A series of care group events to connect and acknowledge volunteers for their contribution to environmental initiatives around Tauranga Moana have shone a light on some of our unsung heroes and the work they’re doing to bring back local biodiversity from the brink.
The events were an opportunity for local volunteers to see what other groups are doing, with the idea of cross-pollinating networks and gaining inspiration from other community-minded people. They were also a cause for celebration as many of these groups are made up of individuals and families who have spent years giving back.
The groups involved included Friends of The Blade who carry out pest animal control in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest. They spent the morning demonstrating how their various traps work, with attendees invited to check trap and cable lines around the Pā Kererū walking track.
Maketū Ōngātoro Wetland Society shared details on their biodiversity restoration projects and took visitors to see their Pukehina dune restoration site and freshwater whitebait spawning habitat projects.
The Western Bay Wildlife Trust hosted a Moturiki Island working bee to improve seabird and shorebird habitats around the island while presenting on their work to restore Kororā (Little blue penguin), Oi (Grey-faced petrel) and Tūturiwhatu (NZ Dotterel) habitats.
And finally, Johnson Reserve Care Group presented their native revegetation, planting and pest plant control operations from an urban reserve perspective.
Dedicated volunteers across Tauranga Moana work tirelessly to restore and protect our local biodiversity. If you’ve ever considered volunteering but are yet to get involved, reach out to any of the above groups today.
The events were organised in partnership between volunteer groups, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Bay Conservation Alliance, Tauranga City Council, Envirohub, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Landcare and The Department of Conservation.
