Despite a petition signed by more than 2500 people, the Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme has officially ended.

The children’s activity programme encouraged young participants to engage in outdoor activities such as cleaning waterways, creating nature journals and visiting labelled Kiwi Guardians sites on DOC walks. After taking part, participants could apply for a medal.

DOC general public affairs deputy-director Sia Aston said wrapping up Kiwi Guardians was a difficult decision.

“As the programme grew in popularity, more medals were claimed and the running costs increased,” she said.

It cost approximately $500,000 to run the programme each year, including site maintenance, medals, marketing and staff time.

“It is now unaffordable for DOC to continue the programme,” said Aston. “We must target our effort and resources to where we can make the biggest difference, which is our priority biodiversity work.”

Since the programme started in 2016, more than 100,000 kids have received medals.

DOC plans to keep Kiwi Guardians materials and resources available, including the Kiwi Ranger booklet, which was promoted prior to 2015.