We need your help to report Taranaki-based sightings of orca, reef heron, little blue penguin and New Zealand fur seal.
Mapped information is available to everybody and can be used for a broad range of applications including community conservation work, consent submissions and school projects. Using a citizen science approach, the project aims to empower everyday folks to gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and make more informed science-based recommendations using data and resources freely available.
The project idea was hatched by members of the Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society in collaboration with a range of partners , keen to encourage community awareness of the coastal environment by education.
The project is funded by the government as part of A Nation of Curious Minds, an initiative to encourage community groups, schools and scientists to work together.
Yes you can. Use the ‘Report Sightings’ buttons on this website to enter the NatureWatch NZ monitoring pages. To the right hand side of the sightings map you will see the option to ‘Export Observations’ as a CSV file. Feel free to get in touch if you need help
It is envisaged that more schools will be recruited to the programme in future. If your school might be interested in joining Project Hotspot please get in touch.
