29 Aug 2023

Guardians programme scrapped

From Afternoons, 1:15 pm on 29 August 2023

Since 2016 the Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme has had kiwi kids scrambling up hills and through bush reserves, often following a dodgy map in search of a special plaque.

The programme was a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Toyota with an aim to get kids outside exploring and learning about nature.

It's been a massive success, an estimated 400,000 young people have participated.

However, this month, it was announced that the programme has come to an end.

Justin Tamihana whose family are super supporters of the Toyota Kiwi Guardians talks to Jesse about how much of a loss the programme is.

Toyota Kiwi Guardians poster

Photo: Department of Conservation