ReBlossomNZ

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food that sustains us rely on biodiversity.

Right now, biodiversity is in crisis – because of us.

Approximately 90% of Aotearoa’s wetland areas have disappeared due to land development. Botanica and WWF are working together to help restore these vital habitats. We are committed to planting flowering natives to help regenerate and #reblossomNZ ‘s degraded ecosystems for the benefit of our native species and future generations of New Zealanders.

Introducing Project #ReBlossomNZ

Over the next three years, Botanica by Airwick in partnership with WWF-New Zealand will be working to #reblossomNZ Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity by planting native flowering species. Our goal is to help regenerate and improve the water quality and help restore the biodiversity of these ecosystems.

In 2021, WWF-New Zealand and Botanica by Airwick, with the Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Porirua City Council, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council are collaborating to help restore 5000m2 of the Porirua stream. The stream supports six species of native fish: longfin and shortfin eels, giant kōkopu, inanga, redfin, and common bullies.

Unfortunately, the stream also exhibits many of the characteristics of a degraded urban stream, including bank erosion, lack of riparian vegetation and channelisation.

Our focus, in conjunction with our partners, will be planting up to 8,800 flowering natives, covering more than 5,000 square metres to help restore this culturally significant stream.
Our goal is to help support the return of our native birds and people to this area, who have both stopped visiting these places.

Click here for more information about #ReblossomNZ

Ko ahau te taiao, ko te taiao, ko ahau

The ecosystem defines my quality of life (Ngāti Wai and Ngāti Whatua)

Every living thing is connected. From humans to plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms, and the ecosystems where they live - each work together within their ecosystems to maintain balance and support life. Biodiversity supports everything in nature that humans, and our fellow species, need to survive: food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. It is the essence of our existence.

Te toto o te tangata, he kai; te oranga o te tangata, he whenua.

While food provides the blood in our veins, our health is drawn from the land

Mā ori have always respected the importance of our ecosystem and lived as a part of nature, rather than apart from nature. This can be seen in tapu - a complex guiding rule system/ritenga(custom). If the mauri (life force, life spirit) is shifted within the environment, it has a greater impact on all related components.

What happens to nature, happens to us.

If we take care of the land, live in harmony with nature, we can care for our people. This knowledge comes with the responsibility of kaitiakitanga/guardianship of our world from sea to sky, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Project #ReBlossomNZ will help restore the health and well-being of the Porirua stream, its ecosystem, and community.

Why do we need to take action?

Kohikohi ngā kākano, whakaritea te pārekereke, kia puāwai ngā hu

Gather the seeds, prepare the seedbed carefully, and you will be gifted with abundance.

Habitat destruction in New Zealand is already having devastating impacts, leaving us with only 10% of wetlands, 38% of forests, and 49% of streams.

As a result, we are ranked the worst in the world for threatened species:

4,000 native species are currently threatened or at risk of extinction. (2000+ of these found only in NZ)
Marine, freshwater, and land ecosystems all have species at risk
90% seabirds, 85% reptiles, 76% freshwater fish, 46% of vascular plants are threatened or at risk of extinction
Extinction risk has worsened for 86 species in the past 15 years
Deforestation of large landscapes - modified for intensified farming
Nearly 100% of rivers in Aotearoa New Zealand are polluted - most dairy & urban
~10% of inland wetlands remain in Aotearoa New Zealand – 250,000 ha
46% of over 3000 lakes larger than 1ha are estimated to be in poor ecological health, based on modelled Trophic Level Index values.

How can YOU help?

All purchases of Botanica by Airwick during July and September 2021, will contribute towards planting 8,800 natives to restore and regenerate the Porirua stream.

Buy any Botanica by Air Wick product between 19 Jul - 15 Aug in any New World store nationwide and scan your New World Clubcard to be in to win* a $250 Give a Garden Gift card. *Up to 28 winners. See www.newworld.co.nz for full T&C’s

Buy any Botanica by Air Wick product between 30 August and 12 September at any Countdown store nationwide and swipe your Countdown Onecard to be in to win* Native New Zealand Plant Pack *Up to 100 winners. See www.countdown.co.nz/competitions for full T&C’s

About WWF®-New Zealand

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. WWF-New Zealand is part of a global network of WWF offices in more than 100 countries. Our vision is to build a future where all people live, and thrive, in harmony with nature. Our mission is to actively restore and enhance Aotearoa’s natural world from sea to sky.

Since 1975, WWF-New Zealand has worked on the ground with local communities, and in partnership, with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy. Our New Zealand’s programmes include research, advocacy, and partnerships aimed at protecting precious habitats and species, minimising harm from fishing and other activities, reducing impacts from climate change, supporting innovation, and conserving and protecting Aotearoa’s wildlife. Find us at wwf.org.nz for the latest news and follow us on Twitter @WWFNewZealand