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.

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.