Connecting with nature by noticing and celebrating the changing seasons provides a huge range of benefits for our wellbeing.
Even when the weather is chilly we can get outside to learn and take action for te taiao, with events such as Plastic Free July, Conservation Week, Bee Aware month and Clean up Week taking place in Term Three.
Click on the bold headings below to access resources, websites and more information about these events.
School Holidays
Matariki Public holiday on 14 July
Read our Spotlight: Matariki, Environment and Wellbeing for ideas and resources
Weeks 1 - 2
Plastic Free July
Find information specific to Aotearoa NZ on the Plastic Free July Aotearoa Facebook page.
Providers who can support your journey to reduce plastic include:
Sustainable Coastlines - Litter Intelligence programme
Weeks 1 - 5
July 24 - August 21 Young Ocean Explorers: 21 Day Challenge
Register your class (aimed at Primary students) to take part in this programme that empowers students to care for waterways.
Week 4
August 7 - 11 School Library Week
Find ideas and inspiration in our Spotlight: Nature Books to Love and Share
Week 5
Aug 14 - 20 Conservation Week
This year's event has a focus on taking action for nature and the DOC website has a fantastic range of conservation education resources.
Week 7 - 9
September is Bee Aware Month
Find ideas for learning in our Kōanga | Spring Inspiration Spotlight
Week 9
Sept 11 - 17 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Use the ‘Te Reo Māori’ filter in our Resource Catalogue to find resources that are bilingual or available in te reo Māori.
Week 10
Sept 16 - 22 Keep NZ Beautiful Clean Up Week
This annual event starts on World Clean Up Day (Sept 16). You can register your school, centre or group to receive support and resources.
Sept 18 - 24 Mental Health Awareness Week
Find a range of resources on the Sparklers website, including activities that integrate nature to improve wellbeing for ākonga and kaiako.
Sept 24 World Rivers Day
This event takes place on the first Sunday of the school holidays, but you could make plans for Term Four: explore your local awa or take part in a programme with Whitebait Connection.
