Giving back to our community

We are providing an accessible gateway to reconnect people with whānau, nature and wildlife to enhance their wellbeing right here in Tāmaki Makaurau – all for free*! Invited groups can explore and discover over 120 species from New Zealand and around the world (more than 2900 animals) set in beautifully designed habitats and botanically immersive tracks – which invites us to all to reflect on kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for te taiao (the natural environment).  

Our community programme provides an accessible gateway to reconnect people with nature, enhance wellbeing, foster empathy, build optimism and mobilise social change for people to become powerful advocates for healthy communities and healthy ecosystems. Free access to the Zoo as part of the programme is included for our communities where the price of admission tickets remains one of the biggest obstacles to visiting Auckland Zoo.

Eligibility

The Wellbeing in Nature Community Programme is available to various community groups based on our current funding arrangements, with priority given to: 

  • People with additional needs and/or disabilities 
  • Community organisations supporting vulnerable or at-risk populations 
  • High equity index schools or ECE centres (previously low decile) 
  • Healthcare, mental health and social support organisations 
  • Other community-focused groups – please complete our expression of interest form so we can understand how the programme might benefit your community 

*Terms and conditions apply. 

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Auckland Zoo's Wellbeing in Nature Community Programme connects communities with nature to foster hauora/wellbeing, empathy, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for te taiao (the natural environment).

Any community group meeting the criteria can express interest, with priority given to those within specific geographic locations and groups whose wellbeing will benefit most from a Zoo visit. 

If you are unsure how your community group fits these criteria or have any questions, please contact our community team: [email protected] 

Please note – due to high interest in our programme, it may take at least 7 working days for our community team to respond to your enquiry. 

The steps for expressing interest are: 

  • Express interest by completing the form below. 
  • We aim to respond to all expressions of interest within 7 working days of submission. 

Wellbeing in Nature Community Programme Expression of Interest Form

If you work for a charity/community group and feel that your community would benefit from the programme but you don't currently meet the criteria above, please still fill in the expression of interest form and one of our community team will be in touch. 

This initiative is open to organisations and community groups only. If you are an individual or whānau seeking to visit, we encourage you to connect with your community leaders, local school, or support organisation to submit an expression of interest on your behalf. 

Access to the programme must be requested at least 7 working days in advance in order for us to review your request.

If you are a low decile school or ECE centre in a low socio-economic community and would benefit from participation, please fill in this expression of interest form. Tell us about your school or ECE and how a this initiative would support wellbeing for your tamariki. 

  1. Standard Auckland Zoo Terms and Conditions apply.
  2. Applicants will only be accepted from specific geographic locations or focus community groups.
  3. Tickets as part of this programme are not transferable or for resale, and ID may be checked at entry to confirm the tickets are being used by the application holder and their group.
  4. Successful applicants may apply to transfer ticket dates (subject to funding and space availability). They must email the community team to request to transfer dates.
  5. Tickets as part of this programme cannot be upgraded to an Annual Pass Membership.
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Nurture your wellbeing in nature

Our wellbeing is a key part of keeping healthy and happy, and it's as easy as stepping out the door! Whether it's a stroll through the local park or watching the clouds, bringing nature into your everyday life is proven to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

We can connect with nature anywhere, and we have a range of activities that can be done online, at home, in your back garden or local to home. 

Wellbeing in Nature

The key purposes of this programme for Tāmaki Makaurau communities are to:

  1. Give equitable opportunities for diverse and often underserved communities across Tāmaki Makaurau to access the Zoo for a visit.
  2. Support whānau to spend time together to build social cohesion and relationships.
  3. Nurture lifelong connections to nature.
  4. Enhance the wellbeing of our communities.

These purposes acknowledge how important natural spaces – like the Zoo – are for social and mental wellbeing, reparation, and recovery.

The Wellbeing in Nature Community Programme is currently supported by external funding and has previously been supported by the Local Activation Fund Programme and/or Discount Programme, administered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of the New Zealand Government.