World Wetlands Celebration

Join us at Zealandia on 31 January to celebrate the World's Wetlands! There are a variety of activities on the Heritage Lawn including weaving workshops, craft stations, storytelling, and a chance to talk with conservation organisations about the state of freshwater and wetlands in New Zealand. Then, search for unique New Zealand wildlife in the sanctuary's own wetland surrounded by native bush. The official day is 2 February so feel free to visit Zealandia then as well!

Normal entry charges apply, see below for full programme.

10 am - 11 am: Interactive talk - why create fish passageways?
ATS Environmental will talk about the important work they do in restoring fish passage and reconnecting waterways with a focus on the Kaiwharawhara catchment.

10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm: Weaving workshop
Drop-in to a flax weaving workshop where you will hear about sustainable flax harvesting and then create a piece to take home.

10:30am - 11:15am: Storytelling
Listen to the legends behind the very special sanctuary inhabitants, as well as the myths of the ngahere/forest performed by storyteller Moira Wairama.

11 am - 3 pm: Conservation organisation pop-up
A chance to chat with organisations doing exciting things within the freshwater space such as Lakes380, Hutt City Council, Otari Wilton’s Bush Trust, and Te Tini o Hākuturi.

1 pm - 3 pm: Freshwater crafts
Visit the creative station to create freshwater themed crafts to create and take home. Local artist Margaret Tolland who designed Zealandia's freshwater mural will assist in the creation of a tuna/eel windsock.