Green dates 2009
The following dates and community events provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our environment.
2009 International Year of Astronomy
World Wetlands Day : 2 February 2009
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 coordination of World Wetlands Day events, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation.
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/in-your-community/events/world-wetlands-day
Seaweek : 1 - 8 March 2009
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 - It starts with me' Kotahi Moana - Ka timata mai i ahau
Website: www.seaweek.org.nz
World Water Day : 22 March 2009
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 2009
Website: www.earthday.net
International Day for Biological Diversity : 22 May 2009
The United Nations proclaimed May 22 as 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 2009
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. New Zealand hosted World Environment Day in 2008.
Website: www.mfe.govt.nz
Arbor Day : 5 June 2009
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/getting-involved/in-your-community/events/arbor-day
World Oceans Day : 8 June 2009
Website: www.un.org
Matariki - Maori New Year : 24 June 2009
Matariki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster, or The Seven Sisters, and is referred to as the traditional Māori New Year.
Website: www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki.htm
Conservation Week : 13 - 20 September 2009
Conservation Week activities are coordinated by the Department of Conservation and have been celebrated since 1969.
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/in-your-community/events/conservation-week/
Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week : 5 - 12 September 2009
A week of acitivities across the country to clean up New Zealand, coordinated by Keep New Zealand Beautiful.
Website: www.knzb.org.nz
World Habitat Day : 5 October 2009
Website: www.un.org
Frog Week : 27 September - 3 October 2009
Frog Week is an opportunity for New Zealanders to learn more about our unique native frogs. Activities are coordinated by the Department of Conservation.
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/in-your-community/events/frog-week