Win prizes in nature this May!

Connect with nature, participate in activities, and be in to win some epic prizes with Beautiful Bay in May.

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay are excited to partner with the National Aquarium of New Zealand (NANZ) for the second year running, bringing new activities, more prizes, and some awesome resources for schools.

Beautiful Bay in May consists of 31 fun, easy and free activities for whānau and friends to do outside in nature, from exploring a park, to meeting a tree and skimming stones over water.

Rachel Haydon, General Manager, National Aquarium of New Zealand, says Hawke’s Bay has had such a difficult few months, and spending some restorative time in nature can help with our mental and physical wellbeing.

“Meaningful time in nature has been evidenced to support our emotional health, meaning better moods, empathy, and reducing depression, stress, and anxiety. The Beautiful Bay in May activities have been designed to not only allow whānau and friends to have some fun together, but also to help strengthen our resilience and overall wellbeing – I feel I need a bit more of this at the moment!”

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay Community Facilitator, Dr Belinda Sleight, hopes getting out and connecting with nature will also raise awareness about the ecosystems around us and the precious biodiversity within these environments.

 "Loss of this biodiversity is a massive concern locally, nationally, and globally as it is vital to our survival, and the survival of our planet.”

The more we engage with nature and appreciate how good we feel when we are connected with our natural environment, the more we will work to protect and enhance what we have that makes Hawke’s Bay such a special place.” Says Dr Sleight.

Participants are encouraged to team up with whānau, work colleagues, friends, or classmates to vie for a number of prizes available, from a Gannet Safari Overland tour, to Honeywraps and ‘Meet the Bees’ with Arataki Honey.

2023 has also meant the introduction of the resource pack for schools as part of the campaign. This includes the 31 activities, but also a wealth of curriculum-linked resources to extend student learning and the chance to be involved in some assessment tools. With participating schools being offered the opportunity to win a class excursion to the National Aquarium of rocky shore with transport included.

“By empowering our teachers with ideas that help them to strengthen their student’s relationship with nature, we’re aiming to strengthen our tamariki so they can build a better future for themselves,” says Rachel.

For more information and to download an activity sheet head to www.biodiversityhb.org or www.nationalaquarium.co.nz  Hard copies of the activity sheets can be collected from Napier i-SITE, and both Napier and Taradale Libraries.

30 April 2023

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