DOC is starting a campaign to encourage Kiwis to tread lightly on their travels, as issues with rubbish and waste in the outdoors have continued with the borders closed.

DOC’s Tiaki-Care for New Zealand campaign was launched in 2018 to encourage international tourists to commit to ‘travel with care for land, sea and nature’. However, the border closure has highlighted issues with litter, human waste, vandalism and feeding wildlife are continuing problems. DOC is relaunching the message to target Kiwis’ behaviour.

“Tiaki is based on the Te Ao Māori concept of kaitiaki, caring for people and place,” DOC communications advisor Lizzy Sutcliffe said. “It is a concept we can all connect with.”

The messages of “protecting nature, being prepared, keeping New Zealand clean and showing respect” are being rolled out through signage, brochures and on the DOC website.