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Conservation Week will move to April for the first time in its 57-year history, shifting away from its traditional August–September timing.
In 2026, Conservation Week will run from Monday, April 20, to Sunday, April 26, with the change aimed at encouraging more people to take action for nature and help protect New Zealand’s 80,000 native species and their habitats.
Department of Conservation director-general Penny Nelson says the move reflects how and when people are most likely to engage with nature.
“We’ve just had a bumper summer holiday period which proves people love getting out and connecting with nature. It relaxes and energises us and is central to our identity,” Penny says. “But the truth is nature is struggling and needs us more than ever. Species are under increased pressure from introduced predators, invasive species and pollution.
“We’re hoping that moving Conservation Week to April will be a better time of year for people to get involved and support our mahi.”
DOC says April’s generally warmer and more settled weather provides greater opportunity for people to take part in conservation activities, including weed removal, pest trapping, plogging, beach clean-ups or spending time at local reserves.
Participation does not need to be physically demanding, with options ranging from learning about native species at home to planting natives in gardens or sharing conservation knowledge with children.
April already hosts several nature-focused awareness days, including World Aquatic Animal Day, World Penguin Day, Save the Frogs Day, International Bat Appreciation Day and National Go Birding Day.
The shift also removes the need to adjust Conservation Week dates every three years around the election cycle, providing greater certainty for conservation partners and community groups planning activities.
Conservation Week will continue to operate as it always has, with national organisations, regional partners and local groups coordinating events and activities across the country.
