# Western Bay of Plenty Catchments

Our work is focused on increasing biodiversity and improving water quality. We do this by partnering with local community groups and individuals on environmental projects that are important to them.

[Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fffb_CAU_U)

## Projects in your backyard – Pukekauri Farms

Restoring biodiversity and improving water quality couldn’t be done without our community.

Volunteers undertake some of the most crucial work across our vibrant region. Every year thousands of people, roll up their sleeves and get to work helping protect our wai (water), whenua (land) and kararehe (animals).

**[Get involved in a project near you.](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/volunteer/volunteering-and-environmental-care-groups/ "Volunteering and Environmental Care Groups")**

## Funding, support and advice 

For some projects, [financial support may even be available to help you](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/community-funding/) – whether you’re a landowner, organisation, care group or even a school.

That’s why we have a dedicated team of Land Management Officers to provide advice and support that suits you, your property and environmental goals best.

## Relevant links

To ensure our waterways are left in a better state for the future, we must prevent excess nutrients from entering them by working together as a community to improve the way we use our land.

Our land is under pressure through changes in land use along with adverse effects from pollution, climate change and invasive species.

Since the rediversion opened in 2020, we’ve been working closely with tangata whenua and landowners on a number of projects to help improve the health of the estuary.

Volunteers undertake some of the most crucial work across our vibrant region. Across the region we have more than 60 care groups who need your help to protect and restore our environment.

Coast Care is a coastal restoration programme, run in close partnership with local communities, local authorities and schools that aims to restore and protect the sand dunes along our Bay of Plenty beaches.

Biodiversity is the many kinds of living things (plants, animals, insects, micro-organisms) on Earth, in a specific place or ecosystem. Our teams work closely with the community to help protect and restore biodiversity around the rohe.

Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park is a 182-hectare property explored and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each month. There are several tracks through the park which can be used to enjoy the views and explore the numerous archaeological features and many ancient pā sites.

We are spoilt for choice with where to swim, surf or fish - but not all our waterways are safe to swim. Heavy rain, bacteria and animal waste can all affect the health of our water.