Key dates
Key dates for celebrating kororā
20 JANUARY — Penguin Awareness Day
Penguin Awareness Day celebrates penguins and raises awareness about the threats they face, like climate change and ocean pollution. It’s a reminder to protect these unique seabirds and the coastal and marine ecosystems they call home. Read more about Penguin Awareness Day here.
1 — 9 March — Seaweek
Seaweek – Kaupapa Moana - is New Zealand’s annual week celebrating the sea (and a great opportunity to celebrate kororā!). Find out more about Seaweek at seaweek.org.nz
3 MARCH — World Wildlife Day
The United Nations World Wildlife Day is a global day to celebrate the world’s wild animals and plants and raise awareness about protecting nature and biodiversity. Read more about World Wildlife Day here.
22 APRIL — Earth Day
Since April 22nd 1970, Earth Day has been a worldwide day of action to celebrate the planet and inspire people to protect our environment and climate for future generations. Visit the Earth Day website here.
25 APRIL — World Penguin Day
World Penguin Day is celebrated each year on April 25 to raise awareness and appreciation for penguins around the world. World Penguin Day first began at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, where scientists noticed that Adélie penguins return to their breeding grounds every year on April 25. The date was officially marked in 1972 to celebrate this repeat migration—and over time it evolved into a global day to raise awareness of penguin conservation. Read more about World Penguin Day here.
22 May — United Nations International Day for Biodiversity
The UN International Day for Biodiversity, held on May 22, promotes understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and the vital role nature plays in sustaining life on Earth. Read more about the International Day for Biodiversity Day here.
5 June — World Environment Day
World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, is the United Nations’ flagship day for encouraging global awareness and action to protect the environment. Each year focuses on a different theme to highlight urgent environmental challenges.
8 June — World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day brings the world together to protect our blue planet. It’s about celebrating the ocean’s wonders and inspiring action to keep it healthy, and full of life. Read more about World Ocean Day here.
June/July — Matariki
Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster in midwinter. It’s a time for reflection, renewal, and connection to the land, encouraging care for the environment through traditional practices of sustainable living, harvesting, and honouring the natural world. Read more about Matariki at matariki.com.
September — Conservation Week
New Zealand Conservation Week | Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa is an annual week hosted by DOC, that encourages everyone to get involved in protecting and restoring Aotearoa’s unique wildlife and wild places. Read more about Conservation Week here.