Why do we believe Aotearoa’s Predator Free 2050 vision will be successful? Because of all the dedicated and passionate locals in our city who are already involved in local conservation! We are lucky to have such awesome communities that get stuck in and will rally together.
There are so many community groups in Whangārei who are working to restore our native wildlife. These are volunteer-based groups where you can learn new skills, meet like-minded people, contribute to conservation and increase your connection to your local community and natural spaces. Sounds awesome, right?
If you’re a regular walker in the many bush walks in Whangārei, chances are you are walking past traps that need checking! It’s an easy thing to incorporate into your walk, as Vicki Hollings from the Parihaka Community Landcare group says: “Come and join us, it’s a great way to exercise with purpose!”
It’s not just about predator control, though. There are so many other ways to help Aotearoa’s ecology and biodiversity.
Here is a list of only some of the conservation groups in Whangārei. We know there are more community groups out there in Whangārei – so if you are involved in community conservation that isn’t listed below, please reach out to us so we can list and celebrate your good work!
Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust
Aim: To help care for and enhance the 700 ha of coastal land held by DOC in Bream Bay. Volunteers can help with weeding, planting, working bees and planning projects.
Bream Head Conservation Trust
Aim: To restore Bream Head’s natural environment to healthy forest and abundant bird song, preserve archeological and historic sites within the reserve and enhance the recreation and education potential of the reserve.
Pukenui Forest Charitable Trust Inc
Aim: To care for and enhance the biodiversity values of Pukenui Forest and the Western Hills near Whangārei City, preserve archeological and historic sites within the reserve and enhance the recreation and education potential of the reserve.
Friends of Matakohe – Limestone Island
Aim: To contribute to the health of a New Zealand island jewel – Matakohe-Limestone Island in Whangarei Harbour. Find out about adopt-a-spot and other volunteering opportunities. Always lots going on!
Parihaka Community Landcare
Aim: A community volunteer group helping to protect native species in Parihaka by reducing pest populations. We meet every month to clear traps and retrap.
Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary
Aim: A restored wetland replicating the natural swamp that existed on the Onerahi shoreline centuries ago. We’re always looking for volunteers to continue restoring the natural environment.
F.O.R.C.E – For Our Real Clean Environment
Aim: A charitable trust aiming to empower the Whangārei district community to protect the natural environment through environmental and waste minimisation projects. They hold monthly clean ups around Whangārei that you can get involved in!
The Te Tai Tokerau Debris Monitoring Project
Aim: The TTTDMP is part of a multi-layered approach that provides litter data for prevention, advocacy, and policy against litter in our environment. This project encourages you to pick up and record litter (particularly plastics) on their app or google form.
Glenbervie Landcare
Aim: Working to enhance and protect and native flora and fauna in Glenbervie by supporting the community with traps, advice and monitoring!
Pest Free Mangapai
Aim: The area near Oakleigh/Mangapai has a group of volunteers who eliminate and monitor plant and animal pests that threaten native plants and animals. Possums, rats and noxious weeds are pests that we want to control so our native species can thrive.
Ngunguru Ford Road Landcare
Aim: The NFR Landcare group is a place to connect and share what we are doing and what we need help with, to restore this special place. Our focus is on removing animal and plant pests as well as supporting our community.
Whareora Landcare Group
Aim: Whareora Landcare Group aims to restore the health and biodiversity of the native forests in the Abbey Caves – Whareora – Mt Tiger area.
