10 Actions for a healthy ocean
© Darren Jew

10 Actions for a healthy ocean

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What we do

  • © Unsplash

    Tackling Nature-Loss

    Protecting our native species and habitats

    We depend on a healthy natural environment. But nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is in trouble, with over 4,000 of our native species threatened or at risk of extinction and climate-related disasters becoming more frequent.

    WWF is part of the global 'nature-positive' movement. This means working towards a world where there is more nature by 2030 than there is today. In Aotearoa, we advocate for more investment from governments to halt and reverse nature-loss, and work with industries to adopt nature-friendly practices.

    Find out more
  • © Simon Lorenz /WWF-HK

    Looking after our Ocean

    Restoring ocean health for the benefit of people and nature

    Aotearoa New Zealand has a diverse range of coastal and marine environments, habitats, and species. We want to make sure it stays that way.

    We advocate for more sustainable fisheries, halting the decline of marine biodiversity, the creation of more marine protected areas, putting nature at the heart of climate action, and promoting a healthy ocean.

    Find out more
  • © Bernard Spragg

    Looking after species

    Protecting taonga species and their habitats.

    In New Zealand, 94% of our reptile species, 82% of bird species, 80% of bat species, 76% of freshwater fish species, 22% of marine mammal species and 46% of vascular plant species are either facing extinction or are at risk of being threatened with extinction.

    We campaign for the protection of native species and their habitats. We don’t want to lose any more species than we already have.

    Find out more
  • © Shutterstock /Soonthorn Wongsaita /WWF

    Climate Change Action

    The Climate Crisis is having a dramatic impact on our natural environment.

    But there are things we can do to limit warming that can also benefit lives, livelihoods and nature.

    We’re campaigning for ambitious policies that favour climate-resilient, net-zero development, energy efficiency, and clean renewable energy for all and helping people and nature adapt to the changes caused by climate change that are no longer avoidable.

    Find out more
  • © Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

    Conservation and Education

    Supporting community conservation efforts and environmental education

    We want to inspire and enable New Zealanders to care for their habitats and species as part of a healthier society and economy. To help Kiwis rise to the global challenge of how to live sustainably today, without compromising quality of life for future generations.

    We do this by providing resources and funding to community-led conservation groups and education programmes.

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Take Action

Kakapo
© Jake Osborne

Restore vital habitats

Join a growing movement to bring back the booming call of the kākāpō and the song of our other unique birds. 

Donate Now
Southern dotterel with chick
© Craig Stoyner / DOC

Nature on the Ballot

This election, we’re calling on every political party to commit to a nature positive Aotearoa – where nature is properly protected and where we invest in, rather than exploit, our greatest natural asset.

Add your voice
two dolphins
© Richie Robinson

Save our Sanctuaries

146 marine mammals were killed by commercial fishing vessels over the last two years inside New Zealand's marine mammal sanctuaries. Help protect our Marine Mammals.

Add your voice
hunched hoiho walking
© Bernard Spragg

Help save our hoiho

The hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, is a taonga and national icon, yet the Northern population of this rare species is on the brink of extinction. 

Act Now
© WWF-New Zealand

50 years of protecting Nature in Aotearoa

WWF-New Zealand is part of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International Network, the world’s largest independent conservation organisation.

We have been working in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1975, on a mission to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.  

Find out more about who we are and where we came from.

About Us
Our history

Latest news

Hoiho chicks
Press Release

Permanent fishing protections a lifeline for hoiho

WWF-New Zealand is welcoming long-term protection measures for hoiho.
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Kororā Little Penguin
Success Story

Safe Habitats for Kaikōura’s Kororā

In Kaikōura, a site of international importance and one of the world’s seabird biodiversity hotspots, an urgent effort is underway to protect one of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable native species: the kororā little penguin.
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Abbie Reynolds
General News

Abbie Reynolds appointed Interim CEO of WWF-New Zealand

Conservation and sustainability leader Abbie Reynolds has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of WWF-New Zealand.
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Wetlands on Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Press Release

Controversial conservation changes dropped, but further overhaul needed

WWF-New Zealand welcomes Conservation Minister Tama Potaka's decision to remove the Conservation Amendment Bill's controversial provisions around the sale of land – but says a similar backtrack must be made on changes to the Department of Conservation’s core purpose.
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Image of blue maomao fish in the Hauraki Gulf
Press Release

Backlash puts brakes on fisheries overhaul

The Government has backed down on its controversial fishing reforms.
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Mother and calf - bottlenose dolphin
Press Release

Opposition to bottom trawling surges as ocean issues climb voter agenda

New Zealanders are increasingly concerned about the health of the ocean and want action on destructive fishing practices, new nationwide polling reveals.
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Image of the Port of Taranaki
Press Release

‘Unhinged’ LNG decision a costly fossil fuel gamble

The decision to proceed with a liquefied natural gas facility at the Port of Taranaki without knowing who will foot the bill is a costly gamble.
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Community groups go bat spotting
Success Story

A Community Comes Together for Pekapeka

Long tailed bats (pekapeka), one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most threatened and least seen native mammals, have been brought into focus for communities across the Mangatarere catchment and the wider Wairarapa.
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Waiheke Marine Project
Success Story

Growing Guardians From Moana to Maunga

Beneath the waters of Waiheke Island and along the slopes surrounding Karioi, community conservation projects are helping young people build the skills, confidence, and connection needed to care for Aotearoa’s environment.
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Bryde's Whale
Press Release

Youth Orchestra to celebrate WWF-New Zealand anniversary

The NZSO National Youth Orchestra will celebrate the 50th anniversary of WWF-New Zealand with two powerful ocean-themed concerts in Wellington and Auckland this July.
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Two seals on beach
Press Release

First new marine reserves in over a decade set to come into force

The first new marine reserves in Aotearoa New Zealand in over a decade have officially been rubber-stamped, with new protections along the Otago coast set to come into force on 1 July.

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Beehive
Press Release

Short-sighted and irresponsible approach to nature in Budget undermines economic wellbeing

WWF-New Zealand's response to Budget 2026.
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