Volunteering and Environmental Care Groups
The Bay of Plenty is lucky to have a large and active volunteering community. Throughout our region, there are many groups of dedicated people working voluntarily for the protection or restoration of the environment in areas significant to them.
Whether it is through wetland and estuary protection, stream and lake margin care work, catchment management, or control of pest plants and animals - the commitment and hard work of care groups is highly valued by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council. We aim to support them as much as possible with technical advice, support and funding.
Types of projects we help with
- Fencing stream banks
- Restoration of harbour margins
- Monitoring of birds, including bird counts and bird census
- Native plant nursery
- Native vegetation planting, maintenance and monitoring
- Pest (animal and plant) control and monitoring
- Training, such as the safe use of sprays and tools
- Community education and advocacy
- Restoration or protection of bush, wetlands and other natural environments
How you can get involved
- Volunteer time
- Sharing your own expertise
- Providing local knowledge and connections
- Bringing your passion to a cause
What we can help with
- Assist the group with creating a plan with realistic timeframes and achievable outcomes
- Ensuring correct permissions are given by landowners
- Project coordination and planning
- Technical advice
- Training
- Funding
- Providing materials and other resources
How do I get started?
Get in touch with us! Whether you want to start a new group or join an existing one you can call 0800 884 880 or email caregroups@boprc.govt.nz and ask to speak to a Land Management Officer in your area. You can run your ideas past them to see what support we can offer, one of our land management officers will work alongside you through the next steps.