Backyard biodiversity | Manaakitanga te taiao

Making backyards happy places for us and nature

Backyards can be refuges for nature, dens for children, sources of food and nourishment,  and spaces of speculation on what might have gone on before and what may be happening out of sight.

Backyards can tie us to the rhythms of nature, give us space to relax and enjoy with whanau and friends.

Caring for our gardens can give us a sense of achievement, inspire us, heal us, and offer us solace and calm.

BACKYARD EXPLORER

Select a garden layer below to learn more…

More about ground cover
Find out more about herbs
Find out more about flowers
Find out more about ground cover
More about trees and shrubs
More about our enviro-tools

Join the conversation

Our project seeks to kick-start conversations about:

  • How our backyards can benefit us and nature
  • Ways we can boost backyard biodiversity

Kaitiakitanga

Guardianship

Taiao ora

Healthy nature

Whenua ora

Healthy land

Mauri ora

Life, energy & vitality

Tangata ora

Healthy people

Be inspired

Check out our collection of inspiring art, images and stories that reflect on why we might care about nature living in our backyards.

Science festival

Visit our exhibits and activities at the 2023 New Zealand International Science Festival.

Survey

Share your thoughts on how we can make our backyards happy spaces for us and nature.