Launching the programme last week, Wild Dunedin Festival co-ordinator Suzanne Middleton said the festival team was excited to be able to bring events to people in-person, after being forced to go online last year by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"All of the wildlife organisation and tourism operators we work with are really looking forward to getting out there and sharing their love for our wonderful wildlife and natural treasures," Ms Middleton said.
Now in its fifth year, the festival will begin on International Earth Day.
"Everyone involved is really proud that Dunedin is the wildlife capital of New Zealand, and are keen to get locals out and about to see the wonders on their doorstep," Ms Middleton said.
The theme for this year’s Wild Dunedin Festival was "re-wilding", which referred to both restoring natural habitats and helping people to reconnect with nature.
The city will also welcome fellow guests musician Anna van Riel, children’s writer and illustrator Heather Hunt, and nature photographer Glenda Rees.
As a special tribute to the late Professor Paul Bishop, renowned for his knowledge and enthusiasm about frogs, his family will receive the 2021 Wild Hero Award on his behalf during the festival’s opening event on April 22, from 5.30pm at Otago Museum.
The official opening event, will include a Mihi Whakatau by Te Runaka o Otakou, followed by 7×7 Wild Talks — seven speakers will have seven minutes each to sell their vision of nature.
Entry is by koha, proceeds will go to the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.
Also on April 22, Orokonui Ecosanctuary will celebrate International Earth Day, with an invitation for locals to explore the cloud forest, see native bird species, tuatara, lizards, and more. There will be a $5 entry fee for all.
On April 23, Dunedin City Library will host Waste Free Wanda Show, a 1980s-inspired environmental musical by Anna van Riel, of Wanaka. The show champions a waste-free lifestyle for primary school-aged children and their parents.
On April 25, the Dunedin Botanic Garden will host a large-scale public event, "Rewild at the Botanic", in the upper garden.
Representatives from the Dunedin City Council, Department of Conservation, City Sanctuary, and Otago University will lead sessions on trapping predators, detecting pests, identifying native birds, and the chance to earn a special Toyota Kiwi Guardians medal.
There will also be a scavenger hunt, information on native trees best suited to Dunedin gardens, and a tree giveaway during the event, which will run from noon to 5pm.
A huge array of other events are on offer during the Wild Dunedin Festival — pick up a programme at your local library, and/or go online at www.wilddunedin.nz for information and bookings.
