© Luc Mauduit

Protect our Turtles this summer

They need your help

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What we do

  • © Simon Lorenz /WWF-HK

    Looking after our Ocean

    Restoring ocean health for the benefit of people and nature

    Aotearoa New Zealand has a diverse range of coastal and marine environments, habitats, and species. We want to make sure it stays that way.

    We advocate for more sustainable fisheries, halting the decline of marine biodiversity, the creation of more marine protected areas, putting nature at the heart of climate action, and promoting a healthy ocean.

    Find out more
  • © Unsplash

    Tackling Nature-Loss

    Protecting our native species and habitats

    We depend on a healthy natural environment. But nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is in trouble, with over 4,000 of our native species threatened or at risk of extinction and climate-related disasters becoming more frequent.

    WWF is part of the global 'nature-positive' movement. This means working towards a world where there is more nature by 2030 than there is today. In Aotearoa, we advocate for more investment from governments to halt and reverse nature-loss, and work with industries to adopt nature-friendly practices.

    Find out more
  • © Bernard Spragg

    Looking after species

    Protecting taonga species and their habitats.

    In New Zealand, 94% of our reptile species, 82% of bird species, 80% of bat species, 76% of freshwater fish species, 22% of marine mammal species and 46% of vascular plant species are either facing extinction or are at risk of being threatened with extinction.

    We campaign for the protection of native species and their habitats. We don’t want to lose any more species than we already have.

    Find out more
  • © Shutterstock /Soonthorn Wongsaita /WWF

    Climate Change Action

    The Climate Crisis is having a dramatic impact on our natural environment.

    But there are things we can do to limit warming that can also benefit lives, livelihoods and nature.

    We’re campaigning for ambitious policies that favour climate-resilient, net-zero development, energy efficiency, and clean renewable energy for all and helping people and nature adapt to the changes caused by climate change that are no longer avoidable.

    Find out more
  • © Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

    Conservation and Education

    Supporting community conservation efforts and environmental education

    We want to inspire and enable New Zealanders to care for their habitats and species as part of a healthier society and economy. To help Kiwis rise to the global challenge of how to live sustainably today, without compromising quality of life for future generations.

    We do this by providing resources and funding to community-led conservation groups and education programmes.

    Find out more

Take Action

Little blue penguins on Waiheke.
© Native Bird Rescue Trust

Help save our kororā

To give our beloved little blue penguins a future, we must restore the health of the ocean they depend on.  

Act Now
Kakapo
© Jake Osborne

Restore vital habitats

Join a growing movement to bring back the booming call of the kākāpō and the song of our other unique birds. 

Donate Now
fur seal swimming under water
© Darryl Torckler

Our Moana, Our Future

Despite our ocean territory being 15 times larger than our landmass, New Zealand currently has less that one percent of its ocean areas protected. Help get 30% of our ocean protected.

Sign the petition
two dolphins
© Richie Robinson

Save our Sanctuaries

146 marine mammals were killed by commercial fishing vessels over the last two years inside New Zealand's marine mammal sanctuaries. Help protect our Marine Mammals.

Add your voice
© WWF-New Zealand

Who we are

WWF-New Zealand is part of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International Network, the world’s largest independent conservation organisation.

We have been working in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1975, on a mission to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.  

Find out more about who we are and where we came from.

About Us
Our history

Latest news

DOC250 Predator Trap in Goldie Bush
Success Story

Bringing Kiwi back to Muriwai

Once commonly heard in the forests around Muriwai, just a short distance from Auckland, the high pitch call of kiwi has disappeared. However, the Muriwai Environmental Trust is working to bring the call back by restoring these forests and creating a safe place for one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native birds.
Read more
Marine turtles
Press Release

Wildlife in freefall, but hope remains

WWF’s Living Planet Report 2026 shows that the average size of monitored wildlife populations has fallen by 73% since 1970.
Read more
Project Jonah School Visit
Success Story

Making Waves with Future Kaitiaki

Across Aotearoa, community conservation groups are making waves by helping tamariki build a deeper connection with the moana.
Read more
Coastal erosion
Press Release

EU trade complaint a major ‘wake-up call’

News that a formal complaint has been lodged with the European Commission over New Zealand’s climate backsliding should be a serious wake-up call for the Government, says WWF-New Zealand.
Read more
smoking chimney on house
Press Release

‘Gaslit on gas’? Government communications fuelling climate misinformation

A new report shows Government communications on fossil fuels repeatedly overstated their benefits, omitted crucial evidence and closely mirrored climate obstruction narratives.
Read more
LNG Tanker
Press Release

Pacific leaders urge transition from fossil fuels

Pacific leaders have again made clear that the region's future depends on moving away from fossil fuels – but Aotearoa New Zealand’s support rings hollow while the Government continues expanding fossil fuels at home, says WWF-New Zealand.
Read more
Seal pups resting
Success Story

Growing Plants and Pups!

Along Dunedin’s wild coastline, the Tomahawk Smaills Beach Care Trust is restoring coastal dune habitat while creating a favourite place for seals and their pups.
Read more
Image of Humpback whales and barracuda
Press Release

Aotearoa urged to step up ocean protection ahead of Pacific Islands Forum

New report calls for connected network of marine protection across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Read more
Conversation group in forest
Success Story

Giving Nature Room to Recover

From expanding predator control in the Marlborough Sounds to transforming a former paddock into thriving wetland habitat in Hawke's Bay, WWF-New Zealand's Community Conservation Fund is helping community groups restore nature where it matters most.
Read more
Image of a climate billboard
Press Release

Green light for fossil fuels a backwards step for New Zealand’s energy future

Joint media release from WWF-New Zealand and Lawyers for Climate Action NZ.
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Hoiho chicks
Press Release

Permanent fishing protections a lifeline for hoiho

WWF-New Zealand is welcoming long-term protection measures for hoiho.
Read more
Kororā Little Penguin
Success Story

Safe Habitats for Kaikōura’s Kororā

In Kaikōura, a site of international importance and one of the world’s seabird biodiversity hotspots, an urgent effort is underway to protect one of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable native species: the kororā little penguin.
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