The following dates and community events provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our environment. Some of these dates will be confirmed later in the year.
Seaweek - Kaupapa Moana
29 February - 8 March 2020
The theme - Ko au te moana, ko te moana ko au – I am the sea, the sea is me
Seaweek is New Zealand's annual national week celebrating the sea. Hosted by the NZ Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE), Seaweek focuses on learning from the sea. It's about exciting and inspiring all New Zealanders to renew their connections with the sea! Not just for children or those involved with formal education – it's a time for all of us to get to know our ocean, its habitats, characteristics and inhabitants better.
Website: www.seaweek.org.nz
World Environment Day
5 June 2020
World Environment Day is observed on 5 June each year in more than 100 countries, and is one of the most popular days on the United Nations calendar. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote action on national environmental issues.
Every year, a different host city is nominated, allowing various countries to showcase the positive things being done nationally, regionally and internationally to promote sustainable practices and reduce the impacts of climate change.
New Zealand hosted World Environment Day in 2008 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). While Wellington was the host city, World Environment Day was celebrated actively throughout New Zealand to promote the 2008 'Kick the Carbon Habit' theme.
Website: www.worldenvironmentday.global
Arbor Day
5 June 2020
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
World Oceans Day
8 June 2020
"Together we can protect and restore our ocean"
World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
Website: www.worldoceansday.org
Matariki - Maori New Year
13 - 20 July 2020
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.twoa.ac.nz
Māori Language Week
September 2020
Dates and theme to be confirmed
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) will develop helpful guidance on the use of Māori language in the home and will increase awareness of the benefits of bilingualism.
Website: www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week
7 - 13 September 2020
A week of activities across the country to clean up New Zealand, coordinated by Keep New Zealand Beautiful.
Website: www.knzb.org.nz
Conservation Week
5 - 13 September 2020
Conservation Week activities are coordinated by the Department of Conservation and have been celebrated since 1969.
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/conservationweek
World Habitat Day
5 October 2020
The United Nations' (UN) World Habitat Day is annually celebrated on the first Monday of October to reflect on the state of human settlements and people's right to sufficient shelter. It also aims to remind people that they are responsible for the habitat of future next generations.
Website: www.un.org
World Animal Week
4 - 10 October 2020
The World Society for the Protection of Animals has designated from 4 - 10 October every year as World Animal Week.
Website: www.worldanimalprotection.org
World Space Week
4 - 10 October 2020
Each year from 4 - 10 October, World Space Week celebrates the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.
The theme is: "Satellites Improve Life"
Website: www.worldspaceweek.org
Disaster Reduction Day
14 October 2020
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction is annually observed on the second Wednesday of October to raise the profile of disaster risk reduction. It also encourages people and governments to participate in building more resilient communities and nations.
Website: www.un.org/en/events/disasterreductionday
World Food Day
16 October 2020
The day is observed every year around the world on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1945.
Website: www.fao.org
World Fisheries Day
21 November 2020
World Fisheries day is celebrated every year on November 21 throughout the world by fishing communities. This day is celebrated through rallies, workshops, public meetings, cultural programs, dramas, exhibition, music show, and demonstrations to highlight the importance of maintaining the world's fisheries.
Website: www.wiseoceans.com
Human Rights Day
10 December 2020
The United Nations' (UN) Human Rights Day is annually observed December 10 to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Website: www.hrc.co.nz
International Mountain Day
11 December 2020
The United Nations' (UN) International Mountain Day is an occasion to help raise awareness of the people who live in mountainous regions and the role that these regions play in providing food, water, and recreation. It is observed on December 11 each year.
Website: www.un.org/en/events/mountainday