in a different country each year on June 5.

The focus of the global 2008 celebrations hosted in New Zealand will be on exploring solutions and opportunities for countries, companies and communities to “Kick the habit” and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle.

Website: www.mfe.govt.nz

Arbor Day : 5 June 2008

Arbor Day marks the beginning of the planting season and a time to celebrate the unique biodiversity of our country.

Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38659 

World Oceans Day : 8 June 2008

Website: www.un.org

Matariki - Maori New Year : 5 June 2008 

Matariki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters;  and what is referred to as the traditional Māori New Year.

Website: www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki.htm

Conservation Week : 7 - 14 September 2008

Conservation Week activities are co-ordinated by the Department of Conservation and has been celebrated since 1969.

Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38663

Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week : 6 - 14 September 2008

A week of acitivities across the country to clean up New Zealand co-ordinated by Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Website: www.knzb.org.nz

World Habitat Day : 5 October 2008

Website: www.un.org

Frog Week  : 28 September - 4 October 2008

Frog Week is an opportunity for New Zealanders to learn more about our unique native frogs.  Activities are co-ordinated by the Department of Conservation.

Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=38667

Top.