Te Papa partners with Department of Conservation for Whānau Day 2020
To celebrate Conservation Week 2020, Te Papa has partnered with the Department of Conservation for Whānau Day on Sunday 16 August (10am – 3pm).
Taking place in Te Taiao | Nature, Whānau Day will focus on how New Zealanders can take part in protecting Aotearoa’s natural environment and learn more about the world around us through a range of fun, free activities for the whole family.
With an emphasis on the wellbeing benefits of spending time in the outdoors, this year New Zealanders are being encouraged to look at nature through new eyes and explore the unique landscape we live in.
Te Papa Chief Executive | Tumu Whakarae Courtney Johnston said Conservation Week is a chance to connect with nature and appreciate Aotearoa’s precious biodiversity.
“This is a time for us to explore our relationship with nature and enjoy its benefits – Papatūānuku’s wellbeing is our wellbeing and Te Papa is proud to support this national celebration,” she said.
Visitors are encouraged to begin their journey as a kaitiaki (guardian) of nature by making their own journal and exploring and recording observations they find in the depths of Bush City.
There is also the opportunity to meet a conservation dog, take a family friendly tour around Bush City with Te Papa’s very own Botany team, and much more!
Whānau Day at Te Papa is a chance to celebrate Aotearoa’s natural environment, learn how to take care of Papatūānuku, and have fun along the way.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Whānau Day 2020
Sunday 16 August 2020
10am – 3pm
Te Taiao I Nature, Level 2
Conservation Week 2020 is a key annual initiative from the Department of Conservation and runs from 15–23 August this year. Visit conservationweek.org.nz for more information.
Programme
Crafts: Make your own nature journal
10am–3pm, Wellington Foyer, Level 2
Start your journey as a kaitiaki by making your own nature journal, then head over to Bush City to explore and record your observations.
Collaborative art project: My Nature Memories
10am–3pm, Te Whare Rākau I Treehouse, Level 2
What are your favourite nature memories? Join our collaborative art project by drawing or writing your most memorable moments in nature on Te Whare Rākau I Treehouse windows.
Face painting
10am-3pm, Wellington Foyer, Level 2
Free, Te Taiao I Nature themed face or body painting available for children and adults alike throughout the day.
Stories of Te Taiao with Rangimoana Taylor
11–11.30am, Te Papa Hui I Backyard, Te Taiao Nature, Level 2
Join storyteller Rangimoana Taylor for a captivating bilingual session of stories from Te Taiao | Nature.
Tour of Bush City with Te Papa’s botany curator
11.30am–12pm and 12.30pm–1pm, Amphitheatre Level 1
Join Te Papa’s Botany team for a family-friendly tour of Bush City. Kids, bring your nature journal along and see if you can identify any animal footprints!
Meet a conservation dog!
12–12.30pm, Red Gates, Level 1
Come along to Bush City Kiosk to learn how dogs can help us to protect Aotearoa’s unique wildlife.
Ask an Expert session
1–2.30pm, Te Papa Hui I Backyard, Te Taiao Nature, Level 2
Ask specialists from Te Papa and the Department of Conservation all your conservation-related questions! This session is NZSL interpreted.
Media contact
Clare Callaghan
clare.callaghan@tepapa.govt.nz
021 541 343