September 2021

This Mental Health Awareness Week we want to acknowledge the group that is affected by mental illnesses the most: the LGBTQ+ Community. Did you know? – Nearly 1 in 5 transgender students experience bullying on a weekly (or more) basis – this is 5 times higher than cis-gendered students. – 20% of transgender people report […]

Mental illnesses still has such stigma surrounding them. This is due to lack of education and understanding. People often fear what they don’t understand, and what is scarier than something you cannot often physically see? Mental illnesses can manifest in physical ways, but often they are physically invisible. Now more than ever, with the effects

Without Amazonia, there is no order, no progress, no Brazil! In August 2021, Brazil saw the largest indigenous demonstration ever organized, which included several Brazilian celebrities. Indigenous voices have gained strength! All to fight for a greater good, a good for humanity! Indigenous land in Amazonia has been under threat of extinction due to deforestation,

One of our committee members received this gorgeous letter written by a child about not driving vehicles on Cannibal Bay and Surat Bay in The Catlins. We believe education is key and we are dedicated to continuing to educate the public about New Zealand sea lions/pakake. People only know what they know and act based

Thank you Forest & Bird and Editor Caroline Wood for publishing my letter about Vehicular Vandalism in your Magazine Spring 2021 Edition. I am touched that my letter won ‘Best Letter’ for your latest edition and I look forward to reading Tree Sense by Susette Goldsmith. Many of you know, vehicular vandalism and animal welfare

Thank you Richard Davison at the Clutha Leader for writing an update on our New Zealand sea lion/pakake campaign! The Clutha District Council met on the 2nd of September to discuss their Regulatory and Policy Agenda, in which they classified vehicles on beaches as a “high priority.” Catlins Ward Councillor Dane Catherwood stated he has

– All elements of the natural world are related and form an interconnected web. – Nature is the ultimate teacher, and humans can live successfully by observing nature and acting as kaitiaki of all life. – Kaitiakitanga increases mana and mana is a source of both personal and collective strength, pride and identity. – According

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori / Māori Language Week begins today, until the 19th of Hepetema / September. This year marks the 49th year since the Māori Language petition was presented to parliament calling for te reo to be taught in schools in Aotearoa. Whai wāhi mai / take part by Whakarongo / listening,

Spring has sprung! Around us, we already can see and hear nature announcing the new season. And with Conservation Week starting, it is a good moment to enjoy nature and all the wellbeing that it can bring to us. Conservation Week in New Zealand kicked off last Saturday, and for this year, the Department of

Kia ora Odin, how long have you been the Seals Keeper at Auckland Zoo? I’ve been at Auckland Zoo for 12 years, working with our fur seals and sea lions. What degree did you gain to qualify as a Seals Keeper? I did the Captive Wild Animals course at Unitec, which was a year-long course