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.
Get involved
Our care groups are always keen for new volunteers. Search for your local care group or click on a dot on the map to find contact details to get started with a group.
Starting a new group
If there isn’t a care group already established near you, get in touch with us!
We help local communities with a range of project including:
- 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
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
Call 0800 884 880 or email caregroups@boprc.govt.nz and ask to speak to a Land Management Officer in your area. They can talk to you about your plans and next steps.