World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is held on February 2nd every year to celebrate the 1971 adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar. 

This year's theme is "Wetlands, leisure and tourism – take a breath of fresh air" to link to the International Year of Forests. 

Agencies and community groups are encouraged to organise local events. Let us know if you are planning an event and we will promote it on our Events page. See also the Department of Conservation World Wetlands Day events page.

The National Wetland Trust is supporting an event at Lake Ngaroto, organised by the Waipa District Council.  A range of activities are planned for a fun family day.

Time: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Location: Lake Ngaroto, 7 km north of Te Awamutu, access off SH 3 south of Hamilton, via Ngaroto Rd, Paterangi Rd, Bank Rd.

Description: An opportunity to have a go at rowing or fishing under expert guidance; take a guided walk or learn about the cultural history of the site.

Contact: Organised by Waipa District Council. Contact Tony Roxburgh, ph: +64 7 872 0030.

Our 2011 event

The National Wetland Trust runs a national World Wetlands Day event every year. In 2011, we teamed up with the Department of Conservation and Waipa District Council to run a wetland challenge event at Lake Serpentine. Teams of 4 competed to complete a series of wetland-themed challenges in a race for some great prizes. The Trust and the DOC are developing guidelines for other organisations wishing to run a similar event.

Find out more about the Ramsar Convention.