Explore your local awa with freshwater experts from our Wai Connection team at this spotlighting event at Mt Holdsworth, Wairarapa.

For this special conservation week event, the folks from Star Safari will also be joining us to run guided stargazing sessions!

Spotlighting: With your gumboots and a torch, head off on an evening hīkoi to your local waterway to ‘spotlight’ and observe freshwater species in their natural habitat. Learn about the health of our waterways, freshwater conservation efforts in your neighborhood, and some of the ways that you could become a kaitiaki of your local awa!

Stargazing: Star Safari will be sharing their knowledge of the night sky and hosting a guided stargazing session.Stargaze, look through their telescopes, take photos of the night sky and learn about astronomy

Awa After Dark events take place in the early evening, they’re perfect for the whole whānau.

This event is free, but bookings are essential.

What is spotlighting? Ever played spotlight with a fish? Heaps of our native freshwater critters are nocturnal. Scientists often visit freshwater areas at nighttime with a torch, it’s the best time to see exactly who’s living in our awa!

What is Wai Connection? Wai Connection is a national programme delivered by Mountains to Sea Wellington aimed at connecting local communities to their waterways to improve them. We support communities and mana whenua with the knowledge, tools and expertise to monitor and care for their local freshwater places.

Outside event: This event is outside- please dress appropriately (gumboots and warm clothing recommended). If the weather is really bad, we'll let you know we’re cancelling via the email you've provided us!

Location: The streams we spotlight often don't have an 'address'. On the day before the event, we'll email you all the details you need to find our exact meeting location on the night.