Earth Day

Earth Day History

Earth Day seeks to promote environmental education and green practices with the goal of leading solutions for a clean environment and climate resilience. This observance aims to educate individuals, communities, and businesses about sustainable and eco-friendly actions in daily life. With a focus on areas like pollution reduction, conservation, renewable energy, and climate change, Earth Day mobilizes global ecological commitment to protect our Earth.

As an international effort, Earth Day has a particular relevance to people in New Zealand. This day first reached New Zealand in 1970, becoming an important platform for raising awareness about local environmental issues such as deforestation, ocean pollution, and habitat loss. This reflects New Zealand's commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges that stand in direct path of the nation's sustainability goals.

In New Zealand, Earth Day is observed through a range of activities. Community events, educational programs, and environmental cleanup campaigns are often held across the country. These actions underscore the concept of kaitiakitanga, a Māori tradition of guardianship for the sky, sea, and land. Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, offering an opportunity for New Zealanders to reflect on their relationship with the environment and collaborate in the stewardship of their beloved homeland.

Facts about Earth Day

• The theme for Earth Day in 2025 was Our Power, Our Planet.
  The theme in 2024 was Planet vs. Plastics.
  The theme in 2023 was Invest in Our Planet.
  
• During the 2015 UN Conference in Paris, France, participating nations concurred on the need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The countries cooperatively pledged to keep global temperature rise below 2C (3.6F). In celebration of Earth Day 2016 on April 22nd, the landmark agreement that testifies to this global commitment was signed at the UN Headquarters in New York by 175 participating nations. The history of Earth Day 2017 dates back to 1970 when it was first celebrated in 1970. It was founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson to promote ecology and the respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water, and soil pollution.
• In the spirit of Earth Day, New Zealanders have taken on a grand task to restore the health of waterways through this project. It aims to plant 1 million metres of waterways with native plants and trees.
• Every year, Earth Day coincides with the 'kiwi month' in New Zealand which is dedicated to the kiwi, a flightless bird native to the country that is at risk of extinction. Many activities happen during this month to help protect the kiwi, tying in nicely with Earth Day’s mission to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Earth Day

Top things to do in NZ for Earth Day

• Try not to use your car for the entire day. Instead, use public transit, walk, or ride your bicycle.
• Change your traditional incandescent light bulbs to energy saving LED or CFL light bulbs.
• Visit the Zealandia Ecosanctuary: Located in Wellington, Zealandia is a protected natural area where visitors can learn about New Zealand's unique flora and fauna and efforts being made to conserve them. Earth Day is a great time to visit and participate in available environmental activities.
• Participate in Earth Day Beach Clean-up: Many communities in New Zealand come together to clean local beaches on Earth Day. These events not only help to keep spaces clean but also raise awareness about plastic pollution and its impacts on marine life.